CapVert

CapVert, commonly known as Cape Verde or Cabo Verde, is an island country located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. The nation comprises ten volcanic islands and several islets, grouped into two clusters: Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward). It covers about 4,033 square kilometers, with the capital and largest city on the island of Santiago in Praia. The official language is Portuguese, while Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken in daily life.

History and governance

The islands were uninhabited before their discovery by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and became part of the Portuguese empire, playing a role in Atlantic trade routes. Cape Verde gained independence on July 5, 1975. It operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. Legislative authority resides in a National Assembly. The country is a member of regional and international organizations including the African Union and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

Economy and demographics

Cape Verde has a service-oriented economy, with tourism, commerce, and remittances central to growth. Fishing and light industry complement the economy. The population is around half a million, characterized by urban concentration on coastal islands and a substantial Cape Verdean diaspora in Europe and the Americas. The society is religiously diverse, predominantly Roman Catholic, with Protestant and Muslim minorities.

Culture and environment

Cape Verdean culture features Morna and other musical styles, with Cesária Évora as a noted artist. The national dish is cachupa. The archipelago’s varied landscapes include the volcanic peak Pico do Fogo on Fogo Island, the highest point at about 2,829 meters, and a climate that ranges from arid to tropical on different islands.