Cape Verde

Atlantic Archipelago of Stability, Culture, and Economic Aspiration

Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is a volcanic island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. Comprising 10 islands and several islets, Cape Verde is known for its political stability, diaspora influence, and a growing economy based on tourism, remittances, and services.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Originally uninhabited, the islands were discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century.

  • Became an important stopover in the transatlantic slave trade.

  • Gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.

  • Transitioned peacefully to multi-party democracy in 1990.

  • Maintains strong relations with its diaspora, particularly in the US and Europe.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Cabo Verde
Short Name Cape Verde
Capital Praia
Continent Africa (Atlantic Ocean)
Official Language Portuguese
National Language Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu)
Currency Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Area Approx. 4,033 sq. km
Population Approx. 600,000 (2024 est.)
Time Zone UTC−1
ISO Code CV
Internet TLD .cv
Calling Code +238

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President José Maria Neves
Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva
Government Type Unitary parliamentary republic
Legislature National Assembly (unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Justice, Constitutional Court (in development)

Administrative Divisions (Islands & Municipalities)

Cape Verde is divided into 10 main islands, 9 of which are inhabited, and further subdivided into 22 municipalities (concelhos).

10 Islands:

  1. Santiago (largest, includes capital Praia)

  2. São Vicente (Mindelo city)

  3. Santo Antão

  4. São Nicolau

  5. Sal

  6. Boa Vista

  7. Maio

  8. Fogo (Pico do Fogo volcano)

  9. Brava

  10. Santa Luzia (uninhabited)

Local Government Structure

  • Each municipality (concelho) is governed by:

    • Municipal Chamber (Câmara Municipal) – executive branch

    • Municipal Assembly (Assembleia Municipal) – legislative branch

  • Mayors and councilors are democratically elected every 4 years.

  • Decentralization is strong, with local governments overseeing infrastructure, education, and public services.

Leadership & Governance

  • Cape Verde is ranked among Africa’s most democratic nations.

  • Key policy focuses:

    • Blue economy and renewable energy

    • Diaspora investment

    • Sustainable tourism

    • Digital governance

  • International partners include the EU, ECOWAS, USA, and Portugal.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by:

    • National Police (PNCV)

    • Judicial Police

    • Coast Guard

  • Cape Verde is considered one of the safest countries in Africa.

  • Emergency numbers:

    • 132 – Fire

    • 130 – Police

    • 131 – Medical

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Services – tourism, public sector, trade

    • Remittances – strong diaspora support

    • Fishing and light manufacturing

    • Renewable energy and telecom

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 2.5 billion

  • Tourism and digital transformation are main growth drivers

  • Currency is pegged to the Euro

Education & Institutions

  • Free and compulsory primary education

  • Major institutions:

    • University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV)

    • Jean Piaget University

  • High literacy and growing higher education enrollment

  • Education reforms focus on STEM and professional training

Healthcare

  • Universal healthcare model supported by international aid

  • Main hospitals:

    • Agostinho Neto Hospital (Praia)

    • Baptista de Sousa Hospital (Mindelo)

  • Public health programs:

    • Maternal health, HIV/AIDS, vaccinations

  • Medical infrastructure improving in rural islands

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Amílcar Cabral International (Sal)

    • Nelson Mandela International (Praia)

  • Ferries and inter-island flights connect the archipelago

  • Ports:

    • Porto da Praia, Porto Grande (Mindelo)

  • Internet and mobile networks rapidly expanding

Tourism & Attractions

  • Islands attract beach lovers, hikers, and cultural tourists:

    • Sal & Boa Vista – beaches, resorts, water sports

    • Fogo – volcanic hiking, wine tasting

    • Santo Antão – dramatic landscapes, eco-tourism

  • Historical:

    • Cidade Velha (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Music: traditional morna, funaná, coladeira

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Influences: African, Portuguese, Brazilian

  • Music legends: Cesária Évora, Tito Paris

  • Religion: ~85% Catholic, ~10% Protestant, some indigenous beliefs

  • Cuisine: cachupa (maize stew), seafood, grogue (sugarcane rum)

  • Strong social bonds and island community life

Summary

Cape Verde is a peaceful island democracy, balancing natural beauty with smart governance and cultural pride. With strong links to its diaspora and strategic Atlantic location, the country is emerging as a regional model of sustainability, resilience, and innovation.