Cape Verde
About Cape Verde
| Currency | Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) |
| Language | Portuguese (official); recognized regional language is Cape Verdean Creole |
| Capital | Praia |
The Republic of Cabo Verde is a group of ten islands and five islets in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal. The government is a republic and has a stable democratic government. A president is chief of state and a prime minister is head of government. The population is about 538,000 people.
In the 15th century, the islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese. Until 1879, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau were ruled by Portugal as a single colony. Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975.
Cabo Verde has few natural resources, and the land is too dry for farming. During the second part of the 20th century, repeated droughts were the cause of about 200,000 deaths, and many Cabo Verdeans left the country. Today there are more expatriates than native-born people. In spite of the difficulties, Cabo Verde is economically and politically stable.
Tourism is a growing industry since travellers can enjoy white sand beaches, diving, sailing, and trekking. Some ecotourism is developing, and the town of Cidade Velha in Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended Vaccinations For Cape Verde
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities and who may have direct contact with bats.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
**There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.**
Recommended Medications For Cape Verde
For Some Travellers
Anti-malarial Drugs
Anti-malaria medications (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) are recommended for the city of Praia. Precautions to avoid mosquito bites during August through November are recommended for visitors to other islands.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Cape Verde
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cape Verde through contaminated food or water.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Cape Verde.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever may occur in Cape Verde.
For Some Travellers
African Tick Bite Fever
Sporadic cases and outbreaks of this disease may occur in this country.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Cape Verde in bats. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) are at higher risk.
Yellow Fever
**There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.**
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cape Verde, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Cape Verde. Travellers to Cape Verde are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Safety & Security in Cape Verde
Personal Safety
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft is common, and violent crime rates are moderate. Avoid isolated and dark areas at night. Travel in groups if possible. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash. Exercise caution in crowded areas, especially market areas. Do not use hillside stairways connecting villages as they are often the scenes of assaults.
Sea conditions can be dangerous due to strong currents and waves. Never swim alone.
There is a risk of volcanic activity on the island of Fogo.
Same-sex relations are legal in Cape Verde but same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Cape Verde is one of the most progressive African nations in terms of LGBTI rights.
