Area Code 226 – Manta Velha/Chã de Igreja

Overview of Area Code 226 (Cape Verde)

Area code 226 is a geographic numbering plan assignment within the Republic of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), corresponding to the localities of Manta Velha and Chã de Igreja, situated on the northeastern coast of Santo Antão Island. This code is part of the national destination code (NDC) structure defined under the ITU-T E.164 recommendation, which allocates specific prefixes to fixed-line services in the country's various municipalities.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Context

Santo Antão is one of the Barlavento (windward) islands of Cape Verde, known for its rugged terrain and deep valleys. Manta Velha and Chã de Igreja are small rural communities located in the eastern part of the island, within the municipality of Paul. The area code 226 serves the fixed telephone lines installed in these villages and their immediate surroundings. As a geographic code, it is tied to the physical location of the subscriber's line, and calls to numbers with this prefix are routed via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the corresponding local exchange.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in Manta Velha or Chã de Igreja from abroad, you must dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the Cape Verde country code +238, then the area code 226 and the subscriber's 4-digit local number. The complete international format is +238 226 XXXX (where XXXX is the local extension). For example, if the local number is 1234, the full international dialing string would be +238 226 1234.

Within Cape Verde, callers from other islands or regions must dial the trunk prefix 0 before the area code, resulting in 0 226 XXXX. However, local calls within the same exchange area (Manta Velha/Chã de Igreja) may only require dialing the 4-digit subscriber number, depending on the operator's dialing plan. It is advisable to confirm with your local service provider.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of now, there is no overlay code for this area; 226 remains the sole area code for these communities. The numbering capacity is limited, reflecting the low population density. When calling from a mobile phone, the same international format applies. It is important to note that Cape Verde uses a closed numbering plan for mobile numbers (which start with 9, 5, or 6), but fixed-line numbers like those under 226 follow the geographic structure described above.

For businesses or individuals in Manta Velha or Chã de Igreja, having a local number with the 226 prefix can enhance local trust and accessibility. However, due to the remote nature of these areas, alternative communication methods such as VoIP or mobile services are increasingly common.