Country Information on Cape Verde 

Terrain

The islands are of volcanic origin and mainly consist of basalt and phonolite. Sal, Boa Vista and Maio, the islands nearest to Africa, are relatively low lying, at a maximum of 400 m above sea level and are partly covered by sand dunes. The western islands are more mountainous with steep drops into the sea. The various ranges of mountains are separated by deep steep valleys. Fogo island has the archipelago's highest peak and only volcano, Pico do Cano (2,829 m). Its last eruptions were in 1951 and 1995.

Climate

The climate of the islands is for much of the year characterised by the dry north-east trade wind which frequently causes dry periods that last for months. The rainy season lasts from the end of July to the beginning of November, when the warm, humid air masses of the south-west monsoon reach the islands.

Given the erratic nature of the rainfall, there can be several dry years in a row. In keeping with its position in the tropics, monthly temperatures are high throughout the year and reach around 22°C in February and around 27°C in September.

Fauna/Flora

The islands' original vegetation has largely been destroyed by agriculture. Agricultural expansion has turned some regions into desert. The islands' flora mainly consists of plants adapted to dry habitats: thorn bushes cover large areas, as do aloe plants which are adapted to these conditions with their thick leaves that are able to store water. Dragon trees and others that can survive the dry weather are also found. Ancient forests are being reforested with Eucalyptus and acacia trees. The islands' animal population, with the exception of birds and fish, only consists of a small variety of species. Rodents, lizards, geckos and wild goats are commonly found.

History/Politics

Although no one lived on the islands when the first Europeans reached them in 1456, Senegalese fishermen already knew about the islands. The Portuguese claimed the archipelago in 1460 and began to settle there soon afterwards. The islands were used as a port of call for ships transporting slaves to America.

The islands were declared a possession of the Portuguese Crown in 1495 and slaves were brought from Africa to work in agriculture. Due to the islands' good living conditions, they soon became a favourite target for pirates and freebooters from different countries, who attacked again and again over the centuries.

When the slave trade was abolished in 1876, the importance of the Cape Verde islands dwindled. Like other Portuguese land in Africa, from 1951 onwards the islands ceased being colonies and became overseas territories. Unlike other former colonies, Cape Verde was not particularly interested in becoming independent until the seventies.

The archipelago was granted the right to self-determination in 1974 and the country became independent on 5 July 1975. Cape Verde's first president Aristides Pereira turned the country into a one-party state that was neutral as regarded foreign affairs but was heavily dependent on foreign aid. In 1990 reforms were introduced, such as the establishment of a multiparty system which paved the way for the country's first presidential elections in 1991, which were won by Antonio Mascarenhas.

He was re-elected in 1996 and was succeeded by Pedro Pires in 2001. Recent years have been characterised by efforts to establish a market economy in the country, by de-centralising and privatising the state sector. In 2004, the Minister of Finance promised to push through reforms on the administration of the government to speed up privatisation.

Economy

Agriculture and fishing are the most important sectors of Cape Verde's economy. Maize, beans, cassava, coffee, sugar cane and bananas are the country's most important agricultural products. Despite intensive measures to support the agrarian sector over the last few decades, productivity is still low due to a shortage of water and soil erosion. Great pains are being taken to minimise erosion: reforestation is being promoted and cultivation on terraced hillsides has increased.

Mining is not very important, since the islands are not rich in minerals. The most important mining is for volcanic tuff, sea salt, lime, and kaolin. Established industries include sugar refineries, companies that process fish and tobacco, and distilleries.

Fish products account for more than 50% of exports. Food, machinery, vehicles and chemical products are the main items that Cape Verde imports. It has a large trade deficit. In 2003, the inflation rate was 1.2% and unemployment reached 21%.

Culture

Cape Verde's public holidays are New Year's Day, National Heroes' Day (20 January), Women's Day (8 March), Labour Day (1 May), Children's Day (1 June), Independence Day (5 July), All Saints Day (1 November), and Christmas (25 December). Some regions, where carnival celebrations play a major role, have additional holidays in February. National Heroes' Day is dedicated to the remembrance of Amilcar Cabrals and other war heroes.

Independence Day is only celebrated officially every five years. Cape Verde is home to a variety of musical styles. One of the most popular is the "funana" which is played to the accompaniment of foot stomping. Other important styles of music are the "morna", the traditional national song and "coladeira" which is danced to a fast rhythm. The country's most famous musician is Cesaria Evora.