Cape Verde: Various travel information Arrival and travel on and between the islands With a few exceptions, tourists come to Cape Verde (Cape Verde) by…
Tag: Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, boasts a unique history shaped by its strategic location as a crossroads for trade and colonization. Discovered and uninhabited until the 15th century, Portuguese explorers established settlements on the islands, introducing agriculture and bringing enslaved Africans to work the land. Over the centuries, Cape Verde evolved as a crucial stopover for transatlantic slave trade and commerce. By the 20th century, Cape Verde was an important hub for shipping and a center of education and political activism. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, and its first president, Aristides Pereira, spearheaded a socialist government. The nation transitioned to a multiparty democracy in 1990, embracing economic liberalization. Cape Verde has experienced notable progress in economic development, political stability, and social indicators, earning a reputation as one of Africa’s success stories. The archipelago’s diverse culture, influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions, is reflected in its music, particularly the melancholic morna genre popularized by the legendary Cesária Évora. While Cape Verde has navigated the challenges of economic diversification, water scarcity, and emigration, it remains a shining example of resilience and self-determination in the Atlantic Ocean, epitomizing the capacity of a small nation to overcome historical legacies and chart its course toward prosperity and international recognition.