Just one hour south of the Canary Islands, the sleepy republic of Cape Verde with its Caribbean feel, is nestled 500 kilometres off the coast of West Africa. An archipelago, consisting of 10 main islands and 8 islets, all the islands are volcanic, though only one of the islands still has an active one.

Discovered in the 15h century by the Portuguese, Cape Verde was uninhabited when they first arrived in 1456 and then made the islands part of the Portuguese empire. Because of its close proximity to the African coast, Cape Verde became an important watering station, then a sugar cane plantation site, and later a major center of the slave trade industry.

However, nowadays with its friendly, hospitable people, miles of stunning white sandy beaches, teaming wildlife and the governments commitment to new infrastructure, low crime rate , along with a burgeoning tourist trade it is fast becoming a major player in the world property market. Indeed, in 1998 and 2003, the number of tourists visiting the islands almost tripled from 52,000 to 141,000. That’s an annual average growth rate of 22%, making this an ideal opportunity for the early investor.

And the future looks promising.

The government has a passion to reform and move forward. A new implementation for transformation, in this region, in the form of extensive reforms and strategic investments, is creating business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, alike, so that the tourist, can enjoy the unique and tropical cultural experience of Cape Verde in luxury or the investor, can freely do business.

This region has also benefited from international support by way of foreign investment and grant aid to the tune of $600m in 2006 for new major infrastructure programs, creating major improvements in accessibility. For example new international airports at Boa Vista, and Soa Vicente will be opened shortly.

It has a fabulous all year round subtropical climate. The average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January and February to 29°C (85°F) As its on the same latitude as Barbados, it has a perfect tropical dry climate with very little rainfall. There is low humidity and a long dry season from November to July, perfect for a holiday destination.

Health Services are available in the form of Private clinics, dentists and chemists. And although the currency is the Escudo, the Euro is the most widely accepted and easy to use currency and Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels and banks. Flight time is just five and a half hours from the UK. And direct flights from the UK and Ireland are due to begin soon.

So if you’re looking for a hot new investment along with your little bit of paradise in the sun, Cape Verde has to be on top of your list!