Cabo Verde
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.
History
Main article: History of Cape Verde
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 acheived 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
Main article: Politics of Cape Verde
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
Main article: Municipalities of Cape Verde
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
Main article: Geography of Cape Verde
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
Main article: Economy of Cape Verde
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
Main article: Demographics of Cape Verde
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
Main article: Culture of Cape Verde
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
External links and references
Countries of the world | Africa
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