Facts for Kids

Cape Verde is a beautiful group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers (360 miles) west of Africa! 🌍

The country consists of 10 main islands and several small ones. The largest island is Santiago, and the capital city is Praia. Cape Verde is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant music, and friendly people. The islands enjoy warm weather all year round, making them a fun place to visit! Cape Verdeans, known as Cape Verdeans or Cabo Verdeans, mainly speak Portuguese and Creole.

Cape Verdean cuisine is tasty and diverse! 🍽

️ One popular dish is "Cachupa," a stew made with corn, beans, potatoes, and meat or fish. Each island has unique local flavors, often using spices and fresh seafood. Another favorite treat is "Pastel de Milho," which is a corn pastry. Cape Verdeans love to enjoy meals together, celebrating their culture and family ties through food! 🍛

Cape Verde has a diverse culture that blends African and Portuguese influences. 🎶

Music is an important part of life, with styles like Morna and Coladeira making people dance and sing. Famous musician Cesária Évora brought Cape Verdean music to the world! Many Cape Verdeans enjoy colorful festivals with dancing, food, and traditional clothing. Cape Verdeans are known for their kindness and hospitality too! 🤗

The economy of Cape Verde is mostly based on tourism and agriculture. 🏖

️ Many visitors come to enjoy the islands' beaches, which helps create jobs for the locals. The main crops grown are corn, beans, and sugarcane. Because Cape Verde has limited resources, it relies on other countries for many goods. Fishing also plays an important role in the economy, providing food and jobs.

Cape Verde was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1460. 🇵🇹 They found the islands uninhabited, and soon they became a important stop for ships traveling to Africa and the Americas. Cape Verde was involved in the Atlantic slave trade, which was very sad. In 1975, Cape Verde became independent from Portugal after fighting for freedom. It's a proud nation with a rich history!

Tourism is a big part of Cape Verde's economy, with many people visiting for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. 🏝

️ The islands offer fun activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking. In Sal, you can find white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, while Santo Antão is great for hiking and exploring dramatic landscapes. There are also cultural experiences, such as trying local food and attending lively music festivals.

Education is very important in Cape Verde! 📚

Children are required to go to school from ages 6 to 14. The government provides free education, and the official language of instruction is Portuguese. Schools are found on all the islands, and many students learn about science, math, and history. There are also universities in the capital, Praia, promoting higher education for young Cape Verdeans.

Cape Verde is an archipelago made up of volcanic islands. 🌋

The islands include Santiago, São Vicente, Santa Antão, and Sal, among others. The highest peak is Mount Fogo, which is about 2,829 meters (9,281 feet) tall! The islands have both rugged mountains and sandy beaches. The ocean around them is home to many colorful fish and sea turtles. 🌊

Cape Verde gets a bit of rain, mostly in August and September, but it mainly enjoys sunny days.

Cape Verde is home to many unique plants and animals! 🌺

Due to its volcanic origins, some species can only be found on these islands. Visitors might see giant land tortoises and various colorful birds, like the Cape Verde swallow. The waters around Cape Verde are rich in fish, dolphins, and even whales! 🐳

Conservation is important, as some species are rare and need protection from pollution and overfishing.

Cape Verde is a democratic country. 🗳

️ It has a president and a national assembly, and citizens can vote to choose their leaders. The current president is José Maria Neves, who took office in 2021. Cape Verdean democracy is known for being stable and peaceful. The country strives for equality and human rights, allowing people to express their ideas freely.