Map of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
The Republic of Cape Verde ('República de Cabo Verde') was first settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and soon became a center for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Initially considered as part of Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau), it became a separate colony in 1879. Cape Verde achieved independence on 5 July 1975 under the one-party state ruled by the Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (PAIGC, African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) and President Aristides Maria Pereira.
Multi-party democracy was achieved in 1990.
There are ten major islands and five islets making up the archipelago of Cape Verde, located roughly 450 km (300 miles) off the west coast of Africa. They are divided into the windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. They are volcanic in origin, with Fogo being particularly active. The three islands to the east, Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio, are relatively flat and dry (and known for salt deposits).
Multi-party democracy was achieved in 1990.
There are ten major islands and five islets making up the archipelago of Cape Verde, located roughly 450 km (300 miles) off the west coast of Africa. They are divided into the windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. They are volcanic in origin, with Fogo being particularly active. The three islands to the east, Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio, are relatively flat and dry (and known for salt deposits).
