Fact 1: Uninhabited Until the 15th Century
One of the most intriguing facts about Cabo Verde is that it was completely uninhabited until the 15th century. In 1456, the Portuguese explorer Alvise Cadamosto discovered these islands. The Portuguese colonialists began to settle on the islands around 1462, making Cabo Verde the first European settlement in the tropics.
Fact 2: The Islands of Morna Music
Cabo Verde is known as the land of Morna, a form of traditional, melancholy music. The genre is largely based on the Portuguese fado style, mixed with African rhythms. The most famous Cabo Verdean singer, Cesária Évora, often referred to as the 'Queen of Morna' helped popularize this music style internationally.
Fact 3: A Sand Gift from the Sahara Desert
The island of Boa Vista in Cabo Verde is known for its stunning white sand beaches. However, did you know that this white sand is not native to the island? Every year, winds known as harmattan blow across the Sahara Desert, carrying loads of sand to the coast. This sand eventually ends up on the beaches of Boa Vista, continually enriching its picturesque coastline.
Fact 4: Volcanic Origins
All the ten islands that make up Cabo Verde are of volcanic origin. The Fogo Island hosts the country's most active volcano, Pico do Fogo. The last eruption occurred in 2014, causing a significant impact on the island's agriculture and settlements.
Fact 5: Distinct Celebration of Independence Day
Unlike many countries that celebrate their independence with parties and fireworks, Cabo Verde has a unique tradition. The archipelago gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. Each year, they commemorate this day with a nationwide cleaning day, where the locals take part in beautifying their surroundings.
Fact 6: Home to A Unique Creole
The official language of Cabo Verde is Portuguese, but most locals speak Cape Verdean Creole, or Kriolu. This language is fascinating as it's a blend of Portuguese and various African dialects, reflecting the nation's diverse history and culture.
Fact 7: Land of Female Leadership
Cabo Verde has paved the way in Africa with respect to female political leadership. It elected its first female prime minister, Maria das Neves, in 2002, showing its commitment to gender equality.
Fact 8: Turtle Paradise
Cabo Verde is one of the most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles globally. Particularly on Boa Vista and Sal islands, these turtles lay their eggs from June to October.
Fact 9: Literacy Achievements
Cabo Verde boasts impressive literacy rates, with over 85% of its population being literate. This is well above the average for African countries and is a testament to the nation's commitments to education.
Fact 10: Nation of Poets
In Cabo Verde, poetry is highly cherished. The nation has produced some significantly influential poets like Baltasar Lopes da Silva and Sergio Frusoni, whose works have contributed deeply to Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) literature.
Fact 11: Traditional Pottery Making
Pottery-making has been a tradition in Cabo Verde for centuries. Most notably, women from the Rabil area of Boa Vista island are known for their intricate pottery designs, utilized for both functional and decorative purposes.
Fact 12: Coffee Rituals
Cafe culture is significant in Cabo Verde. Locals traditionally drink a small espresso called 'morna,' named after the country's traditional music. Enjoying a morning or afternoon coffee is an important social ritual.
Fact 13: Salt Islands
Sal, one of the islands of Cabo Verde, derives its name from the Portuguese word for salt. The island was once the center of salt mining economy, with its vast salt flats attracting traders from around the world.
Fact 14: The Kriolu Bible
The Bible has recently been translated into Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), the first full Bible in a Creole language. This is a significant achievement in preserving and promoting the native language.
Fact 15: Distinctive Cuisine
Cabo Verde's cuisine is a mesh of African, Portuguese, and Latin American influences. The national dish is a hearty stew called 'Cachupa,' made with corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and fish or meat.
Fact 16: Dancing Culture
Cabo Verdeans are passionate about dance. Music and dance are ingrained in the culture, with traditional dances including the 'Morna,' 'Coladeira,' and 'Funana.'
Fact 17: High Renewable Energy Goal
Cabo Verde is committed to becoming a sustainable energy leader and plans to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025.
Fact 18: Unique Wind Sports
The islands, known for their strong winds and warm waters, are a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Wind sports like windsurfing and kite surfing are very popular in Cabo Verde, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista islands.
Fact 19: Ancient Shipwrecks
Cabo Verde is home to numerous shipwrecks due to its position on significant maritime routes during the Age of Discovery. These ancient wrecks are now famous diving spots offering a glimpse into the past.
Fact 20: World Heritage Sites
Cabo Verde is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cidade Velha, the old city, was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics, while the Cha das Caldeiras Valley is known for its hillside vineyards and lunar landscapes, offering an amazing hiking adventure.