The Atlantic Islands of Harmony and Resilience
Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. Known for its Creole culture, volcanic landscapes, and musical heritage, Cape Verde is one of Africa’s most stable democracies and a model of sustainable island development.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Cape Verde’s history is a blend of exploration, colonization, migration, and cultural fusion.
Key Historical Timeline:
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1456: Discovered by Portuguese explorers (Diogo Gomes & Antonio da Noli)
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1462: First permanent settlement at Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha)
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15th–19th Century: Became a major center for the Atlantic slave trade
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1951: Status upgraded to overseas province of Portugal
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1975 (July 5): Gained independence jointly with Guinea-Bissau (later separated)
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1991: Transition to multi-party democracy
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Present: Stable democracy with tourism, diaspora remittances, and renewable energy focus
Cape Verde’s Cidade Velha is the oldest European colonial city in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Cabo Verde |
| Capital City | Praia |
| President | José Maria Neves (as of 2025) |
| Prime Minister | Ulisses Correia e Silva |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
| Area | ~4,033 sq. km |
| Population | ~600,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Currency | Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) |
| Time Zone | Cape Verde Time (UTC−1) |
| Dial Code | +238 |
| Top-Level Domain | .cv |
| National Motto | “Unity, Work, Progress” |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | José Maria Neves |
| Prime Minister | Ulisses Correia e Silva |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Justice |
| Administrative Capital | Praia (Santiago Island) |
Cape Verde ranks among the most democratic and transparent nations in Africa, with a strong emphasis on governance and education.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Islands | 10 major volcanic islands (9 inhabited) |
| Regions | Northern (Barlavento) & Southern (Sotavento) groups |
| Major Cities | Praia, Mindelo, Santa Maria, Espargos, Assomada |
Barlavento Islands: Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista
Sotavento Islands: Maio, Santiago, Fogo, Brava
10 Islands:
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Santiago (largest, includes capital Praia)
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São Vicente (Mindelo city)
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Santo Antão
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São Nicolau
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Sal
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Boa Vista
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Maio
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Fogo (Pico do Fogo volcano)
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Brava
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Santa Luzia (uninhabited)
🌐 Geography & Environment
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Location: Central Atlantic Ocean, ~570 km off the coast of Senegal
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Terrain: Volcanic archipelago with mountains and dry plains
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Climate: Tropical arid; cool trade winds, limited rainfall
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Natural Resources: Salt, basalt, limestone, fish, wind & solar energy
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Environmental Focus: Renewable energy, water desalination, reforestation
Mount Fogo (2,829 m) is an active volcano and the highest point in Cape Verde.
Local Government Structure
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Each municipality (concelho) is governed by:
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Municipal Chamber (Câmara Municipal) – executive branch
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Municipal Assembly (Assembleia Municipal) – legislative branch
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Mayors and councilors are democratically elected every 4 years.
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Decentralization is strong, with local governments overseeing infrastructure, education, and public services.
Leadership & Governance
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Cape Verde is ranked among Africa’s most democratic nations.
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Key policy focuses:
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Blue economy and renewable energy
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Diaspora investment
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Sustainable tourism
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Digital governance
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International partners include the EU, ECOWAS, USA, and Portugal.
Law Enforcement & Safety
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Managed by:
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National Police (PNCV)
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Judicial Police
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Coast Guard
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Cape Verde is considered one of the safest countries in Africa.
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Emergency numbers:
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132 – Fire
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130 – Police
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131 – Medical
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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Christianity (~90% Roman Catholic) |
| Other Faiths | Islam, Protestant denominations |
| Official Language | Portuguese |
| National Language | Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) |
| Ethnic Composition | Predominantly mixed African-European descent |
Cultural Highlights:
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Music: Morna, Funana, Coladeira — globally popular genres
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Notable Artist: Cesária Évora, “The Barefoot Diva”
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Festivals: Carnival (Mindelo), Gamboa Music Festival
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Cuisine: Cachupa (national dish), grilled fish, grogue (rum)
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Values: Family unity, education, respect, cultural pride
Cape Verde’s Morna music is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Major economic driver (Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago) |
| Agriculture | Limited; maize, beans, coffee |
| Fisheries | Expanding industry with sustainable practices |
| Remittances | Strong contributions from diaspora in Europe and USA |
| Renewable Energy | Wind and solar providing over 20% of national electricity |
| Economic Vision | “Cabo Verde Ambition 2030” – sustainable tourism, green economy |
Cape Verde aims to become a fully renewable energy nation by 2040.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Free and compulsory primary education |
| Top Universities | University of Cape Verde (Uni-CV), Jean Piaget University |
| Literacy Rate | ~90% (2025 est.) |
| Healthcare System | Public hospitals, clinics, and telemedicine initiatives |
| Life Expectancy | ~74 years |
| Focus Areas | Education reform, water access, health innovation |
Cape Verde’s literacy rate is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airports | Nelson Mandela Intl Airport (Praia), Amílcar Cabral Intl Airport (Sal) |
| Ports | Praia, Mindelo, Sal Rei |
| Roads | Well-developed inter-island infrastructure |
| Energy | Wind farms, solar parks, and desalination plants |
| Digital Connectivity | High internet penetration, smart governance initiatives |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Cape Verde offers pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, and vibrant island culture.
Top Destinations:
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Sal Island: Beaches, resorts, diving at Santa Maria
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Santiago Island: Cidade Velha (UNESCO), markets, history
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Fogo Island: Mount Fogo volcano and Cha das Caldeiras village
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São Vicente: Mindelo’s music and nightlife
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Boa Vista: Sand dunes and marine turtles
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Brava Island: Lush valleys and flower gardens
Cidade Velha — the first European settlement in the tropics — symbolizes Cape Verde’s global heritage.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1975 |
| Regional Membership | African Union, ECOWAS, CPLP |
| Foreign Policy Focus | Maritime cooperation, climate action, digital innovation |
| Major Partners | Portugal, EU, USA, China, ECOWAS states |
| Peacekeeping Role | Contributor to UN and regional peace missions |
Cape Verde is a diplomatic bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
📝 Summary
Cape Verde is a nation of islands, identity, and innovation — where volcanic earth meets Atlantic serenity. Its democratic spirit, music, and sustainability vision make it a shining example for small island nations worldwide.
📢 News & Articles
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“Cape Verde’s Green Energy Transition”
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“From Morna to Mindelo: The Soul of Atlantic Music”
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“Tourism and Sustainability in Cabo Verde’s Island Economy”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, promoting awareness of Africa’s nations, culture, and sustainable progress.
📬 Contact Us
For verified updates or contributions on Cape Verde’s culture and economy, contact our editorial team.