The Republic of Cape Verde is a republic located on an archipelago of the North Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves. Most Cape Verdeans descend from both groups.

"Cape Verde" is named for Cap-Vert, now in Senegal, the westernmost point of Africa.

Republica de Cabo Verde

(In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: Unity, Work, Progress
Official language	Portuguese, Crioulo (not official)
Capital and Largest City	Praia
President	Pedro Pires
Prime Minister	José Maria Neves
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 146th 4,033 km² Negligible
Population  - Total (2001)  - Density	Ranked 164th 401,343 101/km²
GDP (PPP)  - Total  - GDP/head	600 millions $ 1,400 $
Currency	CV Escudo
Time zone	UTC -1
Independence  - Declared	(from Portugal) July 5, 1975
National anthem	Cântico da Liberdade
Internet TLD	.CV
Calling Code	238

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Municipalities 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 Miscellaneous topics 9 External links and references

History

Cape Verde was uninhabited when the Portugese arrived in 1456, and the islands were thus made part of the Portugese empire. Due to it's location off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde became an important port, and was a great center of the slave trade.

In 1975, the islands achieved independence, partially due to the efforts of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC). After independence, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau attempted to unite into one nation due to the PAIGC controlling both governments, but a coup in the later nation in 1980 ended these plans. In Cape Verde itself the PAICV (affiliated with the PAIGC) would rule until elections were held in 1991 that resulted in change of government. The PIACV won back power in 2001.

Politics

The government of Cape Verde is based off of a Constitution that was established in 1980. Elections are held for both the Prime Minister and President, who both rule for 5-year terms. Members of the General Assembly are elected as well, and they appoint the Supreme Court along with the President and Prime Minister.

See also: President of Cape Verde

Municipalities

Cape Verde is divided into 17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho): Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filip, Sao Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Geography

Cape Verde is an archipelago off the coast of Africa. The islands that compose the archipelago are small and mountainous. An active volcano exists on one of the islands, Fogo.

Economy

Cape Verde is a small nation with that lacks resources and has experienced severe droughts as well as water shortages. Agriculture is somewhat stymied by lack of rain, and is restricted to only four islands for most of the year. Most of the nations GDP is resultant of the services industry.

Demographics

Most inhabitants of Cape Verde are descendents of the Portugese who ruled the nation, and African slaves who were often transported from there. Interestingly, more residents of Cape Verde live abroad than in the nation, and this reflects the poor economy of Cape Verde.

Culture

The culture of Cape Verde is reflective of it's African roots. It is well known for it's diverse forms of music, that are reflective of the diverse origins of Cape Verde's residents. Indigeniously, the term "Cabo" is used to refer to residents as well as the culture of Cape Verde.

Holidays

Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks
July 5	Independence Day

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Cape Verde
• Transportation in Cape Verde
• Military of Cape Verde
• Foreign relations of Cape Verde
• Community of Portuguese Language Countries

• Much of the material in these articles comes from the CIA World Factbook 2000 and the 2003 U.S. Department of State website.
• Embassy of Cape Verde