Cape Verde Holiday Hotels and Residencials

Cape Verde

OFFICIAL NAME:
Republic of Cape Verde

Geography
Area: 4,033 sq. km. (1,557 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Rhode Island.
Cities: Capital--Praia (pop. 106,052). Other city--Mindelo (pop. 67,844).
Terrain: Rugged volcanic islands.
Climate: Dry, temperate.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Cape Verdean(s).
Population (2005): 507,000.
Annual growth rate (2001): 2.9%.
Ethnic groups: Creole (mixed African and Portuguese), African, European.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant.
Languages: Portuguese (official); Crioulo (national).
Education: Literacy (2004)--76%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2001)--37/1,000. Life expectancy (2004)--70 yrs.

Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: July 5, 1975.
Constitution: 1982; revised 1992, 1995, and 1999.
Branches: Executive--president (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers. Legislative--National Assembly. Judicial--Supreme Court, lower courts.
Administrative subdivisions: 17 administrative districts.
Political parties: African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV); Movement for Democracy (MPD); Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD); Party for Democratic Renovation (PRD); Party for Labor and Solidarity (PTS); Social Democratic Party (PSD).
Suffrage: Universal over 18.

Economy
GDP (2004): $983 million.
GDP per capita (2004): $2,091.
Annual real GDP growth rate (2005): 6.6%.
Inflation (2005): 0.4%.
Natural resources: Salt, pozzolana, limestone.
Agriculture: Products--bananas, corn, beans, sugarcane, coffee, fruits, vegetables, livestock products.
Industry: Types--fish and fish products, clothing, shoes, beverages, salt, construction, building materials, ship repair, furniture, metal products, tourism.
Trade (2004): Exports--$55 million: fuel, clothing, shoes and shoe parts, fish and crustaceans. Imports--$350.7 million: consumer goods, intermediary goods, capital goods, petroleum. Major trading partners, exports--Portugal 60.2%, U.S. 17.5%, U.K. 11.5%, Denmark 2.1%, Germany 1.7%. Major trading partners, imports--Portugal 40.7%, U.S. 12%, Netherlands 8.1%, Spain 5.1%, Italy 4.1%.
Fiscal year: Calendar year.
Currency: Escudo (CVEsc 91.03 = $1), which is pegged to the Euro.
Economic aid received: $92 million (2002). Largest donors: Portugal ($11 million); Luxembourg; Japan; and the United States ($5.9 million).

GEOGRAPHY
The Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean some 450 kilometers (about 300 mi.) off the west coast of Africa. The archipelago includes 10 islands and 5 islets, divided into the windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. The main islands in the Barlavento group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista; those of the Sotavento group include Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. All larger islands but Santa Luzia are inhabited.

Three islands--Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio--generally are level and very dry. Mountains higher than 1,280 meters (4,200 ft.) are found on Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau.

Sand carried by high winds has created spectacular rock formations on all islands, especially the windward ones. Sheer, jagged cliffs rise from the sea on several of the mountainous islands. Natural vegetation is sparse in the uplands and coast, but interior valleys support denser growth.

Rainfall is irregular, and the archipelago suffers periodic droughts and consequent food shortages. The average precipitation per year in Praia is 24 centimeters (9.5 in.). During the winter, storms blowing from the Sahara sometimes cloud the sky, but sunny days are the norm year round.