Cape Verde

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The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Independence was achieved in 1975.Location: Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal Climate: temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic Borders: None More... Steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic. Aseries of droughts that started in the 18th century turned Cape Verde into a dry strile land scape. Rainfall is usually limited to september.The harmattan season is from December to February. The vestiges of Portuguese culture are much more evident than those of African culture. For example the food is much of Portuguese culture. Each island on Cape Verde has something of interest, but by and large the pace of life is slow. Santiago, for instance, is very African and it's here that the majority of black people live. The town of Mindelo (S Vicente) is very reminiscent of a deserted Portuguese provincial town. The small bars in and around the harbour have their own special atmosphere and are well worth a visit. Because of the rocky coastline there are only a few beaches

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