Cape Verde Policeman in São Vicente Island
Most tourists have a tendency to feel some apprehension when it comes to their personal safety, especially when they try new and unfamiliar holiday destinations.
Cape Verde Islands have seen an increase in tourism in recent years (about 400.000 tourists in 2010) and that has invariably brought an increase in crime, making Cape Verde no different from other holiday destinations.
Having said that, it should be noted that Cape Verde is a relatively safe destination for visitors and tourists when compared to other countries. In Africa and according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an independent evaluator of African nations, Cape Verde is ranked 3rd of all 53 African countries in terms of Personal Safety and Rule of Law, only behind two other fantastic holiday destinations; Mauritius and the Seychelles Islands.
