Cape Verde · Sotavento
Santiago
The largest island, the capital and the economic heart
Image credit: Illustration générée pour MODRI 238
Overview
The most populous island of the archipelago, home to the capital Praia and the country's main administrative and economic centre.
Discover
Praia concentrates institutions, business and services; Cidade Velha, the first colonial city of the Atlantic, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; Tarrafal and Assomada structure the north and the interior.
Institutions
The Presidency, the Government, the National Assembly, the ministries and the main central administrations are located in Praia.
Economy
The country's leading economic hub: about half of national GDP in 2023 (INE data reported by the press, to be confirmed). Services, trade, administration, banking, light industry and agriculture in the interior valleys.
Transport
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia, operated by ASA. Port of Praia (ENAPOR), the main port on the southern coast.
Events
Praia hosts, among others, the Kriol Jazz Festival. The annual programme is published by the organisers.
Establishments
Hotels, restaurants, activities and businesses on Santiago
The published listings for this island — with contact details, WhatsApp, phone and directions — are available on the complete French page of the island.
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