South America Capitals Quiz
Can you match South American countries with their capitals?
🇨🇻 Cabo Verde
Capital: Praia
Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde
Praia is the capital and largest city of Cabo Verde, located on the southern coast of Santiago Island. The settlement developed around a natural harbor that became important to maritime traffic during the Portuguese colonial period. Praia gradually took over administrative functions from Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha, and was established as the permanent capital of the colony in the 19th century. The city is now Cabo Verde’s main center of government, commerce and higher education. Its music scene includes morna, coladeira and funaná, genres closely associated with Cabo Verdean culture.
📜 Timeline of Praia
1515: Records cited in the history of Praia’s old center show maritime activity at the port of Praia de Santa Maria by the early 16th century.
1612: A royal charter orders that the governor or bishop should reside alternately in Praia de Santa Maria, reflecting the settlement’s growing administrative role.
1770: Praia becomes the main capital of the colonial province as administrative functions shift away from Ribeira Grande.
1855: Praia is fixed as the permanent capital of the province of Cabo Verde.
1858: Praia receives city status.
1975: Cabo Verde gains independence from Portugal, with Praia remaining the national capital.
Today: Praia is the country’s political, administrative and economic center.
📊 Quick Stats
Permanent Capital Since
1855
City Status
1858
Language
Portuguese (official), Cape Verdean Creole
Currency
Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Location
Southern coast of Santiago Island
Time Zone
Cape Verde Time (CVT), UTC−1
Calling Code
+238
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
🏛️ Notable Places
Plateau
Praia’s historic center occupies an elevated plateau overlooking the harbor. It contains government buildings, public squares, churches and other structures associated with the city’s development as the colonial capital.
Praia Presidential Palace
The presidential palace stands in the historic Plateau district and serves as the official workplace of the President of Cabo Verde.
Mercado de Sucupira
One of Praia’s best-known markets, with stalls selling clothing, household goods, food and locally produced items.
Praia developed from a port settlement into Cabo Verde’s main administrative center over several centuries. Its historic Plateau district, harbor and government institutions reflect the city’s long-standing role as the capital, while its position on Santiago connects it closely with Cidade Velha and the early history of the archipelago.
