Cape Verde

Cape Verde (orthographic projection)

Location Cape Verde AU Africa

Cape Verde (Portuguese: Cabo Verde ), officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. It is located 570 kilometers (350 miles) off the coast of West Africa. The archipelago consists of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometers (1,557 square miles).

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History

Cape Verde was uninhabited until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands, establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. The islands prospered from the Atlantic slave trade, and later became a significant commercial center and a stopover for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. The country has since developed a stable democratic government and has one of the highest standards of living in Africa.

Geography

Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten islands and five islets, divided into two groups: the Barlavento Islands (windward) and the Sotavento Islands (leeward). The largest island, Santiago, is home to the capital city, Praia. The islands are of volcanic origin, with some active volcanoes, such as Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo.

Climate

Cape Verde has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season from November to July and a rainy season from August to October. The islands experience moderate temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F).

Demographics

The population of Cape Verde is approximately 555,987 (2021 estimate). The majority of the population is of mixed African and European descent, known as Creole. The official language is Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken.

Economy

Cape Verde has a service-oriented economy, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for more than 70% of the GDP. The country has few natural resources and relies heavily on tourism, remittances, and foreign aid. The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).

Culture

Cape Verdean culture is a blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. The country is known for its rich musical traditions, including morna, coladeira, and funaná. The annual Carnival in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente is a major cultural event.

Government and Politics

Cape Verde is a semi-presidential republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body. The country has a multi-party system, with the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and the Movement for Democracy (MpD) being the two main political parties.

See also

• Geography of Cape Verde
• History of Cape Verde
• Economy of Cape Verde
• Culture of Cape Verde
• Politics of Cape Verde