Cape verde

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde, officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. The ten volcanic islands in its archipelago have a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometers.

Geography

Cape Verde is located off the northwest coast of Africa. The islands of the country cover a combined area of slightly over 4,000 square kilometers. The largest island, both in size and population, is Santiago, which hosts the nation's capital, Praia, the largest city in the country.

History

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping.

Politics

Cape Verde is a stable semi-presidential representative democratic republic. It is among the most democratic nations in Africa, ranking 26th in the world, according to the 2018 Democracy Index.

Economy

Cape Verde's economy is service-oriented with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for more than 70% of GDP. Although nearly 35% of the population lives in rural areas, agriculture and fishing contribute only about 9% of GDP. Light manufacturing accounts for most of the remainder.

Culture

The culture of Cape Verde is characterized by a blend of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese influences. Cape Verdean music incorporates samba, salsa, and other musical genres.

See also

• List of cities in Cape Verde
• Cape Verdean Creole
• Music of Cape Verde