Introduction to Cabo Verde

Book excerpt: Cabo Verde is a group of ten islands located off the western coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a total population of approximately 500,000 people and the official language is Portuguese. The islands were uninhabited until 1460, when they were discovered by Portuguese sailors. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since become a stable democracy. The economy of Cabo Verde is heavily reliant on tourism and service industries. The country is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. The music of Cabo Verde, known as morna, has gained international recognition and has been popularized by musicians such as Cesaria Evora. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in social and economic development, with improvements in healthcare and education. Cabo Verde is also known for its commitment to renewable energy, with plans to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.