10 fun and interesting Cape Verde facts

1. A Small Island Nation Off the Coast of West Africa

The Republic of Cape Verde is a small island nation located off the coast of West Africa. It is made up of 10 islands and 5 islets, and is the westernmost African country. The official language is Portuguese, and the official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. The escudo is divided into 100 centavos, and is available in coins and banknotes. The escudo is pegged to the euro at a rate of 1 euro = 110.265 escudos.

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2. 10 Islands That Form a Stunning Horse-Shoe Shape

The archipelago of Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands that form a stunning horse-shoe shape, covering a total area of 4,033 square kilometers. These islands are a paradise for nature lovers, boasting a variety of landscapes from lush green hills to white sandy beaches. With its unique geography, Cape Verde is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

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3. Santiago is Capital and Largest Island

Cape Verde's largest island, Santiago, is home to the country's capital city, Praia. With an area of 991 square kilometers, Santiago is the largest island in Cape Verde both in terms of area and population. It is home to over half of the country's population, making it the most populous island in the archipelago.

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4. Independence Day in Cape Verde

On the 5th of July, 1975, Cape Verde achieved a momentous milestone in its history when it gained independence from Portugal after centuries of colonial rule. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the nation, as it was now free to pursue its own destiny and develop its own unique culture and identity. The independence of Cape Verde has been celebrated ever since, with the nation now having its own government, currency, and national anthem. It is a proud reminder of the strength and resilience of the Cape Verdean people, and a testament to their determination to be free.

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5. A Nation of Diversity

Cape Verde is a nation of diverse ethnicities, with Creole (mulatto) people making up the majority at 71%, African people making up 28%, and European people making up the remaining 1%. This mix of cultures has created a unique and vibrant atmosphere in the country, with a variety of languages, customs, and traditions.

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6. A Creole Melting Pot

Cape Verde is a fascinating country with a unique Creole culture that has been shaped by influences from Portugal, Brazil, and Senegal. Portuguese and Criuolo are the two languages spoken in Cape Verde, and the country's culture has been further enriched by the musical vibes of Senegal. This has resulted in a truly exotic culture that is unlike any other in the world.

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7. A Sunny Getaway

Cape Verde is a beautiful island nation located off the coast of West Africa. It has a temperate climate, with warm, dry summers and very little precipitation throughout the year. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a sunny getaway, as temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F). The lack of rain also means that the island is lush and green, with plenty of vegetation and wildlife to explore.

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8. Explore 10 Volcanic Isles Await!

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. The highest point in the archipelago is Mount Fogo, a volcano reaching an impressive 2,829 meters in height. At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level. This range of elevations makes Cape Verde a unique and interesting destination for travelers.

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9. A Country with a Unique Religious Culture

Cape Verde is a country with a unique religious culture, where Roman Catholicism is the main religion, but it is infused with indigenous beliefs and Protestantism. This has resulted in a high literacy rate of 77%, which is higher than the global average. This is likely due to the emphasis placed on education by the country's religious culture.

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10. A Success Story Without Natural Resources

Cape Verde is an African nation that has achieved remarkable growth and stability despite its lack of natural resources. This is a testament to the country's strong economic policies and its commitment to developing its human capital. Over the years, the country has seen a steady increase in its GDP, a reduction in poverty, and an improvement in its overall quality of life. This has been achieved through investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and private sector development. As a result, Cape Verde has become a model for other African nations looking to achieve similar levels of success.