Facts for Kids

Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, is a special country in the Atlantic Ocean 🌊! It consists of ten beautiful islands, known for their volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. The islands are located about 570 kilometers from the coast of West Africa, right in the middle of the ocean! 🌍

Cape Verde’s main islands are Santiago, São Vicente, and Sal. The country has a population of around 550,000 people. People love visiting for its warm weather and colorful culture. Cape Verde's capital is Praia, located on Santiago Island, where you can find markets and music 🎶!

On the islands of Cape Verde, you can find some unique plants and animals! 🌱

While the islands are mostly dry, you can see cacti, palm trees, and bright flowers growing around. Some native plants, like the “sophora,” are only found in Cape Verde! 🌼

The islands are home to various birds, including the colorful Cape Verde swallow 🐦. Keep an eye out for animals like the desert-dwelling Cape Verdean lizard. The ocean is full of life too, with dolphins, turtles, and many fish swimming around.

Music is a huge part of life in Cape Verde! 🎶

The islands are known for styles like "morna," which is a mix of African and Portuguese sounds. The famous singer Cesária Évora popularized this music, which tells stories of love and longing. Another energetic dance style is “coladeira,” where people dance to lively rhythms while clapping their hands! 🥳

From traditional songs to modern beats, music brings everyone together and is celebrated at many festivals across the islands. Cape Verdeans also enjoy playing instruments like drums, guitars, and flutes.

Cape Verde has a rich history! It was discovered in 1460 by Portuguese explorers ☠️. The islands became important for trade and slavery, affecting many people. Today, Cape Verdean culture is a mix of African and Portuguese traditions 🇵🇹! People celebrate with colorful festivals, lively music, and dancing. One famous festival is the Carnival, where people dress up in bright costumes 🌈 and dance through the streets. Famous singer Cesária Évora helped bring Cape Verdean music to the world, making the island's fun sounds popular.

Cape Verde's economy mainly depends on tourism🌴, fishing, and agriculture. Many people visit to enjoy the sun, sand, and warm waters 🌊. Cape Verde is also known for growing crops like corn, beans, and sugarcane. The country has no natural resources like oil; instead, it focuses on getting money from holiday-makers and helping local businesses thrive 🍍. Fishing is also very important, with delicious catches like tuna and lobster🐟! The economy is growing, and Cape Verde is working hard to improve life for its people.

Cape Verde has a variety of landscapes. The islands are volcanic, which means they were formed by lava from underground 🔥. Some islands, like Fogo, have tall volcanoes, while others, like Sal, are flat and sandy 🏖️. Cape Verde has a warm climate 🌞, with temperatures usually between 23°C and 30°C. The rainy season is from July to September, but most of the year, it’s dry. Cape Verde only gets about 250 millimeters of rain annually, making it a perfect place for sunny beach days!

In Cape Verde, people mostly speak Portuguese as the official language 🇵🇹. However, many Capetians also speak “Kriolu,” a creole language that mixes African languages and Portuguese! This makes communication unique and fun! Schools are important here, and children learn subjects like math, science, and history. Education in Cape Verde is free for children, and many desire to learn and improve their lives! 🎒

The government encourages everyone to go to school so that future generations can build a better country for all.

Cape Verde is a fantastic holiday spot! 🌞

Tourists love visiting the beautiful beaches like Santa Maria on Sal Island, where they can swim, sunbathe, and try water sports 🏄‍♂️. You might also want to climb the volcano on Fogo Island to see its magnificent crater! 🌋

In addition, you can visit the charming markets in Mindelo on São Vicente Island to experience the local culture. Cape Verde is also famous for its music and dance festivals. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, Cape Verde has something for everyone! 🎉

Cape Verdean food is delicious and full of flavors! 🍲

One popular dish is “catchupa,” a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and meat or fish. It’s a must-try! Another favorite is “pastel com diabo dentro,” which is a spicy stuffed pastry 🥟. Cape Verdeans also enjoy fresh seafood, especially fish like tuna and lobster. Yum! They often eat rice along with their meals. For a sweet treat, try “pudim,” a tasty dessert made from eggs and sugar 🍮. The food in Cape Verde reflects its rich culture and history!

Cape Verde is a democratic country! 🇰🇷 This means that the people get to vote for their leaders. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is in charge of the government. Cape Verde has its own Constitution that protects people's rights. The National Assembly is like a big team where representatives debate and make important decisions for the country 🏛️. Cape Verde has made great progress in democracy since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. It’s a proud nation that values freedom and equality for everyone!