Cabo Verde

The Republic of Cabo Verde, commonly known as Cape Verde, is an island nation situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 kilometres west of Senegal. Consisting of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited, it is celebrated for its political stability, Creole cultural heritage, and consistent economic progress. The country’s history of colonisation, migration, and cultural amalgamation has given rise to a distinctive Afro-European identity, reflected in its language, music, and social traditions.

Historical Background

Before Portuguese discovery in the mid-15th century, the islands of Cabo Verde were uninhabited. Portuguese explorers colonised the archipelago around 1462, establishing the first settlements on Santiago and Fogo. Owing to their strategic position on Atlantic maritime routes, the islands became an important trading hub during the transatlantic slave trade, linking Europe, West Africa, and the Americas.
The fusion of European settlers and African slaves produced the Creole (Crioulo) population, which remains central to the Cabo Verdean identity. Over time, the islands transformed from a slave-trading post to a significant coaling and resupply station for transatlantic voyages, including whaling expeditions.
The 19th century brought economic hardship due to the decline of the slave trade and recurrent droughts, prompting mass emigration. This emigration fostered a large Cabo Verdean diaspora, particularly in the United States, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands.
Cabo Verde gained independence from Portugal on 5 July 1975 following the end of Portugal’s colonial regime and the liberation movement led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde (PAIGC). A one-party socialist government ruled until 1990, when the nation transitioned to a multi-party democracy. The Movement for Democracy (MpD) won the 1991 elections, initiating a peaceful political transformation.
Since independence, Cabo Verde has sustained one of Africa’s most stable democracies, characterised by free elections, rule of law, and a vibrant civil society. Its economy has evolved from dependence on remittances and aid to a more diversified model centred on tourism, services, and renewable energy.

Geography and Environment

Cabo Verde is located in Western Africa, in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal. The nation’s total area is 4,033 square kilometres, with a coastline of 965 kilometres. The islands are steep, volcanic, and rugged, with Mount Fogo (2,829 metres) being the highest point.
The country experiences a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and irregular rainfall. Cabo Verde is part of the Macaronesia archipelagos, alongside the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. The archipelago is divided into two groups:

• Barlavento (Windward) Islands: Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
• Sotavento (Leeward) Islands: Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.

Environmental challenges include scarce rainfall, desertification, and soil erosion, which restrict agriculture. However, the government has implemented reforestation, water management, and renewable energy projects, leading to renewables generating nearly 30% of national electricity. The country faces natural hazards such as droughts, harmattan winds, and volcanic eruptions, the most notable being Mount Fogo’s 1995 eruption.

People and Society

As of 2024, Cabo Verde’s population stands at 611,014, with 68% living in urban areas. The median age is 28.8 years, and the annual population growth rate is 1.16%. Life expectancy reaches 74.3 years, among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ethnically, the population is primarily Creole (71%), with 28% of African descent and 1% of European ancestry. Portuguese is the official language, while Crioulo is widely spoken, existing in two main dialects.
Religious composition:

• Roman Catholic: 72.5%
• Protestant: 4%
• Muslim: 1.3%
• None: 15.6%

Cabo Verde’s diaspora surpasses its domestic population, and remittances account for over 12% of GDP. The country’s strong social development is reflected in its health indicators: an infant mortality rate of 22.4 per 1,000 live births and a maternal mortality rate of 40 per 100,000 births. Access to clean water and improved sanitation exceeds 89%.

Government and Politics

The Republic of Cabo Verde has its capital in Praia, located on Santiago Island. It functions as a parliamentary republic under the 1992 Constitution, ensuring democracy, separation of powers, and freedom of expression.

• President: José Maria Pereira Neves (since 2021)
• Prime Minister: José Ulisses Correia e Silva (since 2016)

The National Assembly, comprising 72 members, is elected through proportional representation. Two dominant political parties shape the system:

• Movement for Democracy (MpD): Centre-right, currently in power.
• African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV): Centre-left, historically linked to independence.

Women occupy 44% of parliamentary seats, one of the continent’s highest ratios. The judiciary is independent, modelled on Portuguese civil law, with the Supreme Court of Justice as its highest body.

Economy

Cabo Verde’s economy is predominantly service-oriented, with tourism, trade, and transport contributing nearly 70% of GDP. Political stability and prudent governance have attracted investment, while remittances have bolstered national development.
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $5.2 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $9,900
• Growth rate: 7.3%
• Inflation: 1%
• External debt: $1.38 billion

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 4.7%
• Industry: 10.5%
• Services: 69.4%

Main industries include tourism, fish processing, salt mining, beverages, textiles, and ship repair. Agriculture is limited due to arid conditions, yielding small quantities of sugarcane, bananas, and vegetables.
Trade profile (2023):

• Exports: Spain (46%), Portugal (9%), Togo (7%), Italy (7%), India (6%).
• Imports: Portugal (29%), Saudi Arabia (11%), Netherlands (9%), Spain (8%), China (7%).

The Cabo Verdean escudo (CVE) is pegged to the euro, ensuring financial stability. Despite steady growth, unemployment remains at 11.9%, with youth unemployment at 28.2%. Economic reforms emphasise entrepreneurship, vocational training, and blue economy development.

Infrastructure and Energy

Cabo Verde’s infrastructure is among the most developed in the region, with 97.1% electrification. The national energy mix includes 71% fossil fuels, 14.6% wind, and 14.2% solar. The government aims for 100% renewable energy generation by 2030.
The country operates 10 airports, including four international ones (Praia, Sal, Boa Vista, and São Vicente), and two main seaports — Porto Grande and Porto da Praia. Internet penetration reaches 74%, and there are almost 99 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, reflecting strong digital connectivity.

Defence and Security

The Cabo Verdean Armed Forces (FACV) consist of around 1,500 personnel, divided between the National Guard and the Coast Guard. Their duties encompass maritime surveillance, border security, and anti-narcotics operations. Defence expenditure remains modest at 0.6% of GDP, aligning with the country’s focus on diplomacy and internal security. Cabo Verde maintains partnerships with Portugal, Spain, and the United States for maritime cooperation and counter-trafficking measures.

Culture and Society

Cabo Verde’s culture is a vibrant fusion of African and European influences. The Crioulo language, Morna and Coladeira music genres, and traditional pano textiles symbolise its unique identity. Morna, popularised internationally by Cesária Évora, was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019.
The islands host numerous religious and cultural festivals, literary gatherings, and music events, particularly in Praia and Mindelo. The diaspora contributes significantly to cultural exchange, influencing music, cuisine, and fashion.
The historic Cidade Velha on Santiago Island, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the archipelago’s central role in the Atlantic slave trade.

National Symbols and Foreign Relations

Cabo Verde’s flag comprises five horizontal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue, with ten yellow stars representing the inhabited islands. Its national anthem is Cântico da Liberdade (“Song of Freedom”), adopted in 1996. The national motto, Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso (“Unity, Work, Progress”), encapsulates its national ethos.