The Cape Verde archipelago off the west coast of Africa became independent of Portugal in 1975. Most of the islands are mountainous and volcanic; the low-lying islands of Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio have agricultural potential, though they are prone to debilitating droughts. Around 50% of the population live on São Tiago. Following a period of single-party socialist rule, Cape Verde held its first multiparty elections in 1991.

The majority of the population is Portuguese–African mestico; the remainder is largely African, descended either from slaves or from more recent immigrants from the mainland. The Creolization of the culture has led to a relative lack of ethnic tension, though there is some bad feeling between islands. African traditions of the extended family as well as the Roman Catholic Church have helped to ensure the vitality of family life. Women outnumber men in Cape Verde, with many single mothers acting as head of the household and main breadwinner.

Strengths

Strategic geographic position, off the westernmost tip of Africa, close to the mid-Atlantic where Africa is nearest to Latin America. This has military and economic advantages, including shipping maintenance and air travel. Low debt-servicing costs.

Weaknesses

Permanent threat of drought and water supply problems, despite desalination plants. Lack of agricultural land and dependency on food aid. Difficulties of communications between islands.

Cape Verde experienced a peaceful transition to multipartyism in 1991, when elections brought the MPD to power. Although there had previously been a decade of single-party rule under the PAICV, it had in fact operated a liberal system in which opposition and dissent were tolerated. The large Cape Verdean diaspora had an important influence in effecting the transition to multiparty politics.

The MPD was defeated in legislative elections in January 2001, when the PAICV was returned to power with an absolute majority. Pedro Pires of the PAICV was elected president the following month, beating his MPD rival by just 17 votes. The main issue for the government is that of economic survival, particularly in periods of drought.

Cape Verde wishes to diversify its international contacts in order to secure aid, while maintaining good relations with Portugal, the former colonial power, although the latter is not a major donor. Within the region, Cape Verde seeks to restore normal relations with Guinea-Bissau, having withdrawn from a proposed union in 1980, and to improve contacts with other mainland states, such as Senegal.

After independence, small armed forces were established, now consisting of a 1000-strong army, a small air force, and a naval coastguard. They have never been called upon to play a political role; their main duties are to protect territorial waters against illegal fishing and to curb smuggling.

Cape Verde has no known strategic resources. With no oil or gas and no possibility of hydroelectric power, it depends on imported petroleum for energy. However, experimental projects have been carried out to investigate the potential of wave power, windmills, and biogas.

Cape Verde has recently suffered several years of persistent drought, which has affected food production and reduced livestock herds. It is a very active member of CILSS, which struggles against drought in the Sahel region. Environmental initiatives include reforestation, soil conservation, and a water resources program.

Cape Verde has a strategic position on international sea and air routes, which it is beginning to exploit.

Health care has improved since the colonial period, and polio has been virtually eradicated.

At independence, education became a priority; 80% of children now attend elementary school, and more than 60% go on to secondary education.

Crime is not a serious problem, even in urban centers, though smuggling is fairly widespread.

In comparison with the 90% of the population engaged in primary production, the small business class in Praia is well-off.

Tourism has not been a government priority and remains on a modest scale. The islands of São Tiago, Santo Antão, Fogo, and Brava have tourist potential, offering a combination of mountain scenery and extensive beaches.

Cape Verde was a Portuguese colony from 1462 until 1975, and was ruled jointly with Guinea-Bissau.

• 1961 Joint struggle for independence of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau begins.
• 1974 Guinea-Bissau independent.
• 1975 Independence.
• 1981 Final split from Guinea-Bissau.
• 1991 MPD wins first multiparty poll.
• 2001 General election returns PAICV to power.