Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde, officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island nation situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. It is an archipelago comprising ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited, and several smaller islets. Cabo Verde is noted for its blend of African and Portuguese cultural influences, its role in maritime history, and its strategic location on transatlantic trade routes.
Geography and Climate
The archipelago is located about 570 kilometres west of Senegal, within the region traditionally known as Macaronesia. The islands are divided into two groups:
- Barlavento (Windward) islands: Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
- Sotavento (Leeward) islands: Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.
Cabo Verde’s terrain is largely volcanic, with rugged mountains and limited arable land. The highest point is Pico do Fogo (2,829 metres) on Fogo Island, an active stratovolcano.
The climate is predominantly arid to semi-arid, influenced by the Harmattan winds and the Canary Current. Rainfall is scarce and irregular, leading to recurrent droughts. Temperatures remain mild due to maritime moderation, ranging between 20 °C and 29 °C throughout the year.
Historical Background
The islands were uninhabited until the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonised them around 1456. Cabo Verde became a critical hub in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a trading and resupply station for ships travelling between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
In the 19th century, after the decline of the slave trade, Cabo Verde remained important as a coaling station and communications hub due to its strategic location. Its economy, however, was frequently challenged by droughts and food shortages.
The struggle for independence gained momentum during the mid-20th century, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). On 5 July 1975, Cabo Verde achieved independence from Portugal, under the leadership of Aristides Pereira, its first president.
Politics and Government
Cabo Verde is a unitary parliamentary republic. Its constitution establishes separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The President serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister heads the government.
The nation is regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with regular multiparty elections since the early 1990s. Political power alternates primarily between the African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV) and the Movement for Democracy (MpD).
Economy
Cabo Verde has a service-oriented economy, with tourism, commerce, transport, and remittances as its major contributors. The agricultural sector is limited by scarce rainfall and poor soils, producing mainly maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and coffee in small quantities. Fishing is also significant but underdeveloped.
Key features of the economy include:
- Tourism: A rapidly expanding sector, centred on islands like Sal and Boa Vista, renowned for beaches and resorts.
- Remittances: A large diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe, sends substantial remittances that support national income.
- Transport hub: The nation’s location supports air and maritime links across the Atlantic.
Cabo Verde is classified as a lower-middle-income country but has one of the highest standards of living in West Africa, with relatively high literacy rates and life expectancy.
Demographics and Society
The population of Cabo Verde is approximately half a million, with the majority residing on Santiago Island, where the capital city Praia is located. The society is largely Creole, blending African and European (especially Portuguese) heritage.
The official language is Portuguese, used in administration and education, while Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole) is widely spoken in everyday life, with several regional variations.
Religion is predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting the Portuguese colonial legacy, though Protestant communities also exist.
Culture
Cabo Verdean culture is marked by its fusion of African and European traditions, evident in language, music, and customs. Music is particularly influential, with global recognition of genres such as:
- Morna: A melancholic and lyrical style, often compared to the Portuguese fado; famously popularised by Cesária Évora.
- Coladeira: A faster-paced style blending African and Latin rhythms.
- Funaná and Batuque: Traditional music and dance forms rooted in African heritage.
Festivals, dance, and oral traditions are central to cultural expression.
International Relations
Cabo Verde maintains strong relations with both African and European nations, as well as with the United States. It is a member of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
Its close ties with the European Union have fostered cooperation in trade, development aid, and migration agreements. The United States also maintains a strategic interest in Cabo Verde due to its Atlantic location.
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