Cabo Verde: Quick Facts

Cabo Verde is a multiparty republic consisting of nine inhabited islands and a few uninhabited ones off the west coast of Africa. Colonized by Portugal in the 15th century, Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975, with Praia as its capital.

Marked by a service-oriented economy, Cabo Verde is centered on commerce, trade, transport, and public services. Its economy has shifted toward privatization since the mid-1990s. Cultural influences from its colonial past are evident in the architecture of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though Portuguese influence remains strong, African traditions are also present in Cabo Verde’s cultural life.

Cabo Verde is a country consisting of a group of islands that lie 385 miles (620 km) off the west coast of Africa. These islands are located between 14°30′ and 17°30′ N and between 22°30′ and 25°30′ W. The archipelago is divided into the Barlavento (Windward) group to the north and the Sotavento (Leeward) group to the south. Praia, a port city on the south shore of Santiago Island, serves as its capital.

The climate of Cabo Verde is generally moderate, marked by consistent temperatures and significant aridity. February is the coolest month, with temperatures in the low 70s F (low 20s C), while August and September are the hottest and wettest, with temperatures in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

The islands are greatly influenced by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), resulting in two seasons. Winter winds from Europe are cool and dry, but during summer, the ITCZ brings heat and moisture, potentially increasing precipitation, especially in higher elevations. Precipitation is unpredictable due to the ITCZ's variable progression and moisture content, with some years experiencing little to no rainfall. The clashing fronts near Cabo Verde can also lead to hurricanes that move westward toward the Caribbean and the eastern United States.

In Cabo Verde, Portuguese is the official language used in formal contexts. However, Crioulo, a Portuguese creole language with some of the oldest roots, is the most widely spoken language. Crioulo has different dialects on the islands that are broadly divided into Sotavento and Barlavento groups. There has been a push to standardize Crioulo orthography in schools and dictionaries.

Cabo Verde's path to independence involved both peaceful efforts and armed struggle. In 1956, Amílcar Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde (PAIGC) to peacefully protest for complete independence from Portugal for both Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde.

After violence from the Portuguese in 1959, PAIGC launched an armed campaign in 1963. Though Cabral was assassinated in 1973, Guinea-Bissau declared independence later that year. This, coupled with other wars in Portuguese colonies, led to a coup in Portugal in 1974, and the new government began negotiating with African nationalist movements.

Full independence for Cabo Verde was achieved on July 5, 1975. Aristides Pereira and Pedro Pires became the first president and prime minister, respectively.

Cabo Verde's cultural practices reflect a blend of Portuguese colonial influence and African traditions. This is evident in its literature, music, and art. Roman Catholic traditions are observed through holidays like Easter and Christmas, while National Heroes’ Day and Independence Day mark important national events.

Musical traditions include the batuko, featuring polyrhythm and call-and-response performed by women, and the morna, a lament similar to Portuguese fado. The funana, a fast-paced genre featuring the gaita, is also popular. Oral narratives, known as Nho Lobo tales, incorporate characters from western African folklore.