Tortuga Beach Resort

Geography
The Republic of Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa, consists of a group of ten islands and five islets.

The islands of Cape Verde are divided into two groups: Boa Vista, Sal, Santo Antao, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, and Sao Vicente (Windward group), and Brava, Fogo, Maio, and Santiago (Leeward group).

Praia, on Santiago Island, is the capital. Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente is the second largest city.

The terrain of the islands ranges from dry plains to active volcanoes.

The climate of Cape Verde is temperate.

Environment
Cape Verde has limited fresh water resources and is prone to drought. Soil erosion is a problem. Trees and plants adapted to dry conditions are used for reforestation programmes.

Wildlife includes geckos, green monkeys and wild goats. Some of the islets are nature reserves and important habitats for seabirds.

Cape Verde is also a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Big game fish and humpback whales are found in the surrounding sea.

Architecture
Portuguese Colonial architecture can be seen in a number of towns on the islands. Mindelo is especially known for its historic buildings.

Today, modern structures are increasingly used to house urban populations.

Population
The population of Cape Verde was estimated at 423,613 in 2007.

Languages
Portuguese is the official language. Most of the people speak Crioulo, or Creole, an African/Portuguese dialect.

Religion
The majority of the people are Roman Catholic; there are a small percentage of Protestants.

Food
Maize is a staple food in Cape Verde. Rice is also eaten. A stew of beans, vegetables and meat is the national dish.

Fish, such as tuna, is an important part of the Cape Verdean diet.

Vegetables cultivated are aubergines, carrots, cassava (manioc), cucumbers, onions, peppers, green beans, squash and sweet potatoes.

Fruits available include bananas, mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and strawberries.

Coffee is grown. Local alcoholic drinks, such as wine and sugar cane rum, are produced.

History
The islands of Cape Verde were uninhabited when they were discovered by the Portuguese in 1456. By the end of the century Cape Verde was a possession of the Portuguese Crown.

The status of the islands changed from colony to overseas province in 1951. Cape Verde achieved independence in 1975.

Economy
Cape Verde suffers a shortage of water supplies, aggravated by cycles of drought. In 2002 it was necessary for the government to seek international food aid.

The majority of the people live in rural areas but agriculture only provides around twelve percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agricultural products are bananas, beans, maize, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee and peanuts (groundnuts). Small quantities of fish and shellfish are exported.

Industry accounts for around twenty percent of the GDP. Industries include ship repair, construction, salt mining, clothing, shoes, fish processing, food and beverages.

The majority of the GDP is earned from the services sector. Tourism is a potential area for growth.

Money remitted from Cape Verdeans working abroad is an important source of foreign exchange. (2006)

Arts
Cape Verdean music evolved from Portuguese and African music.

The singer, Cesaria Evora, born on Sao Vicente, has done much to bring the music of Cape Verde to the attention of an international audience.

Cultural institutions in Cape Verde include The Performing Arts Center, also known as the National Auditorium.

Sport
Football is a very popular sport in Cape Verde. Other team sports played are basketball and volleyball.

Water sports available are snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Big game fish are marlin, sailfish and shark.

Holidays
All religious festivals and saints' days are celebrated. Independence Day is 5 July (1975 - from Portugal).

National Heroes' Day on 20 January commemorates freedom fighters like Amilcar Cabral (1924-1973).