Cape Verde

Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country and archipelagic state located in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. It consists of ten volcanic islands covering about 4,033 square kilometres. These islands lie between 600 and 850 kilometres west of Cap-Vert, the westernmost point of continental Africa, and are part of the Macaronesia ecoregion, which also includes the Azores, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.

The islands were uninhabited until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers established one of the first European settlements in the tropics. Cape Verde played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade during the 16th and 17th centuries, which brought economic growth through trade. By the mid-19th century, the economy declined due to foreign competition, drought, and the end of the slave trade, but the country gradually recovered as a commercial hub.

Cape Verde gained independence in 1975 and has since become a stable representative democracy. It is one of the most developed and democratic nations in Africa, despite lacking natural resources. The developing economy focuses mainly on services, tourism, and foreign investment. With a population of around 491,233, Cape Verde is among the least populous countries in Africa. The official language is Portuguese, and the national language is Cape Verdean Creole. The most populous islands include Santiago, home to the capital city Praia, as well as 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 Cabo Verde, meaning 'green cape'. Portuguese explorers gave this name in 1444, just before they discovered the islands. In 2013, the country told the United Nations to only use Cabo Verde for official purposes.

History

Main article: History of Cape Verde

Cape Verde's islands formed about 40–50 million years ago. Before Europeans arrived, no one lived there. Portuguese and Genoese sailors discovered the islands around 1456. The first settlement, called Ribeira Grande and later named Cidade Velha, was founded in 1462 and was the first permanent European settlement in the tropics.

In the 16th century, the islands grew wealthy from the Atlantic slave trade, but faced attacks from pirates like Francis Drake. As the slave trade declined, the economy suffered, though the islands remained important for ships traveling across the Atlantic. By the mid-20th century, people in Cape Verde grew unhappy with Portuguese rule. In 1956, leaders formed a group seeking independence, which finally came in 1975 after Portugal agreed to let Cape Verde go. 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, elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The prime minister is the head of government and proposes other ministers. Members of the National Assembly are also elected by popular vote.

Cape Verde has strong international relations and is a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It works closely with many countries and participates in many international organizations. The country's military focuses on supporting national safety and fighting international crime.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres (350 mi) off the western coast of Africa, near Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. It consists of ten volcanic islands and eight small islets, covering a total area of 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 home to the capital city, Praia.

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 here is milder than on the African mainland because the surrounding 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 suitable for farming. However, some areas, especially the higher and wetter parts of islands like Santiago, support forests and lush vegetation. Cape Verde is also known for being a place where powerful Atlantic hurricanes often begin their journey across the ocean.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Cape Verde

Cape Verde has grown a lot economically even though it doesn’t have many natural resources. The country gets help from other nations and groups to develop. Its economy is mostly based on services like commerce, transport, and public services, which make up more than 70% of its GDP. Agriculture and fishing add only about 9% to the economy, while light manufacturing makes up most of the rest. 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 a lot of money from people who moved away but still send money home, which adds about 20% to its GDP. The government has welcomed foreign investors and worked on making the economy stronger by private ownership. Cape Verde has also been working toward using more renewable energy, aiming for 50% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Cape Verde

Cape Verde’s location in the middle of major air and sea routes 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, though some smaller ones don’t have regular flights. 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 remittances 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 unique mix of African and European influences. While the language and religion come from Europe, other parts of the culture, like dance and music, blend traditions from both continents. People often gather for football games or church events, and 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, known as the "barefoot diva," have made the country well-known around the world. Traditional dances such as funaná and coladeira show lively movements and rhythms. The country's literature is rich, with many poets and authors sharing stories and poems. The cuisine features fish, corn, rice, and vegetables, with popular dishes like cachupa and pastel. Sports such as basketball and football are popular, and Cape Verde has produced talented athletes who have achieved international success.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Cape Verde

Cape Verde has several important ports and airports that help people and goods move around the islands. Four main international ports are Mindelo, Praia, Palmeira, and Sal Rei. Mindelo is where many cruise ships stop, and Praia is the center for ferries that connect the islands. Smaller harbours also exist on other islands to help with local travel.

The country has seven airports, four of which are international. 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 able to carry up to 5 kg were being used experimentally for tasks such as delivering medicines between the islands in 2021.

National symbols

Cape Verde has several important symbols that represent its identity. 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 titled Cântico da Liberdade (Song of Freedom), and the motto is Unidade, Luta, Progresso (Unity, Work, Progress). These symbols are important to the people of Cape Verde as they show pride in their country and its values.