Cape Verde facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Republic of Cabo Verde República de Cabo Verde  (Portuguese)
Flag Emblem
Motto:  Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso  (Portuguese) (English: "Unity, Work, Progress")
Anthem: Cântico da Liberdade  (Portuguese) (English: "Chant of Freedom")
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Capital and largest city	Praia 14°54′59″N 23°30′34″W / 14.91639°N 23.50944°W / 14.91639; -23.50944
Official languages	Portuguese
Recognized national languages	Cape Verdean Creole
Religion (2021)	81.7% Christianity 72.5% Catholicism 6.8% other Christian 3.6% Protestant 15.6% no religion 1.3% Islam 1.2% others
Demonym(s)	Cape Verdean or Cabo Verdean
Government	Unitary semi-presidential republic
• President	José Maria Neves
• Prime Minister	Francisco Carvalho
Legislature	National Assembly
Independence from Portugal
• Granted	5 July 1975
Area
• Total	4,033 km2 (1,557 sq mi) (166th)
• Water (%)	negligible
Population
• 2021 census	491,233 (172nd)
• Density	130/km2 (336.7/sq mi) (89th)
GDP (PPP)	2023 estimate
• Total	$5.717 billion (170th)
• Per capita	$9,909 (125th)
GDP (nominal)	2023 estimate
• Total	$2.598 billion (181st)
• Per capita	$4,502 (117th)
Gini (2015)	▼ 42.4 medium
HDI (2023)	0.668 medium · 135th
Currency	Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Time zone	UTC−01:00 (CVT)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+238
ISO 3166 code	CV
Internet TLD	.cv

Cape Verde (or VURD-ee or VURD-i), also known by its Portuguese name Cabo Verde, is a beautiful island country. It is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. The country is made up of ten volcanic islands, covering about 4,033 square kilometers (1,557 sq mi). These islands are about 600 to 850 kilometers (370 to 530 miles) west of Cap-Vert, a point on the African mainland. Cape Verde is part of a special group of islands called Macaronesia. This group also includes the Azores, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.

The islands were empty until the 15th century. That's when Portuguese explorers arrived and started one of the first European settlements in the tropics. Its location made it important for trade routes for a long time. Cape Verde became an independent country in 1975. Since the early 1990s, it has been a stable representative democracy. It is now one of Africa's most developed and democratic nations.

Cape Verde doesn't have many natural resources. So, its economy mainly focuses on services, especially tourism and foreign investments. The population is around 530,000 people (as of 2026). This makes it one of the least populated countries in Africa. Most Cape Verdeans have ancestors from West Africa, along with early Portuguese settlers and other groups. Many Cape Verdeans also live in other countries, especially the United States and Portugal. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union.

The official language is Portuguese. However, most people speak Cape Verdean Creole (Crioulo) as their first language. The largest island is Santiago, where the capital city, Praia, is located. Other important islands include São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo, and Sal.

The Name "Cabo Verde"

The country gets its name from the Cap-Vert peninsula on the coast of Senegal. The name Cap-Vert comes from the Portuguese words Cabo Verde. This means 'green cape'. Portuguese explorers gave it this name in 1444, a few years before they found the islands. In English, it was historically called Cape Verde. In 2013, the country asked the United Nations to use only "Cabo Verde" for official purposes.

A Look at Cape Verde's Past

From Discovery to Independence

The Cape Verde islands were formed about 40 to 50 million years ago. They were not inhabited by people until Genoese and Portuguese sailors discovered them around 1456. According to Portuguese records, António de Noli was one of the first to discover the islands. He was later made governor by the Portuguese King. Other explorers like Diogo Dias and Diogo Gomes also helped explore the archipelago.

In 1462, Portuguese settlers arrived on Santiago island. They founded a town called Ribeira Grande. Today, it's known as Cidade Velha ("Old City"). This was the first permanent European settlement in a tropical area.

During the 16th century, the islands became a busy trading center. Ships would stop here to resupply. Sometimes, pirates attacked the Portuguese settlements. For example, the English privateer Francis Drake attacked Ribeira Grande twice in 1585. After a French attack in 1712, the town became less important. Praia became the new capital in 1770.

In the 19th century, changes in global trade led to economic difficulties. However, Cape Verde's location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean made it a perfect stop for ships to refuel. Because of its excellent harbor in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, it grew into an important commercial hub. Famous visitors included Charles Darwin in 1832.

Over time, people in Cape Verde became unhappy with Portuguese rule. They felt their colonial rulers were not investing enough in the islands. In 1951, Portugal changed Cape Verde's status from a colony to an overseas province. This was an attempt to calm the growing desire for independence.

In 1956, Amílcar Cabral and others formed a secret group. It was called the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). They wanted better conditions for Cape Verde and Portuguese Guinea. This group led the movement for independence. The PAIGC started a struggle against Portugal in 1961. This led to a war in Portuguese Guinea.

By 1972, the PAIGC controlled much of Portuguese Guinea. Portuguese Guinea declared independence in 1973. The independence movement for Cape Verde continued. It was led by Luís Cabral after Amílcar Cabral's death in 1973. This led to Cape Verde's independence in 1975.

Becoming an Independent Nation

After a revolution in Portugal in April 1974, the PAIGC became an active political group in Cape Verde. In December 1974, the PAIGC and Portugal agreed to form a temporary government. On June 30, 1975, Cape Verdeans elected a National Assembly. The country officially gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.

As of February 2, 2024, Cape Verde became the third African country to be free of malaria. This was a big achievement for public health.

How Cape Verde is Governed

Government Structure

Cape Verde is a stable representative democracy. This means citizens elect people to represent them in government. It is also a semi-presidential republic. Here, both a president and a prime minister share power. In 2026, it was ranked as one of the most democratic nations in Africa.

The country's basic rules are in its constitution. It was adopted in 1980 and updated several times. The president is the head of state. People vote for the president every five years. The prime minister is the head of government. The prime minister suggests other ministers and secretaries. The National Assembly nominates the prime minister, and the president appoints them. Members of the National Assembly are also elected by popular vote for five-year terms.

The court system includes a Supreme Court of Justice and regional courts. These courts handle different types of cases. Appeals can go to the Supreme Court.

Cape Verde's Place in the World

Former United States President Barack Obama once called Cape Verde "a real success story." The country has achieved many good things. For example, it is recognized for its high Human Development Index and strong Freedom of the Press. It is also known for its low Corruption Perceptions Index.

Cape Verde follows a policy of being friends with all countries. It has good relationships with many nations. These include Angola, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. Many of these countries have embassies in Praia. Cape Verde is very active in international affairs, especially in Africa.

Cape Verde is a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. This group connects nations across four continents where Portuguese is an official language. Cape Verde also works closely with the European Union. Since 2007, it has a "special partnership" with the EU. Its currency, the Cape Verdean escudo, is linked to the euro. In November 2021, Cape Verde opened its first embassy in Nigeria.

Protecting the Islands: The Military

Cape Verde's military includes the National Guard and the Coast Guard. The country spends a small part of its money on its military. After gaining independence, the military's focus shifted. They now work to keep the country safe from illegal activities. For example, in 2007, they worked with the police in "Operation Flying Launch." This operation successfully stopped a group involved in illegal activities.

The Land and Climate of Cape Verde

Island Groups and Landscapes

The Cape Verde archipelago is in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 570 kilometers (354 miles) off the western coast of Africa. Nearby countries include Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. It is part of the Macaronesia region. The country is a group of ten islands and eight smaller islets. Nine of the islands are inhabited. They cover a total area of 4,033 square kilometers (1,557 sq mi).

The islands are divided into two main groups:

• The Barlavento Islands (windward islands): Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
• The Sotavento Islands (leeward islands): Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.

Santiago is the largest island in both size and population. It is home to the capital city, Praia. Islands like Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio are mostly flat, sandy, and dry. The other islands are generally rockier and have more plants.

Volcanoes and Geology

The islands are mostly made of igneous rocks, which come from volcanoes. The oldest rocks found on Maio and Santiago are about 128–131 million years old. The islands were formed by volcanic activity that started millions of years ago.

Today, volcanic activity is mainly on the island of Fogo. Pico do Fogo is the largest active volcano in the region. It erupted in 2014. It has a large crater called a caldera, which is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. The peak of the volcano rises to 2,829 meters (9,281 feet) above sea level.

You can find large salt flats on Sal and Maio islands. On Santiago, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau, dry slopes sometimes have sugarcane fields or banana plantations. These grow at the base of tall mountains.

Weather Patterns

Cape Verde has a milder climate than mainland Africa. This is because the ocean keeps temperatures moderate. Cold Atlantic currents also make the air dry. Average temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) in September.

Cape Verde is in a semi-arid region, meaning it doesn't get much rain. It rains irregularly between August and October, usually with short, heavy downpours. A desert is an area that gets less than 250 mm (10 inches) of rain each year. Sal island, for example, only gets about 145 mm (5.7 inches) of rain. Most of the year's rain falls in September.

Because of the low rainfall, especially in non-mountainous areas, the landscape is very dry. Less than two percent of the land is suitable for farming. However, some islands, like Santiago, have wetter climates in the interior and eastern parts. This allows for more vegetation.

Hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean often start near the Cape Verde Islands. These "Cape Verde hurricanes" can become very strong as they travel over warm ocean waters. They are often the largest and most intense storms of the hurricane season. Since 1851, the islands have been hit by hurricanes twice: in 1892 and by Hurricane Fred in 2015.

Cape Verde is working hard to fight climate change. In 2011, the president of Nauru said Cape Verde was one of the most endangered nations due to flooding. In 2023, the UN Secretary-General visited Cape Verde to talk about climate change. He said the country is on the front lines of this global challenge. Cape Verde is a leader in renewable energy in Africa. Currently, 20% of its energy comes from renewable sources. The goal is to reach 50% by 2030. In 2023, Portugal agreed to forgive some of Cape Verde's debt. In return, Cape Verde will invest in environmental projects.

Unique Plants and Animals

Cape Verde's isolation means the islands have many unique species. These include special birds and reptiles. Many of these animals are endangered because of human development. Unique birds include Alexander's swift and the Raso lark. The islands are also important breeding grounds for seabirds. Reptiles include the Cape Verde giant gecko.

Forests cover about 11% of the total land area. This is about 45,720 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020. This is an increase from 15,380 ha in 1990.

Administrative Divisions

Cape Verde is divided into 22 municipalities (concelhos). These are further divided into 32 parishes (freguesias). These divisions are based on the religious parishes from the colonial period.

Cape Verde's Economy and Tourism

How the Economy Works

Cape Verde has shown amazing economic growth. Living conditions have improved, even though the country doesn't have many natural resources. Many other countries and organizations help Cape Verde with development aid. Since 2007, the UN has called it a developing nation.

Cape Verde has few natural resources. Only five of its ten main islands can support much farming. More than 90% of the food eaten in Cape Verde is imported. Mineral resources include salt, a volcanic rock called pozzolana, and limestone. The country's small wineries make Portuguese-style wines. These wines are becoming popular internationally.

The economy is mostly based on services. This means things like commerce, transport, and public services make up over 70% of the country's income. Even though many people live in rural areas, farming and fishing only contribute about 9% to the economy. Light manufacturing makes up most of the rest. Fish and shellfish are plentiful, and some are exported. Cape Verde has facilities for storing and processing fish. Many Cape Verdeans living abroad send money home. This money adds about 20% to the country's economy.

Despite having few natural resources and being semi-desert, Cape Verde has high living standards. It has attracted thousands of immigrants from different countries.

Since 1991, the government has focused on market-friendly economic policies. This includes welcoming foreign investors and selling state-owned businesses to private companies. Key goals include promoting a market economy, developing tourism, and improving transport and communication. From 1994 to 2000, about $407 million in foreign investments were made or planned. Most of this was for tourism.

In 2011, a wind farm was built on four islands. It supplies about 30% of the country's electricity. Cape Verde aims to get 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The long-term goal is 100% by 2050.

Between 2000 and 2009, the economy grew by over 7% each year. This was faster than most other small island economies. Strong tourism and foreign investments helped this growth. Unemployment has been falling quickly. In 2007, Cape Verde joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 2008, it moved from being a "Least Developed Country" to a "Middle Income Country."

Cape Verde works closely with Portugal on economic matters. Its currency is linked to the euro. In early 2018, the government raised the minimum wage to 13,000 CVE (€118) per month. The European Commission has also provided funds to Cape Verde. These funds help reduce poverty and improve governance.

Growing Tourism

Cape Verde's location is great for air and sea travel. Improvements to Mindelo's harbor and international airports on Sal and Praia have made it even better. New airports were opened in 2007 and 2009. Ship repair facilities were also opened in Mindelo in 1983.

The main ports are Mindelo and Praia. All other islands have smaller port facilities. Besides the international airport on Sal, airports have been built on all inhabited islands. Most of these have regular flights. The archipelago has 3,050 kilometers (1,895 miles) of roads. About 1,010 kilometers (628 miles) are paved, mostly with cobblestones.

People, Languages, and Beliefs

Population and Ancestry

Cape Verde had a population of 491,233 in 2021. A large part of Cape Verdeans (236,000) live on Santiago island. Cape Verdeans are descendants of Africans and Europeans. Some also have Jewish ancestors from North Africa.

The majority of the population are farmers and workers. There is also a significant number of people in small businesses and professions.

Speaking Portuguese and Creole

The official language is Portuguese. It is used in schools, government, newspapers, television, and radio. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is spoken every day. It is the first language for almost all Cape Verdeans. The country's constitution says that Creole should have equal importance with Portuguese. There are many books and writings in Creole.

The different ways Creole is spoken on the islands have made it hard to create one standard version. Some people want two standards: one for the northern islands and one for the southern islands. Manuel Veiga, a linguist and former minister of culture, strongly supports making Creole an official and standardized language.

Faith and Community

Most Cape Verdeans are Christian. This reflects centuries of Portuguese influence. The Catholic Church is the largest religious group, with almost 80% of the population as of 2010. Most other religious groups are Protestant. The evangelical Church of the Nazarene is the second largest. Other groups include the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Assemblies of God. Islam is the largest minority religion. Some Cape Verdeans combine Christian beliefs with traditional African customs.

Cape Verdeans Around the World

Almost twice as many Cape Verdeans live abroad (nearly one million) as in the country itself. People from the islands have moved all over the world. The largest communities are in the United States (500,000) and Portugal (150,000). In the U.S., many live in New England, especially Boston and New Bedford.

Cape Verdeans have been moving to Massachusetts since the 1840s. They first worked in whaling, then in factories and farming. After independence in 1975, more people came. They now have many small businesses. Cape Verdean immigrants have also served in the U.S. military in every major conflict.

Other large communities are in Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Spain, France, Senegal, and Italy.

Over the years, Cape Verde has also become a place where people move to. This is because of its good income, stability, and freedoms. Many migrants come from China and other West African countries. Professionals, business owners, and retirees from Europe and the Americas have also settled there. Over 22,000 foreign-born residents have become citizens.

Staying Healthy

Cape Verde has made great improvements in health. The infant mortality rate for children under 5 is 15 per 1,000 live births (2017 data). Life expectancy at birth is 76.2 years (2017 data). This is 72.2 years for males and 80.2 years for females.

There are six hospitals in Cape Verde. Two are central hospitals in Praia and Mindelo. Four are regional hospitals. There are also 28 health centers and many private clinics.

The population is among the healthiest in Africa. In 2020, Cape Verde was the 11th best-ranked country in Africa for its Human Development Index. The country also has low hunger levels.

Education for All

Cape Verde has one of the best educational systems in Africa. It was ranked 8th by the World Education Forum in 2023. The school system is similar to Portugal's. However, local universities are now adopting the American system. For example, all ten universities offer four-year bachelor's degrees. Primary school is required and free for children aged 6–14.

In 2011, 85% of children were enrolled in primary school. About 91% of people over 15 can read and write. Roughly 25% of the population has a college degree. Textbooks are available to 90% of students. Also, 98% of teachers have received training.

As of October 2016, there were 69 secondary schools and at least 10 universities. In 2015, 23% of the population had attended or graduated from secondary schools. For higher education, 9% of men and 8% of women had a bachelor's degree or attended universities. Cape Verde stands out in West Africa for its quality higher education. As of 2017, one in four young people attended university.

Science and New Ideas

In 2011, Cape Verde spent a small amount of its money on research and development. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture wants to strengthen these areas. They plan to do this through exchange programs and international agreements. Cape Verde is part of a program to move 200,000 academics between 2015 and 2020. In 2025, Cape Verde was ranked 95th in the Global Innovation Index.

In 2015, the government announced a project to build a technology park. It is called TechPark Cabo Verde. Operations began in 2023, and it officially opened in 2025. This project is funded by the African Development Bank and the government. The goal is to attract large international companies. This will help local companies and startups become more competitive.

Cape Verde has a high rate of Internet use. The mobile phone market is also growing. The government has invested in improving technology infrastructure. It has also created initiatives to promote the digital economy. This digital economy can create jobs and improve life quality.

The Rich Culture of Cape Verde

The culture of Cape Verde is a mix of African and European elements. The language and religion come from Europe. However, other parts, like dance and music, are a unique blend of both continents.

Football games and church activities are common ways people socialize and have fun. The traditional walk around the praça (town square) to meet friends is a regular activity in Cape Verdean towns.

Media and Communication

In towns with electricity, television is available on four channels. One is state-owned (RTC – TCV). Three are foreign-owned: RTI Cabo Verde, Record Cabo Verde, and TV CPLP. Other premium channels are also available.

As of early 2023, about 99% of the population owns an active cell phone. 70% have access to the Internet. 11% own a landline telephone, and 2% subscribe to local cable TV.

In 2004, there were seven radio stations. Six were independent, and one was state-owned. Nationwide radio stations include RCV, RCV+, Radio Kriola, and Radio Nova. Local radio stations include Rádio Praia and Praia FM.

The Sound of Cape Verde: Music

Cape Verdean people are known for their musicality. This is seen in popular events like the Carnaval of Mindelo. Cape Verdean music combines "African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences." The national music is the morna. This is a sad and poetic song form, usually sung in Cape Verdean Creole.

The most popular music genre after morna is the coladeira. This is followed by funaná and batuque music. Cesária Évora was the most famous Cape Verdean singer in the world. She was known as the "barefoot diva" because she liked to perform without shoes. She was also called "The Queen of Morna." Other famous singers include Sara Tavares, Lura, and Mayra Andrade.

Dancing in the Islands

The most popular dance is funaná. It started on Santiago island. People dance it alone or in pairs with fast knee movements and a lively rhythm. Another popular dance is coladeira. This is a slower dance that started on São Vicente. Batuque also started on Santiago. It involves a lot of hip movement and percussion. Zouk and Kizomba are newer popular dances from other countries.

Stories and Books

Cape Verdean literature is one of the richest in Portuguese-speaking Africa. Famous poets include Paulino Vieira and Eugénio Tavares. Well-known authors include Baltasar Lopes da Silva and Manuel Lopes. The first novel written by a woman from Cape Verde was A Louca de Serrano by Dina Salústio.

Movies from Cape Verde

The carnival and the island of São Vicente were shown in the 2015 documentary Tchindas. This film was nominated for an award. The 2023 French film Ama Gloria was also filmed there.

Delicious Island Food

Cape Verdean cuisine mainly uses fish and staple foods like corn and rice. Vegetables available most of the year include potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and dried beans. Fruits like bananas and papayas are available year-round. Mangoes and avocados are seasonal.

A popular dish is cachupa. This is a slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, and fish or meat. A common appetizer is the pastel. This is a pastry shell filled with fish or meat, then fried.

Sports and Fun

The Cape Verde men's national handball team is very successful. They won a silver medal in 2022 and a bronze medal in 2026 at the African Men's Handball Championship. They have also played in the IHF World Men's Handball Championship since 2019.

Cape Verde is famous for wave sailing and kiteboarding. Josh Angulo, a world champion, has helped promote the islands for windsurfing. Mitu Monteiro, a local kite-surfer, was the 2008 Kite Surfing World Champion.

The Cape Verde national football team, nicknamed the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), is the national team of Cape Verde and is controlled by the Cape Verdean Football Federation. The team has played at four Africa Cup of Nations, in 2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023, and they participated in their first FIFA World Cup in 2026, earning a goalless draw in their opening game against Spain and a 2-2 tie in their second match against Uruguay. Their third match against Saudi Arabia ending 0-0, secured them as runners-up in the group and made them the first World Cup debutant since 2010 to reach the knockout stage. The women's national football team also achieved qualification to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time at the tournament's 2026 edition.

Cape Verde has competed in every Summer Olympics since 1996. In 2024, Daniel Varela de Pina won a bronze medal in boxing, the country's first Olympic medal. In 2016, Gracelino Barbosa won the first Paralympic medal for Cape Verde.

Getting Around Cape Verde

Island Ports

There are four international ports: Mindelo, Praia, Palmeira, and Sal Rei. Mindelo on São Vicente is the main port for cruise ships. It is also where the ferry service to Santo Antão starts. Praia on Santiago is the main hub for local ferry services to other islands. Palmeira on Sal supplies fuel for the main airport. It is also important for hotel construction on the island. Porto Novo on Santo Antão is the only source for imports and exports. It also handles passenger traffic.

There are smaller harbors, mostly single jetties. These are at Tarrafal on São Nicolau, Sal Rei on Boa Vista, Vila do Maio on Maio, São Filipe on Fogo, and Furna on Brava. These serve as terminals for inter-island ferry services. These ferries carry both goods and people.

Flying to and from Cape Verde

As of 2014, there were seven operational airports. Four were international, and three were domestic. Two others were not working.

Because of its location, transatlantic airplanes often fly over Cape Verde. It is part of the usual air traffic route from Europe to South America. This route goes from southern Portugal, through the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, to northern Brazil.

International Airports

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal Island
• Nelson Mandela International Airport, Santiago Island
• Aristides Pereira International Airport, Boa Vista Island
• Cesária Évora Airport, São Vicente Island

Drones for Delivery

Small unmanned flying drones were being tested in 2021. They could carry up to 5 kg. These drones were used for tasks like delivering medicines between the islands.

National Symbols

• National Flag: Flag of Cape Verde

  

• Coat of Arms: Coat of Arms of Cape Verde

  

• Anthem: Cântico da Liberdade (Song of Freedom)
• Motto: Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso (Unity, Work, Progress)

See also

In Spanish: Cabo Verde para niños

• Outline of Cape Verde
• Islands of Macaronesia
  • Azores
  • Madeira
  • Canary Islands