Land and Resources

The Cape Verde Islands were created all of sixty million years ago from prolonged volcanic activity. While all volcanic in origin, three of the islands - Maio, Sal, and Boa Vista - are non-mountainous.

The climate is tropical and dry, showing little variation throughout the year. The average temperature in the capital, Praia, ranges from 20° to 25°C in January and 24° to 28°C in July. Precipitation is slight and irregular, resulting in sparse vegetation mostly, almost taking on a lunar like effect in areas but punctuated by rich oases and deep and breathtaking luscious green valleys. The country's official language is Portuguese, but there is also the national language, Crioulo - a hybrid of Portuguese and African dialects. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion.

The Cape Verde economy is largely service-oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for more than 70% of GDP. Some 70% of the population still live in rural areas, although agriculture and fishing contribute only about 10% of GDP. Light manufacturing accounts for most of the remainder.

Natural resources include salt, pozzolana (sandy, volcanic ash used to produce cement) and limestone; agriculture products include bananas, corn, beans, sugarcane, coffee, fruits, vegetables, livestock products. Cape Verde is also moderinising its fish processing industry (shellfish are a particular delicacy here), while other products produced on the island include clothing, shoes, beverages, salt, construction, building materials, ship repair, furniture and metal products.

The tourism sector is fast emerging as one of Cape Verde's most significant economic driversm, although the Cape Verde Government has strategic plans in place to ensure its continued growth can only be in a sustained way and does not compromise the unique unspoilt beauty of the islands.

There are two international airports, on the islands of Sal and Santiago, and two more are nearing completion, on Boa Vista and São Vicente.

Cape Verde has a multiparty democracy. The President, Mr Pedro PIRES, is the head of state and is elected for a five-year term. The Prime Minister, Mr Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, holds executive power and is nominated by the assembly and appointed by the president.