Cape Verde Location : Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal
Capital City : Praia
Curreny : Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Languages Spoken : Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Climate : temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic
National Holiday : Independence Day, 5 July (1975)
Background Information
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Independence was achieved in 1975.
Geographical Note
strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site
Economy
Cape Verde suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 70% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GDP in 2001 was only 11%, of which fishing accounts for 1.5%. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid and remittances from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Economic reforms, launched by the new democratic government in 1991, are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects for 2002 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program.
Religions
Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)
Ports : Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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