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The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
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Country
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Surface Area: 4,033 square km
Population: 415,294 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Western Africa
Capital City: Praia
Head of State: Pedro PIRES
Prime Minister: Jose Maria Pereira NEVES
Independent since: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal)
Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Flag (image): 
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