Cabo Verde: A Little-Known Island Nation — A Visit to the Capital, Praia

1 Introduction

　Some 700 kilometres west of Cape Verde (Senegal), the westernmost point of the African continent, lies Praia, the capital of the island nation of Cabo Verde, situated in the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to its historical ties with its former colonial power, Portugal, and its warm, pleasant climate throughout the year, Cabo Verde is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually, mainly from European countries. Many are captivated by the beautiful sea, abundant natural scenery and the peaceful way of life of the people, and it is not uncommon for visitors to return time and again.
　On the other hand, it is a country that remains relatively unknown outside certain European nations. However, having made its debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and progressed to the knockout stages, you may well have heard the name "Cabo Verde" more frequently.
　In this article, I would like to introduce the charms of the capital, Praia, to those who know little about Cabo Verde, whilst also giving you a glimpse into the country’s culture and the warmth of its people. I hope this will spark your interest in this peaceful and beautiful island nation in the Atlantic Ocean and that you might one day feel inspired to visit it in person.
　Please note that the photographs featured in this article were taken in 2014.

2 Overview of Cabo Verde

(1) Characteristics unique to an island nation
　Cabo Verde is an island nation situated in the Atlantic Ocean, further west of Cape Verde—the westernmost point of the African continent—and consists mainly of ten islands. With a land area of approximately 4,030 square kilometres, it is roughly the same size as French Polynesia, whilst its population of around 560,000 is comparable to that of Malta.
　It is also known for having a large number of emigrants, to the extent that it is sometimes referred to as the "country of global citizens". With approximately 500,000 living in the United States and around 80,000 in Portugal, many Cabo Verdeans reside in various parts of the world; it is said that the number of those living abroad exceeds the domestic population.