Where is Cape Verde?

Many people first hear of Cape Verde through its football team, its music, or a package holiday — and then ask the obvious question: where actually is it?

Location

Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 600 km off the coast of West Africa (roughly level with Senegal). It is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands, nine of them inhabited.

Is Cape Verde in Africa?

Yes — geographically and politically Cape Verde is part of Africa, and it competes in African football (CAF). But its culture is distinct: it was uninhabited until Portuguese settlement in the 15th century, so its identity is Creole — a blend of African and Portuguese roots.

Who lives there?

The population is around half a million, with a much larger diaspora living abroad in Portugal, the United States, the Netherlands, France and elsewhere. That diaspora is central to the country’s culture and to its football team.

Language

The official language is Portuguese, used in government and schooling. Day to day, most people speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), which varies from island to island.

Culture in a nutshell

Cape Verde is famous for morna, the soulful music made world-famous by Mindelo’s own Cesária Évora, and for morabeza — a local word for warmth and hospitality. Add dramatic volcanic landscapes and Atlantic beaches, and you have a country that rewards curiosity far beyond the resorts.

Ready to see it?

Start with which island is right for you, or browse all nine islands.