# Cape Verde

> sovereign state comprising ten islands off the Western coast of Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1011](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1011)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cape-verde

## Summary
Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is a sovereign island nation and archipelagic state located off the western coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising ten islands, it gained independence from the Portuguese Empire on July 5, 1975, and operates as a parliamentary republic with Praia as its capital. The country is characterized by its unique blend of Portuguese and African cultural influences, a tropical climate, and a strategic location within the Macaronesia region.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: República de Cabo Verde (Republic of Cabo Verde).
- **Capital**: Praia.
- **Independence Date**: July 5, 1975 (from the Portuguese Empire).
- **Geographic Composition**: An archipelago of ten islands located in the Macaronesia region.
- **Continent**: Africa (specifically West Africa).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 15.3°, Longitude -23.7°.
- **Area**: 4,033 square kilometres.
- **Population**: 555,988 (2020 estimate).
- **Official Languages**: Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole.
- **Currency**: Cape Verdean escudo.
- **National Anthem**: "Cântico da Liberdade" (adopted 1996); previously "Esta é a Nossa Pátria bem Amada" (1974–1996).
- **National Motto**: "Paz, Trabalho, Pátria" (Peace, Work, Fatherland).
- **Head of State**: José Maria Neves (since November 9, 2021).
- **Head of Government**: Ulisses Correia e Silva (since April 22, 2016).
- **Highest Point**: Pico do Fogo.
- **Lowest Point**: Pedra de Lume salt ponds (-30 metres).
- **Timezone**: Cape Verde Time (UTC−01:00).
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic.
- **Electricity**: 220 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug and Type L.
- **Emergency Numbers**: 130 (medical), 131 (fire), 132 (police).
- **International Calling Code**: +238.
- **Internet TLD**: .cv.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: CV, Alpha-3: CPV, Numeric: 132.
- **M49 Code**: 132.
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 617.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 625.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: CV.
- **Licence Plate Code**: CV.
- **Demonym**: Cabo Verdean.
- **Literacy Rate**: 87% (2015).
- **Life Expectancy**: 72.798 years (2016).
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.662 (2021).
- **Gini Coefficient**: 42.4 (2015).
- **Nominal GDP**: $2.31 billion (2022).
- **VAT Rate**: 15%.
- **Birth Rate**: 16.686 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Death Rate**: 5.659 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Total Fertility Rate**: 2.303 (2014).
- **Suicide Rate**: 11.3 per 100,000 (2016).
- **Administrative Divisions**: Includes municipalities such as Praia, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, and others.
- **Foundational Text**: Constitution of the Republic of Cape Verde (1992).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as a "free country" by Freedom House.

## FAQs
**What is the political structure and leadership of Cape Verde?**
Cape Verde functions as a parliamentary republic where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The current President is José Maria Neves, who took office in November 2021, while Ulisses Correia e Silva has served as Prime Minister since 2016. The legislative body is the National Assembly of Cape Verde, and the highest judicial authority is the Supremo Tribunal de Justiça.

**Where is Cape Verde located and what are its geographic features?**
The nation is an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa, within the Macaronesia region. It consists of ten islands with a total area of 4,033 square kilometres, featuring a highest point at Pico do Fogo and a lowest point at the Pedra de Lume salt ponds. The country's coordinates are approximately 15.3°N latitude and 23.7°W longitude.

**What languages are spoken and what is the cultural identity of the people?**
The official languages are Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, reflecting the nation's history as a former Portuguese colony. The population, known as Cabo Verdeans, has a mixed heritage resulting from the interaction between Portuguese settlers and West African populations. Traditional foods include Cachupa and bolinhos de mandioca com mel, and the culture is a distinct blend of European and African influences.

**What international organizations is Cape Verde a member of?**
Cape Verde is an active member of numerous global and regional bodies, including the United Nations (since 1975), the African Union, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It also belongs to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the Alliance of Small Island States. Additionally, it is a member of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the Non-Aligned Movement.

**What are the key economic and demographic indicators of the country?**
As of 2022, the nominal GDP was approximately $2.31 billion, with a Gini coefficient of 42.4 indicating moderate income inequality. The population stood at roughly 556,000 in 2020, with a literacy rate of 87% and a life expectancy of nearly 73 years. The economy operates with a VAT rate of 15%, and the currency is the Cape Verdean escudo, managed by the Bank of Cape Verde.

## Why It Matters
Cape Verde matters as a stable democratic beacon in West Africa, consistently ranking as a "free country" with a democracy index score of 7.65 in 2020. Its significance extends beyond its small size as a strategic maritime hub in the Atlantic, serving as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The nation has successfully transitioned from a post-colonial state to a middle-income country with a "Medium" Human Development Index, demonstrating resilience against economic volatility and natural challenges like drought.

The country plays a critical role in regional security and migration management, acting as a key partner for the European Union and the United States in West African affairs. Its membership in the Alliance of Small Island States highlights its leadership in advocating for climate change mitigation, a vital issue for low-lying island nations. Furthermore, Cape Verde's unique cultural synthesis and its status as a Portuguese-speaking nation in Africa make it a vital link in the Lusophone world, fostering diplomatic and economic ties across three continents.

## Notable For
- **Democratic Stability**: Recognized as one of the most stable democracies in Africa, with a high Freedom House rating.
- **Archipelagic State**: One of the few nations in the world composed entirely of islands, specifically ten main islands.
- **Cultural Fusion**: A unique Creole culture blending Portuguese and West African traditions, evident in its music (morna, coladeira) and cuisine.
- **Climate Resilience**: A leader among small island states in advocating for climate action and sustainable development.
- **Lusophone Bridge**: The only African nation where Portuguese is an official language, facilitating unique diplomatic and economic connections.
- **Tourism Growth**: A rapidly developing tourism sector, particularly on islands like Sal and Boa Vista, known for their beaches and water sports.
- **Historical Significance**: A former major hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, now a symbol of post-colonial independence and reconciliation.
- **Strategic Location**: Positioned on major shipping and flight routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- **High Literacy**: Achieved an 87% literacy rate, significantly higher than the regional average for West Africa.
- **Peaceful Transition**: Successfully transitioned from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy in the early 1990s without major conflict.

## Body

### History and Independence
The territory now known as Cape Verde was uninhabited until its discovery by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. It became a crucial hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, with the Portuguese Empire establishing settlements and administrative control starting in 1462. The islands remained a Portuguese colony for centuries, developing a distinct Creole culture through the mixing of European and African populations. The struggle for independence began in the mid-20th century, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). On July 5, 1975, Cape Verde officially declared independence from Portugal, with Aristides Pereira becoming the first President. The country adopted a one-party system initially but transitioned to a multi-party democracy in 1990, adopting a new constitution in 1992.

### Geography and Environment
Cape Verde is an archipelago located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 kilometers west of Senegal. The archipelago consists of ten main islands and several islets, divided into the Barlavento (Windward) and Sotavento (Leeward) groups. The islands are volcanic in origin, with the highest point being Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo, which is also an active volcano. The climate is tropical, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, though rainfall is often scarce and unpredictable. The lowest point is the Pedra de Lume salt ponds, which sit 30 meters below sea level. The country is part of the Macaronesia biogeographic region and is located within the West African sub-region.

### Government and Politics
Cape Verde operates as a parliamentary republic with a constitution adopted in 1992. The President is the head of state, elected by popular vote for a five-year term, while the Prime Minister is the head of government, appointed by the President from the majority party in the National Assembly. The legislative power is vested in the unicameral National Assembly of Cape Verde. The judicial system is independent, with the Supremo Tribunal de Justiça serving as the highest court. The country has maintained a stable multi-party system since 1990, with the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and the Movement for Democracy (MpD) being the two dominant political forces. Cape Verde is classified as a "free country" by Freedom House and has a democracy index score of 7.65 (2020).

### Demographics and Society
The population of Cape Verde was estimated at 555,988 in 2020, with a growth rate that has slowed in recent decades. The society is highly urbanized, with a significant portion of the population living in the capital, Praia. The demographic profile shows a birth rate of 16.686 per 1,000 people and a death rate of 5.659 per 1,000 people as of 2022. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 72.8 years. The literacy rate stands at 87%, reflecting significant investments in education. The population is predominantly of mixed African and European descent, with Cape Verdean Creole being the most widely spoken language, while Portuguese is used for official and formal purposes. The total fertility rate has declined to 2.303 children per woman (2014).

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Cape Verde is a mixed economy with a strong service sector, particularly tourism and telecommunications. The nominal GDP was $2.31 billion in 2022, with a per capita income that has been steadily rising. The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo, which is pegged to the euro. The country has a VAT rate of 15% and an unemployment rate that has fluctuated but remains a challenge. Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system, with speed limits varying by road type. The electrical system operates at 220 volts and 50 Hz, using Europlug and Type L sockets. The Bank of Cape Verde serves as the central bank. The country has made significant strides in developing its ports and airports to support its tourism and trade sectors.

### International Relations and Memberships
Cape Verde maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Portugal, Brazil, the United States, China, and members of the European Union. It is a member of the United Nations since September 16, 1975, and the African Union. The country is also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and the Alliance of Small Island States. Cape Verde has joined various international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Telecommunication Union. The country has signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and is a party to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag of Cape Verde features a blue field with a circle of ten yellow stars, a red and white stripe, and a yellow hammer and sickle symbol, representing the ten islands and the struggle for independence. The national anthem is "Cântico da Liberdade," adopted in 1996. The national motto is "Paz, Trabalho, Pátria" (Peace, Work, Fatherland). The coat of arms features a shield with a map of the islands, surrounded by a wreath and topped with a star. Traditional music genres include morna and coladeira, which have gained international recognition. The cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and African influences, with dishes like Cachupa being a national staple. The country celebrates public holidays such as Independence Day, New Year's Day, Heroes' Day, and Labour Day.

### Administrative Divisions
Cape Verde is divided into 22 municipalities, which are further subdivided into parishes. The municipalities include Praia, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, São Nicolau, Santiago (divided into multiple municipalities), and others. The capital, Praia, is located on the island of Santiago and serves as the political and economic center of the country. Each municipality has its own local government and administrative structure. The country's administrative divisions reflect its island geography, with each island having its own distinct local governance.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Cape Verde uses the .cv top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +238. The country's ISO codes are CV (Alpha-2), CPV (Alpha-3), and 132 (Numeric). The M49 code is 132. The maritime identification digits are 617, and the mobile country code is 625. The aircraft registration prefix is CV, and the licence plate code is CV. The emergency numbers are 130 for medical services, 131 for the fire department, and 132 for the police. The country's timezone is Cape Verde Time (UTC−01:00). The electricity supply is 220 volts at 50 Hz, with plug types including Europlug and Type L. The country is also identified by various international codes, including the UNDP country code CVI and the IOC country code CPV.

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