The republic of Cape Verde an island country located on the north of Atlantic Ocean and western coast of Africa opposite to Senegal and Mauritania. Praia is the capital of Cape Verde. It was an undeveloped island which was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, in the year 1975 it got independence from Portugal. The islands of Cape Verde were uninhabited before the arrival of the Europeans. The colony of Ribeira Grande was founded by Portuguese when they arrived at Santiago. Ribeira Grande was the first colony of Europeans in this tropical zone. The islands got the name as Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) because of the near by Cap Vert on the coast of Senegal this name was given by Portuguese. This land was the Atlantic slave trade in the 16th century and was attacked by the Pirates. Ribeira Grande was sacked by Sir Francis Drake in the year 1585. The wealth of this place disappeared after the end of slave trade. These islands got their position when the trade between the Atlantic shipping lanes started and this place became a location of supplying ships, because of this the island of Mindelo gained position and became significant business center during the 19th century.
It became an over seas province from a colony because of its growing nationalism in the year 1951. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde was a party made by the Cape Verdeans and Guineans in demand of improving political, social, and economic conditions in Portuguese and Cape Verde followed by an independence movement. The headquarters are moved to Conakry, Guinea in the year 1960. The party of PAIGC became armed revolt against Portugal in 1961. The war began in Portuguese Guinea and PAIGC got support from Soviet bloc and African troops gave support Portuguese. In the year 1972 PAIGC gained control on much of Portuguese but failed to capture Cape Verde and the Portuguese Guinea got independence in the year 1973. The PAIGC became the active political movement in April 1974 followed by revolution in Portugal. The PAIGC and Portugal signed an agreement to demand for government composed of Cape Verde and Portuguese. The National Assembly was elected on 30th June 1975 by Cape Verde and got independence from Portugal on 5th July 1975.
The relations between Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau became tensed after the November 1980, and there were no hope for peace between these two regions and African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde was formed by Guinea-Bissau. And after some years the problems resolved and the relations between the countries went good. One party system was followed and Cape Verde was under PAICV until the independence in 1990. One party rule was ended when PAICV called and emergency congress in the year 1990 and made lots of constitutional changes. The Movement for Democracy was formed by the Opposition groups in Praia in April 1990, and fought for the presidential election for December 1990. The multi-party elections were held and in the year 1991 and MPD won majority of seats in National Assembly. Cape Verde was classified as a developing country in the year 2007 as it was the least developed country up till then.
There islands of this area are amazing with landscapes from the Maio and excellent valleys of Santo Antao. There is a single volcanic peak from where the frozen lava comes down to the river. The beaches of Boa Vista and Sal are worth watching and well known among the tourists. Cape Verde will always remained the destination for the sub aquatic angler, the best devotee, the endure windsurfer and the valiant hiker.
Weather in Cape Verde
The weather in Cape Verde is lovely all year around even in the monsoon from mid-August to mid-October because of offshore winds and cooling ocean currents. It has the lowest temperature than any country in West Africa. The temperature is moderate in night time in the month of February and in day time from May to November. Cape Verde has cooler summers than rest of the countries because of northern islands through southern islands like Fogo. The winters are basically gusty winds with dust all around the country because of Sahara Desert.
How to reach Cape Verde
Cabo Verde Airlines is the best airlines to reach Cape Verde. Cabo Verde Airlines operate from many European cities include Lisbon, Amsterdam and Paris. There are many connecting from UK and USA. Many International flights reach Sal from Praia. Air Portugal has daily flights from Lisbon. Other airlines are South African Airways, Air Senegal International etc. Enjoy the fantastic scenery and meet the local people while traveling in Aluguer (local mini bus). Regular Ferries are also available between two islands. You can also rent car which is available on most of the islands.
Accommodation in Cape Verde
Accommodation is available on all the islands like Sal, Santiago, Brava, Maio, Fogo etc. Apartments, pensions, hotels, motels, cottages, lodges etc from five stars to two stars all are available easily. Cabo Verde palace, Aparhotel Santa, Pousada Da Luz, Porto Antigo Complex, Vila Botanico Tarrafal etc these are one of the best hotels. Low budget and mid budget accommodation is also available according to the requirements of the tourists. Take the pleasure of comfort and luxury in these great hotels for your comfortable stay.
Activities and islands
Skiing, golfing, bird watching, diving, kite surfing, tennis, sailing etc are most fun loving and adventurous activities which can be enjoyed on the islands of Cape Verde. Santo Antao Island is the best place for hikers and scenery lovers; this island is picturesque with amazing scenery all around. The white sand beaches of Sal Island make this place a most visiting tourist destination. This is the best place for sun worshippers and there are grand hotels between airport and Santa Maria. Fogo island is a unique island with full of surprises the volcanic black sand beach is well known among the visitors and you will see frequent volcanic eruptions here. Other islands are the Brava Island, Maio Island, Santiago Island, Sao Vicente Island etc every island is unique in its own way beautiful skies, sandy beaches and adventure.
The festivals here are usually celebrated on Saints days which includes music, processions, church services, public get-togethers, dinning etc. some of the festivals have their own traditions depends from island to island. The carnival is celebrated in February or March. The festival of Bandeira de Sao Filipe gets celebrated in April on the island of Fogo. The Tabanka Festival in June on the islands of Santiago and Maio, the traditional festivals in May and June on the islands of Brava, Santo Antao, and Sao Nicolau, the live music festival in August is worth watching in the island of Sao Vicente.
