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WORLD FACTBOOK (US)
Introduction: The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a...
BACKGROUND NOTES (US)
People: The Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered the islands in 1456. Enslaved Africans were brought to the islands to work on Portuguese plantations. They were joined by entrepreneurs and refugees fleeing religious persecution in Europe, leading to a rich cultural and ethnic mix. The influence of African culture is most pronounced on the island of Santiago, where nearly
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COUNTRY PROFILE (UK)
International Relations: Due to the history of the country and the large diaspora, Cape Verde has a wide ranging international outlook. The country benefits from close relations with Portugal, and is actively seeking closer relations with the EU as a whole. Its currency, the Escudo, is pegged to the Euro. On 20 November 2007 the European Union agreed to a Special Partnership arrangement with Cape Verde consisting of co-operation on governance, regional integration and information technology.
The country also looks to the African continent, a relationship underpinned by the historic role of the PAIGC as a guerrilla movement fighting on African ...
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