|
The Republic of Cape Verde is a republic located on an archipelago of the North Atlantic Ocean, off the
western coast of Africa. The previously-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 Portuguese arrived in 1456, and the islands were thus made part of the Portuguese empire. Due to its location off the coast of
Africa, Cape Verde became an important port, and was a major center of the slave
trade.
In 1975, the islands achieved independence, partially due to the efforts of the African
Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC). After independence, the PAIGC attempted to unite Cape Verde
and Guinea-Bissau into one nation, the PAIGC controlling both
governments, but a coup in the latter nation in 1980 ended these plans. In Cape Verde
itself the PAICV (affiliated with the PAIGC) ruled until elections were held in 1991 that
resulted in a change of government. The PAICV won back power in 2001.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Cape Verde
The government of Cape Verde is based on 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, Paúl, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, São Domingos, São Filipe, São Miguel, São Nicolau, São Vicente, Tarrafal
Geography
Main article: Geography of Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago off the coast of Africa. The volcanic 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
nation's GDP is from the services industry.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Cape
Verde
Most inhabitants of Cape Verde are descendants of the Portuguese who ruled the nation, and African slaves who were often
transported from there. Interestingly, more citizens 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 reflects its African roots. It is well known for its diverse forms of music, that are reflective of
the diverse origins of Cape Verde's residents. Indigenously, the term "Cabo" is used to refer to residents as well as the culture
of Cape Verde.
See also: List of writers from Cape Verde
Language
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Mother Tongue: Creole (Crioulo, Criol, Krioulo, Caboverdiano)
- Cape Verde consists of 10 islands, each of the 9 inhabited islands has its own Creole. We can distinguish between two main
groups:
- The Sotavento Creoles: Creole of Santiago (Badiu ), Maio, Fogo und Brava .
- The Barlavento Creoles: Creole of São Vicente (Criol de Soncente ), São Nicolau , Sal, Boavista and Santo Antão
Creole Links
Miscellaneous topics
External links and references
|