Cape Verde

Compiled from the September 2006 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of Cape Verde

PROFILE

GEOGRAPHY

PEOPLE

HISTORY

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

ECONOMY

FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-CAPE VERDEAN RELATIONS

TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 4,033 sq. km. (1,557 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Rhode Island.

Cities: Capital—Praia (pop. 106,052). Other city—Mindelo (pop. 67,844).

Terrain: Rugged volcanic islands.

Climate: Dry, temperate.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Cape Verdean(s).

Population: (2005) 507,000.

Annual growth rate: (2001) 2.9%.

Ethnic groups: Creole (mixed African and Portuguese), African, European.

Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant.

Languages: Portuguese (official); Crioulo (national).

Education: Literacy (2004)—76%.

Health: Infant mortality rate (2001)—37/1,000. Life expectancy (2004)—70 yrs.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: July 5, 1975.

Constitution: 1982; revised 1992, 1995, and 1999.

Government branches: Executive—president (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers. Legislative—National Assembly. Judicial—Supreme Court, lower courts.

Political subdivisions: 17 administrative districts.

Political parties: African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV); Movement for Democracy (MPD); Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD); Party for Democratic Renovation (PRD); Party for Labor and Solidarity (PTS); Social Democratic Party (PSD).

Suffrage: Universal over 18.

Economy

GDP: (2004) $983 million.

GDP per capita: (2004) $2,091.

Annual real GDP growth rate: (2005) 6.6%.

Inflation: (2005) 0.4%.

Natural resources: Salt, pozzolana, limestone.

Agriculture: Products—bananas, corn, beans, sugarcane, coffee, fruits, vegetables, livestock products.

Industry: Types—fish and fish products, clothing, shoes, beverages, salt, construction, building materials, ship repair, furniture, metal products, tourism.

Trade: (2004) Exports—$55 million: fuel, clothing, shoes and shoe parts, fish and crustaceans. Imports—$350.7 million: consumer goods, intermediary goods, capital goods, petroleum. Major trading partners, exports—Portugal 60.2%, U.S. 17.5%, U.K. 11.5%, Denmark 2.1%, Germany 1.7%. Major trading partners, imports—Portugal 40.7%, U.S. 12%, Netherlands 8.1%, Spain 5.1%, Italy 4.1%.

Fiscal year: Calendar year.

Currency: Escudo (CVEsc 91.03 = $1), which is pegged to the Euro.

Economic aid received: $92 million (2002). Largest donors: Portugal ($11 million); Luxembourg; Japan; and the United States ($5.9 million).

GEOGRAPHY

The Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean some 450 kilometers (about 300 mi.) off the west coast of Africa. The archipelago includes 10 islands and 5 islets, divided into the windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. The main islands in the Barlavento group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista; those of the Sotavento group include Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. All larger islands but Santa Luzia are inhabited. Three islands—Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio—generally are level and very dry. Mountains higher than 1,280 meters (4,200 ft.) are found on Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau.

Sand carried by high winds has created spectacular rock formations on all islands, especially the windward ones. Sheer, jagged cliffs rise from the sea on several of the mountainous islands. Natural vegetation is sparse in the uplands and coast, but interior valleys support denser growth.

Rainfall is irregular, and the archipelago suffers periodic droughts and consequent food shortages. The average precipitation per year in Praia is 24 centimeters (9.5 in.). During the winter, storms blowing from the Sahara sometimes cloud the sky, but sunny days are the norm year round.

PEOPLE

The Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered the islands in 1456. African slaves were brought to the islands to work on Portuguese plantations. As a result, Cape Verdeans are of mixed African and European origin. The influence of African culture is most pronounced on the island of Santiago, where half the population resides. Sparse rain and few natural resources historically have induced Cape Verdeans to emigrate. It is believed that of the more than 1 million individuals of Cape Verdean ancestry, fewer than half actually live on the islands. Some 500,000 people of Cape Verdean ancestry live in the United States, mainly in New England. Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, France, and Senegal also have large communities.

The official language is Portuguese, but most Cape Verdeans also speak a Creole dialect—Crioulo—which is based on archaic Portuguese but influenced by African and European languages. Cape Verde has a rich tradition of Crioulo literature and music.

HISTORY

In 1462, Portuguese settlers arrived at Santiago and founded Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha)—the first permanent European settlement city in the tropics.

In the 16th century, the archipelago prospered from the transatlantic slave trade. Pirates occasionally attacked the Portuguese settlements. Sir Francis Drake sacked Ribeira Grande in 1585. After a French attack in 1712, the city declined in importance relative to Praia, which became the capital in 1770. With the decline in the slave trade, Cape Verde’s early prosperity slowly vanished. However, the islands’ position astride mid-Atlantic shipping lanes made Cape Verde an ideal location for resupplying ships. Because of its excellent harbor, Mindelo (on the island of São Vicente) became an important commercial center during the 19th century. Portugal changed Cape Verde’s status from a colony to an overseas province in 1951 in an attempt to blunt growing nationalism. Nevertheless, in 1956, Amilcar Cabral, a Cape Verdean, and a group of Cape Verdeans and Guinea-Bissauans organized (in Guinea-Bissau) the clandestine African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which demanded improvement in economic, social, and political conditions in Cape Verde and Portuguese Guinea and formed the basis of the two nations’ independence movement. Moving its headquarters to Conakry, Guinea in 1960, the PAIGC began an armed rebellion against Portugal in 1961. Acts of sabotage eventually grew into a war in Portuguese Guinea that pitted 10,000 Soviet bloc-supported PAIGC soldiers against 35,000 Portuguese and African troops.

By 1972, the PAIGC controlled much of Portuguese Guinea despite the presence of the Portuguese troops, but the organization did not attempt to disrupt Portuguese control in Cape Verde. Portuguese Guinea declared independence in 1973 and was granted de jure independence in 1974. Following the April 1974 revolution in Portugal, the PAIGC became an active political movement in Cape Verde. In December 1974, the PAIGC and Portugal signed an agreement providing for a transitional government composed of Portuguese and Cape Verdeans. On June 30, 1975, Cape Verdeans elected a National Assembly, which received the instruments of independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.

Immediately following the November 1980 coup in Guinea-Bissau, relations between Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau became strained. Cape Verde abandoned its hope for unity with Guinea-Bissau and formed the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Problems have since been resolved, and relations between the countries are good. The PAICV and its predecessor established a one-party system and ruled Cape Verde from independence until 1990.

Responding to growing pressure for pluralistic democracy, the PAICV called an emergency congress in February 1990 to discuss proposed constitutional changes to end one-party rule. Opposition groups came together to form the Movement for Democracy (MpD) in Praia in April 1990. Together, they campaigned for the right to contest the presidential election scheduled for December 1990. The one-party state was abolished September 28, 1990, and the first multi-party elections were held in January 1991. The MpD won a majority of the seats in the National Assembly, and the MpD presidential candidate Mascarenhas Monteiro defeated the PAICV’s candidate with 73.5% of the votes. Legislative elections in December 1995 increased the MpD majority in the National Assembly. The party won 50 of the National Assembly’s 72 seats. A February 1996 presidential election returned President Mascarenhas Monteiro to office. Legislative elections in January 2001 returned power to the PAICV, with the PAICV holding 40 of the National Assembly seats, MpD 30, and Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD) and Party for Labor and Solidarity (PTS) 1 each. In February 2001, the PAICV-supported presidential candidate Pedro Pires defeated former MpD leader Carlos Veiga by only 13 votes.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

The Cape Verde constitution—adopted in 1980 and revised in 1992, 1995, and 1999—forms the basis of government. The president is head of state and is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. The prime minister is head of government and proposes other ministers and secretaries of state. The prime minister is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president. Members of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for 5-year terms. Cape Verde enjoys a stable democratic system.

The Movement for Democracy (MpD) captured a governing majority in the National Assembly in the country’s first multi-party general elections in 1991. The MpD was returned to power with a larger majority in the general elections held in December 1995. In 2001, the PAICV regained power, with four parties holding seats in the National Assembly—PAICV 40, MPD 30, PCD 1, and PTS 1. Nationwide municipal elections were held March 21, 2004. In January 2006, Cape Verde held a successful round of parliamentary elections, followed by successful presidential elections on February 12, 2006.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) judged both elections free and fair. However, the leading parliamentary opposition party has filed a court case in an attempt to overrule the NEC on the grounds of alleged fraud. The judicial system is comprised of a Supreme Court of Justice—whose members are appointed by the president, the National Assembly, and the Board of the Judiciary—and regional courts. Separate courts hear civil, constitutional and criminal cases. Appeal is to the Supreme Court.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 8/23/2006

President: Pedro PIRES

Prime Minister: Jose Maria Pereira NEVES

Min. of Culture: Manuel Monteiro VEIGA

Min. of Decentralization, Housing, & Urban Planning: Ramiro AZEVEDO

Min. of Defense: Armindo Cipriano MAURICIO

Min. of Economy, Growth & Competitiveness: Joao Pereira SILVA

Min. of Education & Human Resources: Filomena MARTINS

Min. of Environment, Agriculture, & Fisheries: Maria Madalena NEVES

Min. of Finance, Planning, & Development: Joao SERRA

Min. of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, & Communities: Victor BORGES

Min. of Health: Basilio Mosso RAMOS

Min. of Infrastructure & Transport: Manuel Inocencio SOUSA

Min. of Internal Administration: Julio CORREIA

Min. of Justice & Local Administration: Jose Manuel ANDRADE

Min. of Professional Training & Employment: Sara Maria Duarte LOPES

Min. of State for Reforms & Public Administration: Ilidio Alexandre CRUZ

Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs: Domingos MASCARENHAS

Sec. of State for Youth & Sports: Americo NASCIMENTO

Governor, Central Bank: Carlos BURGO

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Fatima Lima VEIGA

Cape Verde maintains an embassy in the United States at 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20007 (tel. 202-965-6820) and one consulate at 535 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 (tel. 617-353-0014).

ECONOMY

Cape Verde has few natural resources and suffers from poor rainfall and limited fresh water. Only 4 of the 10 main islands (Santiago, Santo Antão, Fogo, and Brava) normally support significant agricultural production. Mineral resources include salt, pozzolana (a volcanic rock used in cement production), and limestone.

The economy of Cape Verde is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for more than 70% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, agriculture and fishing contribute only about 10% of GDP. Light manufacturing accounts for most of the remainder. An amount estimated at about 20% of GDP is contributed to the domestic economy through remittances from expatriate Cape Verdeans.

Since 1991, the government has pursued market-oriented economic policies, including an open welcome to foreign investors and a far-reaching privatization program. It established as top development priorities the promotion of market economy and of the private sector; the development of tourism, light manufacturing industries, and fisheries; and the development of transport, communications, and energy facilities. From 1994 to 2000 there was a total of about $407 million in foreign investments made or planned, of which 58% were in tourism, 17% in industry, 4% in infrastructure, and 21% in fisheries and services.

Fish and shellfish are plentiful, and small quantities are exported. Cape Verde has cold storage and freezing facilities and fish processing plants in Mindelo, Praia, and on Sal.

Cape Verde’s strategic location at the crossroads of mid-Atlantic air and sea lanes has been enhanced by significant improvements at Mindelo’s harbor (Porto Grande) and at Sal’s international airport. Ship repair facilities at Mindelo were opened in 1983, and the harbors at Mindelo and Praia were recently renovated. The major ports are Mindelo and Praia, but all other islands have smaller port facilities. In addition to the international airport on Sal, airports have been built on all of the inhabited islands. All but the airport on Brava enjoy scheduled air service. The archipelago has 3,050 kilometers (1,830 mi.) of roads, of which 1,010 kilometers (606 mi.) are paved.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Cape Verde pursues a nonaligned foreign policy and seeks cooperative relations with all states. Angola, Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Portugal, Senegal, Russia, and the United States maintain embassies in Praia. Several others, mostly European countries, maintain honorary consulates. In addition, Cape Verde maintains multilateral relations with other Lusophone nations and holds membership in many international organizations. It currently is working to accede to the World Trade Organization.

U.S.-CAPE VERDEAN RELATIONS

The cordial relations between the United States and Cape Verde have strong historical roots. In the early 18th century, U.S. whaling ships appear to have begun recruiting crews from Brava and Fogo to hunt whales that were abundant in the waters surrounding Cape Verde. Ties between the American colonies and Cape Verde are documented as early as the 1740s, when American ships routinely anchored in Cape Verdean ports to trade for salt or buy slaves. The tradition of emigration to the United States began at that time and continues today.

The first U.S. consulate in sub-Saharan Africa was established in Cape Verde in 1818. U.S. consular representation continued throughout the 19th century. The United States recognized Cape Verde on its independence day and supported its admission to the United Nations. Cape Verde assigned one of its first ambassadors to the United States, and a resident U.S. ambassador was posted to Cape Verde in 1983. Prime Minister Jose Neves visited Cape Verdean communities in New England during an official trip to the United States in 2002, and President Pires visited the United States in April 2005.

The United States provided emergency humanitarian aid and economic assistance to Cape Verde in the period immediately following Cape Verde’s independence, as well as after natural disasters, including a hurricane that struck the island of Brava in 1982, and after a severe volcanic eruption on Fogo in 1995. The United States normally delivers about 15,000 metric tons of grain yearly to Cape Verde. Cape Verde also is eligible for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and has signed an Open Skies agreement to facilitate air travel safety and expansion. On July 4, 2005, Cape Verde became the third country to sign a compact with the U.S. Government-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC); the three-year assistance package is worth over $110 million in addressing rural economic expansion, infrastructure development, and development of tourism and a community college system.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

PRAIA (E) Address: Rua Abilio Macedo, No. 6, Plateau; Phone: (238) 2 60 89 00; Fax: (238) 2 61 13 55; INMARSAT Tel: 683-135898/9; Workweek: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-12:30p.m./1:30–5:00 p.m.; Website: http://cape-verde.usembassy.gov.

Last Updated: 1/23/2007

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet : May 19, 2006

Country Description: The Republic of Cape Verde consists of nine inhabited and several uninhabited volcanic islands off the western coast of Africa. Most are rugged and mountainous; three (Sal, Maio, and Boa Vista) are flat, desert islands with sand beaches. Praia, the capital, is on the island of Santiago, and Cape Verde’s major shipping port is Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente. Portuguese is the official language. Praia’s new international airport opened on October 6, 2005, from which Cape Verdean Airlines (TACV) offers weekly flights between Praia and Boston. Cape Verde has another international airport (Amilcar Cabral Airport) located on Sal Island, more than 100 miles northeast of the capital. While the tourist industry brings ever-growing numbers of visitors, facilities on many islands remain limited. Sal has the most developed tourist industry.

Cape Verde enjoys a stable, democratic government with an elected president as head of state, a prime minister nominated by the National Assembly (the national legislative body) as head of government, and elected members of the unicameral National Assembly. The judicial system is comprised of numerous courts, culminating in a Supreme Court.

Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visa approval can take several days and Cape Verde issues two types of tourist visas: a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days or a multiple entry visa valid for one year. You may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde, 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 965-6820; or the Consulate General of Cape Verde in Boston (tel. 617-353-0014). Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Cape Verde embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Cape Verde web site at http://praia.usembassy.gov for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: Visitors traveling to Cape Verde who wish to participate in water sports, swimming, boating and fishing should note that the tides and currents around Cape Verde are very strong, so you must exercise caution. Several small fishing boats were lost at sea in recent years.

Cape Verde, similar to Hawaii, is an archipelago of volcanic islands. Although most islands now appear inactive, the island of Fogo is still active. Fogo erupted several times in the twentieth century, the last time in 1995. U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of future eruptions as well as tremors associated with these volcanoes on any of the islands, especially on Fogo, Brava and Santo Antao. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

Campaign rallies and demonstrations are generally peaceful; however, U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security is also available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers in other countries, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime: Petty thievery and burglary are common in Cape Verde, especially in crowds, such as market places, festivals, and celebrations. Criminals do not necessarily target Americans, but rather affluent foreigners. Local police statistics reflect an increase in crime in Cape Verde, particularly in the cities of Praia and Mindelo. Often the perpetrators of these crimes are gangs of street children, so visitors should avoid groups of children who appear to have no adult supervision.

Muggings occur more often than previously, particularly at night and in more isolated areas, and occasionally violence is associated with them. Crime associated with drugs and drug-use is also on the rise. Due to lack of lighting in many public areas and periodic blackouts, people are encouraged to carry small flashlights, travel with others, keep vehicle doors and windows locked, avoid dark and isolated places, and be especially vigilant in the evenings.

Violent crime is also increasing in Cape Verde. There have been several murders and attempted murders in the pas year, mostly reported in the urban centers of Praia and Mindelo, although Sal and other islands have not been immune. Murders and violent assaults have not targeted American citizens specifically. As reported in the Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, domestic abuse against women, including wife beating, is a deep-rooted social problem. The report also mentions that “child abuse and mistreatment, sexual violence against children, and juvenile prostitution were problems” in 2004. Domestic and child abusers do not specifically target American women or children.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.

Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. There are hospitals in Praia and Mindelo, with smaller medical facilities in other places. The islands of Brava and Santo Antao no longer have functioning airports so air evacuation in the event of a medical emergency is nearly impossible from these two islands. Brava also has limited inter-island ferry service. Malaria is extremely rare in Cape Verde; however, there have been a small number of malaria fatalities in 2005, all on the island of Santiago. In 2004 there was a cholera scare, but public health campaigns and other preventive factors prevented an outbreak. A list of medical providers and hospitals is available at the U.S. Embassy in Praia and on their web site.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cape Verde is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Cape Verde has an extensive road system. Paved roads on most islands are narrow, winding, mostly cobblestone, and are sometimes in poor repair. Asphalt roads are relatively uncommon except for airport connector roads (on the islands of Sao Vicente and Sal) and a few roads within Praia and Mindelo. There are projects underway to convert cobblestone roads to asphalt and construction of an asphalt north-south road on Santiago is approximately half complete. The newer asphalt roads make driving more comfortable, but also more dangerous since drivers tend to speed more on asphalt roads. During the rainy season, you should be very cautious on slippery cobblestone roads and careful on roads that cut through mountains, as mudslides and large falling rocks are common.

Houses are often located adjacent to the road, so drivers must be careful of people (especially children) and livestock in the road. Roads and streets are often unlit, so driving at night is hazardous. Most accidents result from aggressive driving, excessive speed, and passing in blind curves. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a problem. The peak time for drunk drivers is on Sundays, but one can encounter them at any time. Also, you should be extremely cautious after celebrations, festivals and open-air concerts as well as during holiday periods, such as the Christmas, New Year’s and Carnival. Service stations are available and quite modern.

Taxis and buses offer reasonably dependable service. Bus service in Praia is reliable and inexpensive and buses are fairly new. Intra-island service usually consists of minivans (typically Toyota Hi-Ace) or converted pickup trucks that have benches along the edges of the pickup bed. Intra-island service can be dangerous because some drivers overload their vehicles and exceed the speed limit, and some drivers drink and drive. Before entering any transport, riders should pay close attention to the behavior of the driver. In recent months there have been a number of multiple fatality accidents involving intra-island transport vehicles. Intoxicated drivers caused some of the accidents, while others were due to dangerously high speeds.

In Cape Verde, traffic moves on the right side of the road. At intersections, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way, but at roundabouts (traffic circles), cars in the circle have the right-of-way. Under Cape Verdean law, seat belts must be worn at all times by the driver and the person seated in the front passenger seat. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat. Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets and use headlights at all times.

In the event of an accident, for emergency assistance on the island of Santiago, call 130 for medical assistance; 131 for fire; and 132 for police. Each of the other islands has its own emergency numbers. Some form of ambulance service is available on all islands, although there are few ambulances and emergency care is limited. There is no organized system of roadside assistance.

Third-party insurance is required and will cover damages if you are involved in an accident resulting in injuries and you are found not to be at fault. An insurance decal must be displayed on a vehicle’s windshield; the police will stop and ticket vehicles that are not insured. A person who causes an accident may be charged a fine, and a driver involved in an accident that results in death may be incarcerated.

For specific information concerning Cape Verdean driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Cape Verdean Office of Tourism, at Achada Santo Antonio, Caixa Postal 89, Praia, Cape Verde, tel. 238-622-621.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Cape Verde as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Cape Verde’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: The U.S. Embassy in Praia urges travelers to apply for a visa prior to traveling to Cape Verde. Although Americans have been allowed to travel to Cape Verde without a visa, they must apply for and purchase an entry visa upon arrival at the airport. Such “airport” visas cost more and have a 7-day validity; to extend one’s stay beyond seven days, the visitor needs to purchase a regular single or multi-entry visa at the office of immigration police.

During peak travel season, travelers who connect to other islands via the inter-island plane service may experience delays in receiving their luggage at their final destination because of the limited carrying capacity of inter-island planes. You should have a change of clothing and all vital materials in your carry-on luggage to avoid frustration in the first 24-48 hours in country. Inter-island travel is generally via 45-seat propeller planes or ferries. Not all flights between islands are direct. With the opening of the new Praia International Airport, TACV (Cape Verdean Airlines) is promising improved inter-island plane service. During the dusty season (late December to late March), inter-island plane service may be cancelled due to poor visibility and related safety concerns. The islands of Brava and Santo Antao are not accessible via plane.

There is regular daily inter-island ferry service between Porto Novo, Santo Antao and Mindelo, Sao Vicente. In September 2005, the island of Brava started benefiting from ferry service. The port of Furna, Brava is now linked (via ferry) to the port of Praia, Santiago and the port of Sao Felipe, Fogo. These ferry links do not offer daily runs; days and times of service tend to change with some frequency.

Cabo Verde Telecom is currently the only provider for fixed-line voice, mobile voice, data service, and Internet service (dial-up, ISDN and ADSL). Only major cities and towns have Internet cafes; mobile phone service is on the GSM standard. International services in Cape Verde are dependent on transatlantic fiberoptic cables, so in 2004 when the main cable servicing Cape Verde was severed, most international voice and data traffic were cut for approximately three weeks and satellite backup could not handle the load. Visitors who need reliable communication to other countries may consider bringing satellite-based voice and/or data equipment. The international country code for Cape Verde is 238. Fixed-line numbers have seven digits and mobile phone numbers begin with nine. Telephone connections are good, but calls outside the archipelago are very expensive.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Under the Cape Verdean penal and legal system, persons arrested may be held in detention for up to two years (and in some instances three years), depending on the alleged crime, before receiving a final judgment in their case. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Cape Verde’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cape Verde are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Cape Verde also prosecutes people who engage in sexual conduct with children.

Children’s Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Cape Verde are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Cape Verde. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Rua Abilio Macedo 6, Praia, on the island of Santiago. The telephone is (238) 260-8900, the fax (238) 261-13-55; and the web site http://usembassy.state.gov/praia/.