The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. It is used for instruction, government, legal matters, newspapers, and media. However, the most widely spoken language among the people is Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), which is a Portuguese-based creole language and is the mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans. Cape Verdean Creole has several variants spoken across different islands, broadly divided into the Barlavento (north) and Sotavento (south) groups. While Portuguese remains the formal and official language, Creole is used colloquially and is becoming more prestigious and recognized, with efforts to standardize its writing system. In summary:

• Official language: Portuguese
• Widely spoken language: Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) in various dialects
• Portuguese is used in formal contexts, Creole in everyday conversation and cultural expression

This reflects the linguistic situation in Cape Verde as a diglossic society with Portuguese and Creole coexisting.