1961
1,500
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
17,548
Change
+16,048
Overview
This sun-drenched Atlantic archipelago is a woolly wonderful find! Cabo Verde's ten volcanic islands off West Africa blend African and Portuguese cultures into a vibrant, warm-hearted nation that'll have any wandering flock bleating with delight.
Geography
Cabo Verde sits about 570 km off Senegal, comprising ten islands split into Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward) groups. Pico do Fogo is the highest peak at 2,829 m. The climate is dry and mild, with little rainfall.
History
Uninhabited until Portuguese sailors arrived around 1456, Cabo Verde became a key Atlantic slave trade hub. It gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and later separated politically from Guinea-Bissau in 1981, developing into a stable democracy.
Culture
Cabo Verdean culture is rich with morna music — a soulful, melancholic genre made famous by Cesária Évora. Creole (Kriolu) and Portuguese are spoken. Festivals, colorful carnaval celebrations, and strong communal ties define daily life across the islands.
Economy
Tourism, remittances from the diaspora, and fishing are economic pillars. Cabo Verde has a service-oriented economy and is considered one of Africa's most stable and developed small-island nations, though it imports most food and fuel.
Food
Cachupa, a hearty stew of corn, beans, and meat or fish, is the national dish — comfort food fit for a hungry shepherd. Seafood is abundant, and grogue, a local sugarcane spirit, keeps the flock warm on cool evenings.
Tourism
Santiago's capital Praia, the dramatic volcanic Fogo island, the sandy beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, and the colonial charm of São Filipe draw visitors. Mindelo on São Vicente is celebrated as the cultural and artistic heart of the islands.
People
Cabo Verdeans are predominantly Creole (mixed African and European descent), with a strong diaspora in the US, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The population is around 560,000. Legendary singer Cesária Évora put Cabo Verde on the world's musical map.
Nature
The islands host loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches, humpback whales, and endemic bird species. Fogo's active volcano dominates a stark landscape, while Boa Vista's dunes and Santo Antão's lush valleys offer striking ecological contrasts.
Fun Facts
Cabo Verde is one of the world's youngest nations, only settled in the 1400s. It has no rivers. Morna music was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019. The country changed its official name from Cape Verde to Cabo Verde in 2013.
