History
Cape Verde, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century and became a colony. It gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The country has a history of political stability, transitioning smoothly to democracy after its independence. It has become one of the most successful democracies in Africa, with peaceful elections and strong governance.
Geography
Cape Verde consists of 10 volcanic islands and 5 islets, located about 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. The islands are divided into two groups: the Barlavento (windward) islands to the north and the Sotavento (leeward) islands to the south. The country has a dry, semi-arid climate, with mountainous terrain and some lush valleys.
Tribes & People
The population of Cape Verde is diverse, with people of African and European descent. The majority are of mixed African and Portuguese origin, while some are of pure African descent. Portuguese is the official language, but Cape Verdean Creole is spoken by the majority. The population is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant religion, followed by a small number of Protestant Christians.
Society
Cape Verdean society places a strong emphasis on family and community life. Music, especially the traditional styles of morna and coladeira, plays a central role in cultural expression. Cape Verde also has a high literacy rate, and education is a priority for the government. Despite being an island nation, Cape Verde has a growing tourism sector, and the people are known for their hospitality.
Government
Cape Verde is a stable, multi-party democratic republic. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has a well-established democratic system, with free and fair elections. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union, the United Nations, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Economy
The economy of Cape Verde is service-based, with tourism, commerce, and remittances from emigrants being important contributors to GDP. The country lacks natural resources and has limited arable land, so it imports much of its food. Cape Verde has made significant progress in economic development, and the government has focused on infrastructure, renewable energy, and education to support growth.
Energy
While Cape Verde has limited natural energy resources, it is investing in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country has made considerable progress in expanding electricity access, especially in urban areas.
Communications
Cape Verde has good telecommunications infrastructure, with widespread mobile phone usage and improving internet access. Radio and television are popular, and the government has worked to promote media freedom, though some restrictions on press freedom exist.
Transportation
The islands are connected by air and sea, with international airports on the islands of Santiago, Sal, and Boa Vista. Public transportation on the islands includes buses, taxis, and ferries. Roads are mostly paved, and the country is investing in infrastructure improvements to support tourism and trade.
Transnational Issues
Cape Verde has few transnational issues but faces challenges related to climate change, particularly rising sea levels and desertification. The country also depends on remittances from Cape Verdeans living abroad, especially in Europe and the United States.
Jokes
Why don’t Cape Verdeans ever argue about geography?
Because no matter where you go, you’re always on an island!
Other Interesting Facts
- Cape Verde was the first African country to achieve stable, peaceful democratic transitions.
- The country is known for its rich musical culture, especially the genre of morna, which is UNESCO recognized.
- Cape Verde has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, above 90%.