Cabo Verde: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, more than 500 km off the coast of West Africa. The islands range from rugged mountains to flat, sandy beaches. It is known for its music, especially morna, and its mix of African and Portuguese culture.

About Praia

Praia is on the south coast of Santiago, the largest island of Cabo Verde. Its old town sits on a flat-topped plateau above the harbour, and its name means 'beach' in Portuguese.

Fun facts about Cabo Verde

1. Morna, a soulful Cabo Verdean song style, was added to UNESCO's cultural heritage list in 2019.
2. Pico do Fogo, an active volcano on Fogo Island, is the country's highest point at 2,829 metres.
3. Cidade Velha on Santiago Island was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.
4. The ten yellow stars on Cabo Verde's flag stand for the country's ten main islands.
5. Cabo Verde is part of Macaronesia, along with the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.
6. Singer Cesária Évora, known as the 'barefoot diva', made morna music famous around the world.