Cabo Verde

The Cabo Verde archipelago consists of ten volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, of which nine are inhabited. The archipelago is situated 570 km west of the Senegalese coast of West Africa, and named after Cap‐Vert, or the green peninsula. The islands cover a combined area of slightly over 4 000 km², and are divided into the Barlavento (Windward) group to the north and the Sotavento (Leeward) group to the south. The nation's capital, Praia, is located on Santiago, the largest island. The largest port of the islands is located at Mindelo, on São Vicente. It has a deep water harbour that can accommodate large vessels and has been used as a fueling station since the 19th century.

Cabo Verde enjoys a moderate climate characterized by stable temperatures; average monthly temperatures range from 21 to 26 °C. Three distinct seasons can be identified: a transition season from November to February, a dry season in the middle, and a rainy season from July to October. -—
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—- Owing to their proximity to the Sahara, most of the Cabo Verde islands are dry and arid. The archipelago can be divided into four broad ecological zones: arid, semiarid, subhumid and humid, according to altitude and average annual rainfall, which ranges from 200 mm along the arid coastline to more than 1 000 mm in the humid mountains. The annual average rainfall for the country is below 350 mm -—
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Most rainfall precipitation is due to condensation of ocean mist. The islands have few rivers and suffer from cyclical drought and chronic water shortages, despite seasonal rains. Rains can be torrential, often causing significant damage, soil loss from water erosion and flooding. Western Hemisphere‐bound hurricanes often have their early beginnings near the Cabo Verde Islands. These are referred to as Cabo Verde‐type hurricanes and can become very intense. The five largest Atlantic tropical cyclones on record have been Cabo Verde‐type hurricanes.

With all year‐round sun, Cabo Verde's economy is driven by tourism. The country's service exports concentrate on transport and travel. Travel and tourism's contribution to the economy is large: In 2019, inbound tourism expenditure over GDP reached almost 29 per cent -—
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—-. With few natural or mineral resources and water shortages, exacerbated by cycles of sustained drought, agriculture is subsistence. According to the items attribute is mandatory, over 10 per cent of the territory is classified as arable land. The main crops grown are maize and beans, but bananas, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and cassava are also grown. Approximately 90 per cent of food consumed is imported. Agriculture accounts for about 10 per cent of employment on the islands; roughly 15 per cent for men. Over 80 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men are employed in services -—
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—-. The seas around Cabo Verde are rich with many types of fish, therefore, a large proportion of exports consist of fish and sea food, but also clothing and footwear. The largest export partners are Spain, Portugal and Italy -—
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In 2013, the Cabo Verdean government determined that the Portuguese designation Cabo Verde would henceforth be used for official purposes, as at the United Nations, even in English contexts.

Cabo Verde's culture is influenced by a blend of its Portuguese as well as African traditions. Music is very important to island culture ‐ the archipelago's most famous musical export is Cesaria Evora, the world renowned morna and coladeras artist. Other musical forms, such as, batuko and funaná are also popular on the islands. Cabo Verde has also produced a number of talented poets and authors including Baltasar Lopes da Silva, Frusoni Sergio, Eugénio Tavares and Manuel Lopes.

Local sports, such as uril and bisca, are popular throughout the country and tend to attract large crowds. Football is very popular amongst Cabo Verdeans, fueled by strong inter island rivalry. Basketball, long‐distance running and swimming are also popular. Windsurfing, fishing, cycling, golfing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding and scuba diving are common resort activities. The traditional African board game of ouri is also popular on the island.