CAPE VERDE

 

This republic is located on an archipelago in the Macaronesia ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
The country is named after Cap-Vert (meaning Green Cape), now in Senegal, the westernmost point of continental Africa.


Capital:
- Praia
Area:
- Total: 4,033 km² (172nd) 1,557 sq mi
- Water (%): negligible
Independence:
- from Portugal
- Recognized: July 5, 1975
Official languages:
- Portuguese (official) and nine Cape Verdean Crioulo languages
Population:
- July 2006 estimate: 420,979 (165th)
- 2005 census: 507,000
- Density: 126/km² (79th) 326/sq mi