Cape Verde

CAPE VERDE

Cape Verde, officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country located in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. It is an archipelago consisting of ten volcanic islands.

Cape Verde was uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered the islands in 1456. The Portuguese established the first European settlement in the tropics in 1462 on the island of Santiago. Due to its strategic location, Cape Verde became a crucial center for the Atlantic slave trade. The islands' prosperity declined after the suppression of the slave trade in the 19th century, but they played a significant role during the Age of Exploration.

Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, which led to the decolonization of Portuguese colonies in Africa.

Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten main islands and several smaller islets. The islands are divided into two groups: the windward (Barlavento) islands, including Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista, and the leeward (Sotavento) islands, comprising Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. The islands are mostly mountainous and of volcanic origin, with Fogo Island hosting an active volcano, Pico do Fogo.

The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, used in government, media, and education. However, Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is widely spoken among the population. Creole varies significantly across the islands, with different dialects reflecting the diverse influences on the country.

Cape Verdean culture is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, with a significant Creole element. Music plays a central role, with genres such as morna, coladeira, funaná, and batuque being popular. Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva," brought international attention to Cape Verdean music.

The lifestyle in Cape Verde is laid-back and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on family and social gatherings. Festivals and religious celebrations are important, with Carnival and the Festival of São João being notable events.

Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. The country operates as a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The President, elected by popular vote for a five-year term, is the head of state, while the Prime Minister, appointed by the President, is the head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body, consisting of 72 members elected for five-year terms.

Cape Verde's economy is service-oriented, with tourism, commerce, transport, and public services being the major sectors. The country lacks natural resources, so it relies heavily on tourism, remittances from the Cape Verdean diaspora, and foreign aid. The government has focused on improving infrastructure and attracting foreign investment to boost economic growth.

Cape Verde is a unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures, with a rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Despite its small size and limited natural resources, the country has made significant strides in political stability and economic development. Its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and cultural heritage make it a fascinating and resilient nation.

REFERENCE:

- [Wikipedia: Cape Verde](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde)

- [CIA World Factbook: Cape Verde](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cape-verde/)

- [BBC Country Profile: Cape Verde](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13148486)

- [Britannica: Cape Verde](https://www.britannica.com/place/Cape-Verde)