Countries You Know Nothing About: Cape Verde

Let’s face it. There are a few gaps in your knowledge regarding some of the lesser traveled countries of the world. We’re fully in this same camp. The world is pretty big, and some countries grab most of the attention, while other, smaller nations can go relatively unexplored.

But we’d like to change that. So we’re launching an ongoing series called:

Countries You Know Nothing About.

This week, we’re investigating Cape Verde.

Location: An island country 500km east of the African continent

Geography:  Made up of 10 volcanic islands, spread across 1,500 square miles

Capital (and largest city): Praia

Population: 540,000

Motto: Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso – (Unity, Work, Progress)

Known for it’s gorgeous beaches and weather, Cape Verde is also known as one of the most stable democracies in Africa. A representative democracy since the 1990s, the country has few exports, but has transformed it’s economy into mostly a service-industry, with a strong focus on tourism.

With rough mountainous peaks as well as lush beaches, it seems like a beautifully natural escape.  With milder weather than mainland Africa, it sounds divine.

Portuguese is the official language of the country, having been colonized in the 15th century.  It’s population is mostly creole in origin, meaning people of both African and European descent.

Photos and info via Wikipedia and HolidayHypermarket: