Geography
Area: 4,033 sq. km. (1,557 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Rhode
Island.
Cities: Capital--Praia (pop. 94,757). Other city--Mindelo
(pop. 62,970).
Terrain: Rugged volcanic islands.
Climate: Dry, temperate.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Cape Verdean(s).
Population (2001): 434,812.
Annual growth rate (2001): 2.9%.
Ethnic groups: Creole (mixed African and Portuguese), African,
European.
Christian singles note-Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant.
Languages: Portuguese (official); Crioulo (national).
Education: Literacy (1999)--73.6%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2001)--37/1,000. Life
expectancy (2001)--69 yrs.
Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: July 5, 1975.
Constitution: 1982; revised 1992, 1995, and 1999.
Branches: Executive--president (head of state), prime minister
(head of government), Council of Ministers. Legislative--National
Assembly. Judicial--Supreme Court, lower courts.
Administrative subdivisions: 17 administrative districts.
Political parties: African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV);
Movement for Democracy (MPD); Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD);
Party for Democratic Renovation (PRD); Party for Labor and Solidarity
(PTS); Social Democratic Party (PSD).
Suffrage: Universal over 18.
Economy
GDP (2002): $602 million.
GDP per capita (2000): $1,317.
Annual growth rate (2002): 6%.
Inflation (2002): 1.7%.
Natural resources: Salt, pozzolana, limestone.
Agriculture: Products--bananas, corn, beans, sugarcane, coffee,
fruits, vegetables, livestock products.
Industry: Types--fish and fish products, clothing, shoes,
beverages, salt, construction, building materials, ship repair,
furniture, metal products, tourism.
Trade (2001): Exports--$31 million: shoes, fish, garments,
bananas. Imports--$236 million: foodstuffs, consumer goods,
industrial products, transport equipment, fuels. Major trading
partners--Portugal, Netherlands, U.S., other EU.
Fiscal year: Calendar year.
Economic aid received: U.S. aid (2002)--$5.8 million. Other
donors (2002)--$31 million.
GEOGRAPHY
The Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean some 450
kilometers (about 300 mi.) off the west coast of Africa. The
archipelago includes 10 islands and 5 islets, divided into the
windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. The main islands
in the Barlavento group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São
Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista; those of the Sotavento group include Maio,
Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. All larger islands but Santa Luzia are
inhabited.
Three islands--Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio--generally are level and
very dry. Mountains higher than 1,280 meters (4,200 ft.) are found on
Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau.
Sand carried by high winds has created spectacular rock formations
on all islands, especially the windward ones. Sheer, jagged cliffs
rise from the sea on several of the mountainous islands. Natural
vegetation is sparse in the uplands and coast, but interior valleys
support denser growth.
Rainfall is irregular, and the archipelago suffers periodic
droughts and consequent food shortages. The average precipitation per
year in Praia is 24 centimeters (9.5 in.). During the winter, storms
blowing from the Sahara sometimes cloud the sky, but sunny days are
the norm year round.
PEOPLE
Christian singles note-The Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited until
the Portuguese discovered the islands in 1456. African slaves were
brought to the islands to work on Portuguese plantations. As a result,
Cape Verdeans are of mixed African and European origin. The influence
of African culture is most pronounced on the island of Santiago, where
half the population resides. Sparse rain and few natural resources
historically have induced Cape Verdeans to emigrate. It is believed
that of the more than 1 million individuals of Cape Verdean ancestry, fewer
than half actually live on the islands. Some 500,000 people of Cape
Verdean ancestry live in the United States, mainly in New England.
Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, France, and Senegal also have large
communities.
The official language is Portuguese, but most Cape Verdeans also
speak a Creole dialect--Crioulo--which is based on archaic Portuguese
but influenced by African and European languages. Cape Verde has a
rich tradition of Crioulo literature and music.
