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Cabo Verde
Africa
An island nation off West Africa, Cabo Verde is known for its Creole Portuguese-African culture, music, and growing tourism industry.
600,000
Population
4,033
Area (km²)
Praia
Capital
19
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
19 Events
September 19, 2025 - Ongoing cultural agenda includes exhibitions and music festivals tied to independence themes.
September 13, 2025 - Diaspora event in Martha's Vineyard, USA, celebrates the 50th independence anniversary with cultural performances, food, and tributes to resistance figures.
August 12, 2025 - Flash floods triggered by heavy rains affect multiple islands, prompting humanitarian response from IFRC and local authorities.
July 05, 2025 - Nationwide celebrations mark the 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, with events across islands emphasizing stability, freedom, and Amílcar Cabral's legacy; diaspora communities worldwide join commemorations.
April 06, 2025 - The Kriol Jazz Festival begins in Praia, celebrating Creole music with international performers and reinforcing Cape Verde's cultural heritage.
March 13, 2025 - Multiple international watersports events converge on Sal Island, including the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup, GWA Wingfoil World Cup, and SFT Surf Foil World Cup, drawing global athletes and promoting eco-tourism.
December 31, 2024 - Economy grows 7.3%, fueled by tourism surge and services sector expansion.
August 04, 2024 - Boxer Daniel Varela de Pina wins bronze in the men's flyweight division at the Paris Olympics, earning Cape Verde its first-ever Olympic medal.
August 01, 2024 - A migrant boat from Senegal capsizes off Cape Verde's coast, killing over 60 people; 38 survivors are repatriated, highlighting migration risks.
July 26, 2024 - Cape Verde participates in the Paris Summer Olympics, sending athletes in boxing, athletics, swimming, and taekwondo.
February 16, 2024 - The GWA Wingfoil World Cup takes place on Sal Island, attracting international competitors and boosting watersports tourism.
February 05, 2024 - Cape Verde hosts the Baseball5 African Championship in Praia; Tunisia wins gold, South Africa silver, and Cape Verde bronze.
February 02, 2024 - Cape Verde is certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization, becoming the third African nation to achieve this milestone.
January 01, 2024 - Cape Verde formally accepts the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, committing to sustainable ocean resource management.
December 31, 2023 - Gender-based violence and discrimination against women remain significant issues, as noted in U.S. State Department reports.
December 31, 2023 - Tourism reaches a historic high with over 1 million visitors, driven by improved air connectivity and post-pandemic recovery.
August 28, 2023 - Cape Verde secures a victory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking a historic achievement for African basketball alongside South Sudan.
January 19, 2023 - Stopover dates announced for The Ocean Race 2022-23, positioning Cape Verde as a key Atlantic stop.
January 04, 2023 - Preview for The Ocean Race 2023 is released, highlighting Cape Verde's role in the global sailing event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabo Verde
100 Questions
Cabo Verde is an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 km off the coast of West Africa.
The capital is Praia, on Santiago Island.
Around 600,000 people as of 2025 estimates.
Portuguese (official) and Cape Verdean Creole (widely spoken).
Dry, tropical, with warm temperatures and little rainfall.
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).
Blue with a circle of 10 yellow stars and horizontal stripes of white and red.
Praia, Mindelo, Santa Maria, Assomada, and Espargos.
On July 5, 1975, from Portugal.
Aristides Pereira.
José Maria Neves (as of 2025).
A unitary parliamentary republic.
Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, Fogo, Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Maio, Brava, and Santa Luzia (uninhabited).
Santiago Island.
Mount Pico do Fogo (2,829 m), an active volcano.
Christianity, mainly Roman Catholic.
Around $3 billion in 2025 estimates.
Around $5,000, higher than most West African countries.
Around 87%.
About 73 years.
About 2.3 children per woman.
About 50% under 25 years old.
Fish, fuel re-exports, clothing, and footwear.
Food, fuel, machinery, and manufactured goods.
Limited; mainly fish, salt, basalt, and pozzolana.
It is the country’s largest source of income.
Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, and São Vicente.
Tourism, beaches, and the Pedra de Lume salt crater.
Beaches, sand dunes, and turtle nesting.
Its active volcano, Pico do Fogo.
As Cabo Verde’s cultural capital and home of Carnival.
Morna, coladeira, and funaná.
A world-renowned Cabo Verdean singer, known as the “Barefoot Diva.”
A traditional music style expressing longing and nostalgia, often sung in Creole.
Corn, beans, fish, rice, and cassava.
Cabo Verde’s national dish, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, vegetables, and meat or fish.
A strong local rum made from sugarcane.
Football, basketball, and athletics.
Yes, including reaching the quarterfinals in 2013.
Not yet.
TACV (Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde).
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia).
Around 65% of the population.
Very high, over 100% penetration (many have multiple SIMs).
Around 12–15%, with youth unemployment higher.
Moderate, tied to tourism and imports.
Large communities in the U.S. (especially New England), Portugal, Netherlands, and France.
Very important, sending large remittances.
About 85%.
About 90%.
About 67%, with Praia the largest city.
Focused on fishing and small-scale farming.
“Cântico da Liberdade” (“Chant of Freedom”).
“Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso” (“Unity, Work, Progress”).
The Bougainvillea.
The Grey-headed Kingfisher (locally known species).
University of Cabo Verde, Jean Piaget University.
Improved, but dependent on aid and diaspora support.
Malaria (limited to some islands), dengue fever, and waterborne diseases.
Low compared to Africa, around 16 deaths per 1,000 births.
A major cultural festival, especially in Mindelo.
Celebrates Cabo Verde’s musical heritage.
Morna dance, coladeira, funaná, and batuque.
Textiles, pottery, and basket weaving.
They are active in education, politics, and trade.
Above 95%, much higher than older generations.
Stable democracy with peaceful transfers of power.
One of the most democratic and stable countries.
Moderate, linked to tourism cycles.
It is pegged to the euro.
Strong historical, economic, and cultural ties.
Close partnership in trade, migration, and development.
Large diaspora and cooperation in security.
Infrastructure investments, including stadiums and government buildings.
A key source of food and exports.
Limited due to poor soil and low rainfall.
Growing rapidly, with goals for 100% renewable electricity.
Dependence on tourism and remittances.
Drought and desertification.
Managing migration to cities like Praia and Mindelo.
Many Cape Verdeans emigrated due to drought and famine.
A devastating famine that killed tens of thousands and spurred emigration.
A blend of African and Portuguese traditions.
Central for fishing, trade, and identity.
The Blue Sharks (Tubaroes Azuis).
Yes, including 2013 and 2021.
Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, and other footballers.
Growing sport, with international players like Walter Tavares.
Rural literacy gaps.
Declining steadily.
About 150 people per km², concentrated on Santiago.
Brava.
Santa Luzia.
Mount Fogo is active, last erupted in 2014–2015.
It is a member, though less integrated than mainland states.
Active participant in development and diplomacy.
Much lower than youth, especially in rural women.
A Creole nation bridging Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Promising, with focus on tourism, renewable energy, and diaspora support.
It is one of the most stable democracies, a cultural hub, and a bridge between Africa and the wider world.