Praia is the capital of the island nation of Cape Verde.
Praia is located on the southern coast of Santiago, the largest and most populous island in the Cape Verde archipelago. It is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center, and its historic Plateau district contains major government buildings, colonial-era architecture, and important public institutions.
The settlement grew near a natural harbor and was initially known as Praia de Santa Maria. As the older capital, Ribeira Grande—now Cidade Velha—declined, Praia became increasingly important. The capital was officially transferred to Praia in 1770, and the town was formally elevated to city status in 1858.
The answer is sometimes confused with Mindelo, another important Cape Verdean city on São Vicente Island. Mindelo is famous for its harbor, music, and cultural life, but it is not the national capital. Cape Verde became independent from Portugal in 1975, after which Praia expanded rapidly as people moved to Santiago from other islands. The country’s official Portuguese name is Cabo Verde.