Cape Verde

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

The drought in the 20^th 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.