Cape Verde

Main article: Cape Verde

Further information: List of islands of Cape Verde, Culture of Cape Verde

Location and Geography

Cape Verde is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is close to the coast of West Africa. The country has ten volcanic islands. These islands are part of a region called Macaronesia. This area also includes the Azores, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.

History

The islands had no people living there until the 1400s. Then, Portuguese explorers came and built one of the first European settlements in very warm places near the equator. Later, Cape Verde was involved in the movement of people across the ocean, which helped its economy grow. But in the 1800s, the economy faced problems. The country slowly improved and became a place for trade.

In 1975, Cape Verde became its own country. Since then, it has been a peaceful place where people can choose their leaders.

Government and Economy

Cape Verde is a country where people can vote for their leaders. It is one of the more developed places in Africa. The country does not have many natural resources, but it has a growing economy. People there work in services, tourism, and welcome money from other countries.

People and Culture

The official language in Cape Verde is Portuguese. But most people speak Cape Verdean Creole. The biggest island is Santiago, where the capital city Praia is located. Other important islands are São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo, and Sal.

Etymology

The country is named after the Cap-Vert peninsula on the Senegalese coast. The name Cap-Vert comes from the Portuguese language words Cabo Verde, meaning 'green cape'. Portuguese explorers named it this in 1444, before they found the islands. In 2013, the country asked the United Nations to use Cabo Verde for official names.

History

Main article: History of Cape Verde

Cape Verde's islands formed a long time ago, about 40–50 million years ago. No one lived there before Europeans arrived. Portuguese and Genoese sailors found the islands around 1456. The first settlement was called Ribeira Grande, later named Cidade Velha. It was the first permanent European settlement in the tropics.

In the 16th century, the islands grew wealthy, but they faced attacks from pirates like Francis Drake. As trade changed, the economy suffered, but the islands stayed important for ships. By the mid-20th century, people in Cape Verde wanted to be independent from Portugal. In 1956, leaders formed a group seeking independence, which finally came in 1975. In 2024, Cape Verde became one of the first African countries to eliminate malaria.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a stable semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The president is the head of state, chosen by popular vote for a five-year term. The prime minister is the head of government and suggests other ministers. Members of the National Assembly are also chosen by popular vote.

Cape Verde has good relationships with other countries and is a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It works with many nations and joins many global groups. The country's military helps keep safety and fight crime.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago is in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres (350 mi) off the western coast of Africa, near Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. It has ten volcanic islands and eight small islets, covering 4,033 square kilometres (1,557 square miles). The islands are split into two groups: the Barlavento Islands (windward islands) and the Sotavento Islands (leeward islands). Santiago, the largest island, is where the capital city, Praia, is located.

The islands of Cape Verde are made from volcanic rocks and sit on a part of the ocean floor called the Cape Verde Rise. Some islands, like Fogo, still have active volcanoes. The climate is milder than on the African mainland because the sea helps control the temperature. Rainfall is scarce and happens mostly between August and October. Because of this, much of the land is dry and not good for farming. However, some higher and wetter parts of islands like Santiago have forests and green vegetation. Cape Verde is also where powerful Atlantic hurricanes often begin their journey across the ocean.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Cape Verde

Cape Verde has grown a lot even though it doesn’t have many natural resources. The country gets help from other nations and groups. Its economy is mostly based on services like commerce, transport, and public services. Agriculture and fishing add only a small part to the economy. Cape Verde imports most of its food because only five of its ten islands can grow much food.

The country has focused on tourism, light manufacturing, and fishing. It has also worked on building better transport, communications, and energy systems. Cape Verde gets money from people who moved away but still send money home. The government has welcomed foreign investors. Cape Verde is also working toward using more renewable energy.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Cape Verde

Cape Verde’s location has helped its tourism grow. The country has improved its harbors and airports, making it easier for visitors to travel there. There are major ports in Mindelo and Praia, and smaller ports on the other islands. All the inhabited islands have airports. The islands also have many roads, some of which are paved.

Demographics

Cape Verde had a population of 491,233 in 2021. Many people live on the island of Santiago. Cape Verdeans come from African and European ancestors, and some have Jewish roots from North Africa.

The official language is Portuguese, used in schools and government. Most people also speak Cape Verdean Creole, known as Kriolu. This language is becoming more important and respected.

Most Cape Verdeans are Christian, with many being Catholic. Other Christians include Protestants and members of various churches. Islam is the largest minority religion. There are also small groups of people who do not follow any religion.

Many Cape Verdeans live outside the country. Nearly one million people of Cape Verdean descent live abroad, more than those living on the islands. Large communities are found in the United States, especially in New England, and in countries like Portugal, Angola, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These communities help support the country through money sent home and cultural ties.

Cape Verde has good health and education systems. Life expectancy is around 76 years, and many children attend school. The country has made progress in improving health and education since it gained independence.

Culture

The culture of Cape Verde is a special mix of African and European influences. The language and religion come from Europe. But dance and music blend traditions from both continents. People often gather for football games or church events. Walking around the town square to meet friends is a common tradition.

Cape Verde is known for its music, especially morna and coladeira. Famous singers like Cesária Évora have made the country well-known around the world. Traditional dances such as funaná and coladeira are full of lively movements and rhythms. The cuisine features fish, corn, rice, and vegetables, with popular dishes like cachupa and pastel. Sports such as basketball and football are popular.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Cape Verde

Cape Verde has important ports and airports that help people and goods travel between the islands. Four main international ports are Mindelo, Praia, Palmeira, and Sal Rei. Mindelo is a stop for many cruise ships, and Praia is the main place for ferries that connect the islands. Smaller harbours also help with travel on other islands.

The country has seven airports, four of which are for international flights. These airports connect Cape Verde to other parts of the world. Because of its location, many airplanes fly over Cape Verde when traveling between Europe and South America. Small flying drones have also been tested to deliver medicines between the islands.

Main article: List of airports in Cape Verde

Airports

International airports

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal Island
• Nelson Mandela International Airport, Santiago Island
• Aristides Pereira International Airport, Boa Vista Island
• Cesária Évora Airport, São Vicente Island

Aerial drones

Small unmanned flying drones were used in experiments to deliver medicines between the islands in 2021.

National symbols

Cape Verde has important symbols that show what the country stands for. The national flag is the Flag of Cape Verde, and the coat of arms is the Coat of Arms of Cape Verde. The national anthem is called Cântico da Liberdade (Song of Freedom). The motto is Unidade, Luta, Progresso (Unity, Work, Progress). These symbols are important to the people of Cape Verde because they show pride in their country and its values.