Area Code 272 – Picos, Santiago

Overview of Area Code +238 272

Area code 272 is a geographic destination code within the Republic of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), assigned under the national numbering plan administered by the National Communications Agency (ANAC). It serves the locality of Picos, a town situated in the interior of Santiago Island, the largest and most populous island of the archipelago. Santiago hosts the national capital, Praia, and is the economic and administrative hub of the country.

Picos is located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Praia, in the municipality of São Salvador do Mundo. The area code 272 covers the municipal seat and its surrounding rural communities, including settlements such as Achada Igreja, Covão, and other small villages within the São Salvador do Mundo administrative division. The region is characterized by agricultural activity, with coffee, sugarcane, and fruit cultivation being prominent.

Dialing and Numbering Format

Cape Verde uses a closed numbering plan with a total number length of 7 digits after the country code. The national significant number (NSN) for geographic lines consists of a single-digit area code followed by a six-digit subscriber number. For Picos, the area code is 2, and the prefix 272 is part of the subscriber number. The complete international format for a Picos landline is:

• +238 272 XXXX (when dialing from abroad)
• 272 XXXX (when dialing from within Cape Verde, including from mobile networks)

For example, a local number in Picos might be 272 1234. To call this number from the United States, you would dial 011 238 272 1234; from the United Kingdom, 00 238 272 1234; and from a mobile phone abroad, simply +238 272 1234.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Context

The prefix 272 is one of several geographic codes on Santiago Island. Other area codes on the island include 261 (Praia), 262 (Assomada), and 271 (Tarrafal). The assignment of distinct codes facilitates local call routing and reflects the historical administrative divisions. Picos is the seat of the municipality of São Salvador do Mundo, which was created in 2005 by splitting the municipality of Santa Catarina. The area is known for its mild climate and scenic mountain views, making it a growing residential area for those working in Praia.

For callers within Cape Verde, dialing a Picos number requires the area code even when calling from a nearby locality, as the national numbering plan does not allow local dialing without the area code. For international callers, the country code +238 must always be used. There are no overlay codes or permissive dialing arrangements in Cape Verde; the area code is mandatory for all calls.

When calling from a foreign country, ensure you have the correct international exit prefix (e.g., 011 from North America, 00 from most European countries) and then dial 238 followed by the 7-digit NSN. For calls from mobile phones, the plus sign (+) can be used instead of the exit prefix.