About Cape Verde
The history of Cape Verde
The Cape Verde archipelago was discovered in 1460 by Italian and Portuguese navigators. Santiago was the most favourable island for occupation and so settlement began there in 1462. The former capital Ribeira Grande de Santiago (Cidade Velha) was built as the administrative and religious centre of the West African territories annexed by Portugal.
Given their strategic position on the routes connecting Europe, Africa and Brazil, the islands served as a trading and supply post, with particular emphasis on the slave trade. The archipelago soon became a centre for the concentration and dispersion of men, plants and animals.
With the abolition of the slave trade and the constant deterioration of climatic conditions, Cape Verde entered into decline and began to live based on a poor, subsistence economy.
Free Europeans and slaves from the African coast merged into a single people, the Cape Verdeans, with a very unique way of being and living, and Creole emerged as the language of the Cape Verdeans.
In 1956, Amílcar Cabral created the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) , fighting against colonialism and initiating a march towards independence. On 19 December 1974, an agreement was signed between the PAIGC and Portugal, establishing a transitional government in Cape Verde. This same government prepared elections for a National People's Assembly that proclaimed independence on 5 July 1975.
After the Proclamation of Independence
The cultural demarcation in relation to Portugal and the dissemination of nationalist ideas led to the archipelago's independence in July 1975.
In 1991, following the first multi-party elections held in the country, a parliamentary democracy was established with all the institutions of a modern democracy. Today, Cape Verde is a country with social stability and peace, which is why it enjoys credit from governments, companies and international financial institutions .
The Geography of Cape Verde
Situated 455 km off the African coast, the Cape Verde Islands extend over an area of approximately 4,033 km2 and were formed by the accumulation of rocks resulting from eruptions on underwater platforms. With the exception of the islands of Boavista, Sal and Maio, the archipelago's terrain is rugged, with altitudes exceeding 1,000 metres on some islands and reaching 2,882 metres on the island of Fogo, the highest point in the entire country.
The fauna and flora of Cape Verde have been preserved by the various reserves and natural parks that exist in the country. Among the main species of fauna, birds are of particular importance, namely the passerine, the crow and the river harrier. In terms of fauna, there are 755 plant species, of which 83 are endemic and 224 are indigenous.
The dragon tree is particularly important because it is a tree whose presence predates the discovery of the archipelago itself.
The islands are divided into two groups, Barlavento and Sotavento, from where the wind blows and through which it flows, respectively. Thus, the Barlavento group includes Santo Antão, S. Vicente, Santa Luzia, S. Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista, while Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava are part of the Sotavento group.
The climate of the more rugged islands is varied and has some rainfall. It is temperate thanks to the moderating action of the ocean and trade winds on the temperature, with annual averages rarely rising above 25ºC and never falling below 20ºC. The sea water temperature varies between 21ºC in February and March and 25ºC in September and October. Cape Verde's stable climate ensures that tourism is possible all year round.
The national flag:
The flag of Cape Verde consists of five horizontal stripes in the colors dark blue, white, red, yellow and light blue. The dark blue represents the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the islands, while the other colors symbolize peace, unity, the struggle for independence, solidarity and development.
The national anthem:
The author of the anthem is Amílcar Spencer Lopes and it was composed by Adalberto Higino Tavares Silva. When there was a constitutional revision to establish a multi-party system, new national symbols were created. On May 28, 1996, the new anthem was adopted and it came into force on July 5, 1996.
Coat of arms of the Republic of Cape Verde:
O brasão de armas de Cabo Verde é composto por um escudo azul com uma vela branca, um sol dourado e um conjunto de ferramentas usadas na agricultura e na pesca. O escudo é sustentado por duas aves de fogo.
Riqueza da Cultura Cabo-Verdiana
A cultura de Cabo Verde é rica e diversa, refletindo a herança africana e crioula do país. A música é uma parte importante da cultura cabo-verdiana, com estilos como a morna e a coladeira, que muitas vezes contam histórias de amor e saudade. A culinária cabo-verdiana é influenciada pela cozinha africana, portuguesa e brasileira, com pratos como a cachupa (um guisado de milho e feijão) e o pastel com diabo dentro (um pastel frito recheado com atum). As artes visuais também são importantes em Cabo Verde, com destaque para artistas como Manuel Figueira e Kiki Lima. Além disso, as celebrações de Carnaval e as festas religiosas são eventos importantes na cultura cabo-verdiana, destacando a alegria e o espírito comunitário do povo.
United by Culture and Solidarity: The Cape Verdean Community Around the World
The Cape Verdean community is one of the largest immigrant communities in the world. Cape Verdean communities can be found in many countries, including Portugal, the United States, France and Luxembourg. In many cases, Cape Verdeans emigrated to these countries in search of better economic opportunities, but also to escape the drought and famine that affected Cape Verde at times in its history. The Cape Verdean community is known for its solidarity and spirit of unity.
Together for Progress: How the Union between the Embassy of Cabo Verde and Luxembourg Benefits Both Countries
The partnership between the Embassy of Cape Verde and Luxembourg is crucial to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Furthermore, mutual cooperation can promote cultural and educational exchanges, and help the Cape Verdean community in Luxembourg. Through collaboration, the embassy can work together with the Luxembourg authorities to support and develop initiatives that benefit both countries and their communities.