Cape Verde

Overview

Cape Verde is named after the westernmost cape of Africa near Senegal.

The country comprises a group of islands located 385 miles off the west coast of Africa. Its capital city is Praia on Santiago. Its largest port is at Mindelo.

Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde.

The islands were not inhabited until the 15th century when the Portuguese explorers discovered it and took charge and settled there. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the islands grew prosperous due to the establishment of the Atlantic slave trade. This attracted more merchants, pirates, and privateers. In the 19th century, slavery ended causing the decline of economy and emigration.

The drought in the 20th century caused over 20,000 deaths prompting heavy emigration. With time, the country became a commercial center and stopover for ships which made it recover its state. The waters there are deep accommodating large vessels and it became a fuelling station. It became a Portugal department in 1951.

The country gained independence in 1975. In 1981, the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde became the only party in the country. In 1991, free presidential elections were held and Antonio Mascarenhas won. In 1992, a new constitution was formed allowing the establishment of a multi-party system. In 2011, Jorge Carlos Fonseca was elected president. In 2014, there was a big eruption at Cape Verdean volcano Pico do Fogo which destroyed two villages.

Majority of the county’s population are Christians. The total population was 505,000 as of 2018. The national dish is ‘cachupa’, which has mashed maize, onions, green bananas, manioc, sweet potatoes, squash, and yams.

The official language is Portuguese.

Cape Verde has ten islands, one uninhabited, and five islets. The island is divided into 2 groups, to the north is Barlavento and to the south is Sotavento. Barlavento group has Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), Sao Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista islands, and Raso and Branco islets. The Satovento group has Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava islands, and Rombos, Grande, Luis Carneiro, and Cima islets.

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History

The islands were uninhabited until Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century, and they became a hub of the Atlantic slave trade. Cape Verde became independent in 1975.

Food & culture

Cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of maize, beans and fish or meat, is the national dish. Morna music, made famous by Cesária Évora, is recognised by UNESCO.

Wildlife

Loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, and humpback whales pass offshore in spring.

Festivals & events

Carnival in Mindelo on São Vicente is the biggest party of the year, and Baía das Gatas music festival is held each August.

Things to see

The volcano of Fogo, the hiking valleys of Santo Antão, the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista and the old town of Cidade Velha.

Interesting facts

Cidade Velha was the first European colonial town in the tropics. More Cape Verdeans live abroad than on the islands.

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Neighbours

Cape Verde has no land borders with other countries.