Cape Verde
Official Country Name
Cape Verde
Cape Verde Overview
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
Cape Verde Economy
This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 66% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of food production in GDP in 2004 was only 12%, of which fishing accounted for 1.5%. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid and remittances from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde has been exploring European Union membership in recent years.
Cape Verde Location
Cape Verde is located in Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal
Region
Cape Verde is located in Africa
Cape Verde Population
Cape Verde has population of 420,979 (July 2006 est.)
Cape Verde Climate
Cape Verde has temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic
Cape Verde Terrain
steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic
Cape Verde Natural Resources
salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum
Ethnic Groups in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has the following ethnic groups - Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
Cape Verde Religions
Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)
Cape Verde Languages
Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Cape Verde Capital
Cape Verde capital is Praia
Cape Verde Currency
Cape Verde currency is Cape Verdean escudo
Map of Cape Verde
