African identities
Good Morning Africa from the people of Cape Verde
Greetings Africa from the world’s 172nd most populous county, Cape Verde. Located about 500km off West Africa, it comprises 10 diverse islands, nine of which are inhabited.
Also known as Cabo Verde, Cape Verde is named after the westernmost cape of Africa and is closest to Senegal.
The Islands are divided into two major groups: Barlavento to the north and Sotavento to the south. Barlavento includes Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista. Sotavento Islands are Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. All these islands except Santa Luzia are inhabited.
The capital city is Praia, located in Santiago.
Praia, the Capital City of Cape Verde [Photo: Wiki CC]
Read: Good Morning Africa from the people of Seychelles
Most Cape Verdeans are creole but the island is inhabited by people from all over the world have settled in the country, including immigrants from South America, Asia and Europe.
While Portuguese is the official language of the Island—used in official functions, school and in written communication— Creole is the vernacular. Each Island has a distinctive Creole.
According to Worldometer, the population of Cape Verde is approximately 550,000 with an urban population of 346,000. However, a larger percentage of the population lives overseas including western Europe, Africa and the United States.
Some of the economic activities on the island include agriculture, fishing, tourism and mining.
A fisherman on a boat in Cape Verde
Most Cabo Verdeans are Roman Catholic, but there are practising Protestants. There are African influences in some Catholics, who incorporate masks, drums and dancing styles into their everyday practice.
Cape Verde is one of the African countries with the highest life expectancy at 71 for men and 79 for women. It also has a very young population, with one third under 15 years old as of 2015.
Read: Good Morning Africa from the Kingdom of Swaziland
When it comes to food, Cape Verde’s staple food is corn. The national dish is called Cachupa, a stew of hominy, beans and meat and vegetables. They also eat rice, beans, potatoes and manioc.
Cape Verdeans are known for their music, which incorporates African, Portugues and Brazilian influences. The national music, Morna, is melancholic and lyrical. Other music genres are coladeira, funana and batuque.
One of Cape Verde’s musicians, Cesária Évora [Photo: Wiki CC]
Apart from music, Cape Verdeans also indulge in sports, participating in the summer Olympics since 1996.
