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Cape Verde is in West Africa. It comprises a cluster of islands of the Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal. The formerly unoccupied islands were exposed and settled by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century (though there may have been earlier discoveries), and attained independence in 1975. Cape Verde is named after the original Portuguese form for Cap Vert (Cabo Verde, Green Cape) in Senegal, the westernmost point of continental Africa. The country's name can be pronounced many ways in English. Cape is pronounced like the article of clothing. Verde is generally pronounced to rhyme with "bird" or "Herd," though rhyming with "bear D" or "bear day" are also heard. "Cabo" is not used in English. The national holiday is the 5th of July, Independence Day. Weather: Cape Verde is in the tropical zone. The climate is dry, but Cape Verde's location in the Atlantic contributes to reduce the dryness, that otherwise would be the same dryness as that in continental areas. Its climate is temperate, with a warm, dry summer. Precipitation is meager and very erratic. Food: European food is common on all the islands. Italian is especially popular on Sal. Not very many options for vegetarians. Transport: TACV Cabo Verde Airlines is a scheduled and charter, passenger and cargo airline based in Cape Verde. It is the national flag carrier of Cape Verde, operating an inter-island service and flights to Europe, North America, South America and the West African mainland. Its main base is Sal Airport (SID), with a hub at Praia International Airport (RAI). Stay Safe & Healthy: Crime rates are relatively low. The emergency number is 132. The tap water is all desalinated and is completely good for anyone to drink. Culture: The culture of Cape Verde imitates its diverse African and Portuguese roots. It is well known for its diverse forms of music such as Morna and a ample range of dances: the soft dance Morna, and its simplified version, passada, the Funaná - a sensual mixed Portuguese and African dance, the extreme sensuality of coladeira, and the Batuque dance. These are reflective of the diverse origins of Cape Verde's residents. The term "Criolo" is used to refer to residents as well as the culture of Cape Verde. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Talk: The official language is Portuguese. It is the language of instruction and official acts. Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) is widely spoken. Creole is used colloquially and is the mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans. Cape Verdean Creole or Kriolu is a dialect range of a Portuguese-based creole, which varies from island to island. English in some Islands is well understood by many; especially young adults. |





