Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a relatively new emergence in the global property market and as such presents a good opportunity for overseas property investment or for those simply looking to buy a holiday home. Over the coming years much capital has been set aside to improve both the infrastructure and the available amenities and there are plans to develop a top international golf destination. All of these factors mean that an early and affordable investment now should certainly pay off in the future.
Geography
Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal in West Africa and consists of 10 main islands and several islets. There are two groupings of islands known as the Windward Islands to the north and the Leeward Islands to the south. The capital and largest city, Praia, is located on the island of Santiago within the Leeward Islands.
The climate here is tropical, making these the closest tropical islands to Europe! The dry and warm climate is an excellent pull for tourists but has meant that agriculture on the islands has been difficult. The temperature is high all year round, averaging between 24C (75F) and 29C (85F) and on the island of Sal there are 350 days of sunshine per year!
Vogue Estates sells Cape Verde property on Sal. Sal is the main tourism island and has an international airport. The island is about 19 miles (30km) long by 7.5 miles (12km) wide and is fairly flat. Its name comes from the large salt deposits which were mined here – ‘sal’ being ‘salt’ in Portuguese. The tourism centre is based in the town of Santa Maria, and Murdeira is also a growing tourist resort.
Cape Verde offers visitors all the benefits of a tropical holiday: weather, beaches, coral reefs, diving and whale watching as well a fun and varied nightlife.
History
The previously uninhabited islands of Cape Verde were colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century and due to their strategic location, became an important trade station and stop-off for refuelling planes and boats crossing the Atlantic.
In 1975 Cape Verde became independent of Portugal and was governed by Cape Verde’s African Party until in 1991 when a multi-party system was introduced. The country has a stable political system with a president and a prime minister.
Cuisine
Food in Cape Verde is heavily influenced by its surrounding waters; seafood is always on the menu and is usually freshly caught. Specials include lobster, swordfish and tuna and these can be cooked with local twists.
Currency
The official currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo which consists of 100 centavo.
Language
Cape Verde’s official language is Portuguese although Cape Verdean Creole is also recognised and is the commonly used language with variations on each of the islands.