Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Time Difference
UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate
In terms of climate, Cape Verde is part of the Sahel region. Annual dust storms, originating in the Sahara, tend to erode the windward side of the islands and bring seasonal harmattan or smog-like dust. The climate otherwise is superb, with sub-tropical temperatures mediated by the surrounding water and the prevailing north-westerly winds. The average temperature in Praia is 75 degrees F (24.4°C), but summers are hot and humid. The range of monthly averages is from 72°F to 79°F. Rainfall is almost absent even in normal year-average precipitation is less than 10 inches. In addition, Cape Verde suffers periodically from drought. For 10 years, from 1989 until 1999, Cape Verde suffered severe drought, receiving less than half the average amount. In 1999 and 2000, the drought was relieved by a normal wet season (August to October.)
Travel Currency
101.8
Languages
Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Ethnic Groups
Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
National Holiday
Independence Day, 5 July (1975)
Geographic Coordinates
16 00 N, 24 00 W
Location
Western Africa, a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal
Airports
9