Area Code 227 – Lajedos/Alto Mira

Overview

The +238 227 prefix is a geographic area code assigned to the Lajedos and Alto Mira region on the island of Santo Antão, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde). This code is part of the country's national numbering plan under ITU-T E.164, used for fixed-line (PSTN) services. The prefix identifies a specific geographic area within the island, enabling callers to reach subscribers in this rural, scenic part of the archipelago.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Santo Antão is the westernmost island of Cape Verde, known for its rugged terrain and agricultural communities. The Lajedos and Alto Mira areas are located on the northern coast of the island, with Lajedos serving as a small fishing port and Alto Mira as a valley community. Administratively, these localities fall under the municipality of Porto Novo, which is the island's main economic hub. The +238 227 code is allocated to fixed-line subscribers within this specific zone, distinguishing them from other Santo Antão regions that use different prefixes (e.g., 221 for Porto Novo city).

Dialing Formats

To call a number in the Lajedos/Alto Mira area, the following formats apply:

• International format: +238 227 XXX X (where X represents the subscriber's local number digits). For example, +238 227 1234.
• National format (within Cape Verde): 227 XXX X. When dialing from another part of Cape Verde, you must include the trunk prefix '0' before the area code, resulting in 0 227 XXX X. However, note that Cape Verde's national numbering plan uses a closed dialing plan, so the '0' is typically used only for domestic calls from other islands or regions.
• Local calls within the same area: If you are physically in Lajedos or Alto Mira, you may be able to dial just the local subscriber number (XXX X) without the area code, depending on the local exchange configuration. However, for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to always use the full national or international format.

Caller Instructions

For international callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada), followed by 238 (Cape Verde's country code), then 227 and the local number. For example, from the US, dial 011 238 227 1234.

For domestic callers outside the area: Dial 0 (trunk prefix) then 227 and the local number. For example, 0 227 1234.

For callers within the same area: If you are calling from a fixed line in the same exchange, you may dial the local number directly. However, with the increasing use of VoIP and mobile phones, it is safer to use the full national format.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Cape Verde's numbering plan is managed by the National Communications Agency (ANACOM). The country uses a closed numbering plan with 7-digit subscriber numbers for fixed lines, including the area code. There are no overlay codes currently in effect for Santo Antão; each geographic area has a unique prefix. As of now, the +238 227 prefix remains exclusively for fixed-line services in Lajedos and Alto Mira. Mobile numbers in Cape Verde are non-geographic and begin with 9 or 5, so they are not affected by this area code.

For businesses or residents in this region, it is essential to display numbers in international format (+238 227 XXX X) on websites and global directories to ensure accessibility for international clients and partners.