Where is Cape Verde Located?

Where is Cape Verde located on the map? Cape Verde is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Cape Verde on maps.

Cape Verde Location in World Map

Cape Verde is off the coast of West Africa.

Location Information of Cape Verde

Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. The country is made up of ten volcanic islands and five islets, grouped into two main groups: the Barlavento (windward) islands in the north and the Sotavento (leeward) islands in the south.

Latitude and Longitude

Cape Verde is situated approximately at 14.9° N latitude and 23.5° W longitude. Its position places it about 570 kilometers (350 miles) west of the coast of Senegal, making it one of the most western African countries.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Praia

The capital city of Cape Verde is Praia, located on the southern island of Santiago. Praia is the largest city in the country and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center. The city has a population of around 160,000 people and is known for its port, markets, and vibrant music scene.

Major Cities

1. Mindelo
   Mindelo, located on the island of São Vicente, is the second-largest city in Cape Verde. It has a population of around 80,000 people and is known for its colonial architecture, lively arts scene, and music festivals, particularly the famous Carnival.
2. Santa Maria
   Santa Maria, situated on the island of Sal, is a popular tourist destination and one of the country’s most developed cities in terms of infrastructure, offering many resorts, beaches, and water sports activities.
3. Assomada
   Assomada, located in the center of Santiago, is known for its rural charm and role as a trade and agricultural hub. Though smaller than Praia, it plays an important role in the country’s economy.
4. Porto Novo
   Porto Novo is located on the island of Santo Antão and serves as the island’s principal town. It is a key port and is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes.

Time Zone

Cape Verde operates in the Cape Verde Time Zone (CVT), which is UTC-1. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, meaning that the time remains constant throughout the year. For comparison, this places Cape Verde one hour behind Eastern Standard Time (EST) and five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Climate

Cape Verde has a tropical semi-arid climate, characterized by relatively mild temperatures, a lack of consistent rainfall, and a steady trade wind throughout the year. The climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures but also contributes to dryness.

Temperature

The temperature in Cape Verde typically ranges from 20°C (68°F) in the winter months to 30°C (86°F) during the summer. The average temperature remains consistent throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations. The coastal regions tend to be slightly warmer than the interior mountainous areas.

Rainfall

Rainfall is sparse and irregular, with most precipitation occurring between August and October. The rainy season is short and typically does not result in heavy downpours, leading to water scarcity issues in some areas. The islands are generally quite dry, with the desert-like conditions being most evident on the island of Sal.

Winds

The country experiences moderate winds due to its location in the trade wind belt, especially on the windward islands, which are more exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. These winds can contribute to the cooling effect, especially during the hotter months.

Economic Status

Cape Verde has made significant strides in developing its economy since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. Despite its small size, limited natural resources, and vulnerability to climatic conditions, Cape Verde’s economy has become one of the most stable in Africa.

GDP and Growth

As of recent estimates, Cape Verde has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $2.2 billion USD, with a GDP per capita of around $3,800 USD. While the economy is small, it has maintained consistent growth, averaging around 4-5% annually in recent years. Economic development has been spurred by investments in infrastructure, services, tourism, and remittances from Cape Verdeans living abroad.

Key Industries

1. Tourism
   Tourism is a key sector, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Visitors are drawn to Cape Verde for its beaches, vibrant culture, and unique landscapes. The tourism sector provides jobs and supports industries like hospitality, transportation, and retail.
2. Agriculture
   Agriculture is important to the local economy but accounts for only a small percentage of GDP. The arid climate limits the amount of arable land, so crops such as corn, beans, and vegetables are often grown in small quantities, primarily for local consumption.
3. Fishing
   Fishing is a vital industry for Cape Verde, both for local consumption and export. The country has a rich marine ecosystem, and the fishing industry provides both food security and export revenue.
4. Services and Banking
   Cape Verde’s service sector has grown rapidly, including finance, communications, and business services. The country has become a regional banking hub, with a modernized financial sector that attracts international banks and companies.
5. Renewable Energy
   Due to the country’s reliance on imported energy, Cape Verde has invested in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, aiming to become a leader in renewable energy use in Africa.

Tourist Attractions

Cape Verde is known for its unique landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people. Visitors are drawn to the islands for various activities, from relaxing on pristine beaches to hiking in volcanic mountains.

Beaches and Resorts

1. Santa Maria (Sal)
   The island of Sal, and particularly its town of Santa Maria, is known for its golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Kite surfing, windsurfing, and diving are common activities.
2. Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista)
   Boa Vista is famous for its large, tranquil beaches. Praia de Chaves is particularly noted for its natural beauty, offering crystal-clear waters, calm winds, and an escape from the busier areas.

Nature and Hiking

1. Cabo Verde National Park (Santo Antão)
   The mountainous terrain of Santo Antão offers visitors a variety of hiking trails through lush valleys, volcanic peaks, and terraced hillsides. The scenery is often described as one of the most stunning in Cape Verde.
2. Volcano Hiking (Fogo Island)
   The island of Fogo is home to an active volcano, Mount Fogo, which stands as the highest peak in Cape Verde. Hikers can ascend to the summit of the volcano, where the crater and its surrounding landscapes offer breathtaking views.
3. Natural Parks and Reserves (Santiago and São Nicolau)
   These islands have various protected areas and reserves where visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and hiking. Santiago’s natural parks, such as Serra Malagueta, are great for nature lovers and eco-tourism.

Cultural and Historical Sites

1. Cidade Velha (Santiago Island)
   A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cidade Velha is the oldest colonial town in Cape Verde and was once a major Portuguese port. Its historical significance and well-preserved buildings make it a must-see for those interested in the country’s history.
2. Mindelo’s Cultural Scene (São Vicente)
   Mindelo is known for its music and cultural festivals, particularly during Carnival time. The city has a vibrant nightlife, with live music performances and theaters celebrating traditional Cape Verdean music styles like morna and coladeira.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Cape Verde must obtain a visa, unless they are staying for fewer than 30 days for tourism purposes. The visa can be obtained prior to travel from the Cape Verdean consulate or embassy, or it can be acquired upon arrival at the airport. The visa is typically valid for up to 90 days.

Travelers may also need to provide proof of onward travel, a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity), and proof of accommodation or sufficient funds for their stay.

Distance to Major U.S. Cities

1. Distance to New York City
   The distance from New York City (JFK Airport) to Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, is approximately 4,100 miles (6,600 kilometers). A direct flight takes about 7 to 8 hours, though flights with layovers are common.
2. Distance to Los Angeles
   The distance from Los Angeles (LAX Airport) to Praia is roughly 5,100 miles (8,200 kilometers). Flights from Los Angeles generally take about 9 to 10 hours if traveling with a layover.

Cape Verde Facts

Size	4,036 km²
Residents	544,000
Language	Portuguese (official language)
Capital	Praia
Longest river	Ribeira de Torre on Sao Antão
Highest mountain	Pico do Fogo (on Fogo Island – 2,829 m)
Currency	Cape Verde Escudo