Political Overview

The Republic of Cabo Verde is a stable multiparty democracy with a directly elected president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government Following independence from Portugal in 1975, the country was governed by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) as a one-party state until the Movement for Democracy (MpD) won the first multiparty elections in 1991 Legislative authority is vested in a unicameral National Assembly of 72 members, while an independent judiciary underpins Cabo Verde’s reputation for political stability and rule of law in the region

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Cabo Verdean culture is a vivid fusion of five centuries of Portuguese colonial heritage and indigenous African traditions, evident in music, dance, literature, and religious practices  Portuguese is the official language, but Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) serves as the mother tongue for most inhabitants and is a key marker of national identity  The islands boast several UNESCO World Heritage sites most notably the historic centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha) and maintain vibrant intangible heritage through morna and coladeira music, traditional festivals, and Creole gastronomy

Geographical Landscape and Climate

Cabo Verde is an archipelago of ten major volcanic islands and several islets located about 570 km off the coast of Senegal in the central Atlantic Ocean.  The terrain is dominated by rugged mountains and volcanic peaks, with flat, arid plains and salt flats on the leeward sides; fertile valleys (ribeiras) cut through the higher elevations The climate is generally hot and dry, characterized by a short rainy season from August to October and influenced by the northeast trade winds and the Sahara’s Harmattan, resulting in low annual rainfall and semi-desert conditions across most islands.