Praia | |
|---|---|
Aerial view of Praia | |
Map showing, in red, Praia in the Santiago island. | |
| Coordinates: 14°55′15″N 23°30′30″W / 14.92083°N 23.50833°W | |
| Country | Cape Verde |
| Municipality | Praia (seat) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 94 km2 (36 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1 m (3 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 127,832 |
| • Density | 1,400/km2 (3,500/sq mi) |
| Area code | +238 |
| Website | Official website |
Praia is the capital of the island nation of Cape Verde. It lies on Santiago island in the Sotavento archipelago. The city has, in 2010, a population of 127,832. Praia is Cape Verde's largest city. It is also the commercial center of the country. The name Praia means "beach" in Portuguese.
Praia has a port that transports coffee, sugar cane, and tropical fruits. Praia also has a fishing industry. The city is home to one of the nation's two international airports. There are resort beaches nearby.
Some of the interesting things to see in Praia include:
Praia has many schools, churches, beaches, ports, and a university named after Jean Piaget.