Cape Verde

Cape Verde

BY: AARON ORSI, CHRIS DESANCTIS, DAISY MORAN, DARIUS COFER, MATT STINCHFIELD, & ZACK HAMEL
Cape Verde
Jorge Carlos Fonseca
Flag was official adopted in
February 25, 1992. The gold
stars represent the 10 islands
of the country. The dark
blue strips represent the
Atlantic ocean, while the
red meaning economic
progress.
Gerbera Daisy
The torch symbolizes
freedom gained after many
years of struggle. The palms
represent victory won in the
struggle for national
independency, the stars
represent the 10 islands of
the country.
Languages spoken are
mainly Portuguese and
some English.
Cabo Verde
Capital: Praia
Currency: Cabo Verdean Escudo
Population: 560,899
Life Expectancy:
71 years (men)
78 years (women)
Religion: Christianity
World Ranking:
GCI: 110/138
 Ranking Score Legend:
5= Excellent
3= Acceptable
1= Poor

Countries Political Worker Culture Infrastructure Gov't Product-to-

Stability Skill compatibility Market
Supply Advantage

Cape Verde 3 3 3 3 3 2

India 3 4 3 3 3 3

Portugal 4 4 4 5 4 4
 Ranking Score Legend:
5= Excellent
3= Acceptable
1= Poor

Countries Transportation Educated Utilities Tele- Vendor

Workforce communications Suppliers

Cape Verde 2 2 3 2 2

India 3 4 4 4 2

Portugal 5 5 4 5 4
History

Setting the Stage

The Cape Verde islands were uninhabited until the 15th century when
Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands.
The islands were located ideally for the Atlantic slave trade. Almost
immediately did the settlers begin to import slaves from the Western African
coast to work the land.
The end of slavery towards the back-end of the 19th century lead to decline
and emigration, but would rebound as a commercial center and stopover
from shipping routes.
Incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal.
History

Independence
Following the 1974 revolution in Portugal, the PAIGC became a prominent political movement in
Cape Verde. Cape Verde received the tools of independence in July of 1975.

*The PAIGC is the African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde

Few natural resources and investments from the Portuguese people made denizens
discontent, and relationship strains with colonial masters lead to the eventual endeavor for
independence.

The declining salve trade during the 19th century did not bode well for Cape Verde. A few Cape
Verdeans began emigration, and transitions to New England

Many of the slave population in Cape Verde were treated comparatively better than other
African slaves due to many people on Cape Verde being mixed race. A select few actually
obtained education, and 25% of the population could read.
History

Major Events
Beginning in 1747 the changing climate coupled with deforestation and over-
grazing led to the catalyst of a 100 year drought that killed some 40% of the
population each of the three times the conditions were at their worst. Britain,
France, and The Netherlands began to challenge Portugal for control over the
slave trade.
At the end of the 19th century Cape Verde began to develop a significant
stop-over for coal, water and livestock.
The harbor and international airport opened in 1948 became a commercial
and cultural symbol of the country.
Multi-Party system was incorporated in 1990
Economic Background

Cape Verde is classed as a poor country however, the quality of life

ranks highest in the United Nations index of West Africa
The economy is largely subsistence agriculture however efforts are
severely hampered by the lack of water
Approximately 80% of the population are employed in agriculture
The majority of crops grown is maize and beans. Bananas, sugar
cane, sweet potatoes and cassava are also grown
90% of food needs to be imported to the island
Main exported crops are bananas and coffee
Economic Cont.

In 2016 Cape Verde exported $60.3M, making it the 116th largest

exporter in the world

In 2016 Cape Verde imported $656M, making it the 113th largest

importer in the world.
Politics

Leaders
President: Jorge Carlos Fonseca
Elected by popular vote, 5-yr term
Prime Minister: Ulisses Correia e Silva
Nominated by National Assembly and appointed by President
Government
Semi-presidential representative democratic republic
Prime Minister is head of government
President is head of state
Politics Cont.

Executive Power Exercised by President and Government

Legislative Power Vested in Government and National Assembly
Foreign Relations
Cape Verde has a policy of nonalignment. They have cooperative
relationships with Angola, Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Germany,
Portugal, Senegal, Russia, South Korea and the United States.
Active interest in Africa's foreign affairs
Active members at most international conferences regarding economic
and political issues.
Culture

Five centuries of Portuguese Colonial culture

Plus the traditions of Africa
Majority Roman Catholic
Celebrate Easter, Feast of Assumption, All Saints Day, and Christmas
Also celebrates National Heroes day, Childrens Day, and
Independence Day
Rebirth of traditional African Music in Cape Verde - Batuko which in
Portuguese means to beat
Many outstanding writers and poets originated from Cabo Verde
Culture Cont.

Enjoy many sports

Most popular sport is Soccer
Played amongst all social classes
Olympic committee was formed in 1989
Made their Olympic debut in 1996 summer games in Atlanta
Televison is offered in both Portuguese and Crioulo
Sources

https://www.britannica.com/place/Cabo-Verde/Cultural-life
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13148486
https://www.capeverde.co.uk/economy
https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/cpv/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/geos/cv.html