Citizens of Cape Verde, a small island nation in West Africa, are beaming with pride following their historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup after an intense match with Eswatini on Monday.
Beyond this, the West African nation is prominent for its unique geography, history, people, economy, cuisine, festivals, and so much more.
Here are 15 fascinating things about Cape Verde:
Geography:
Cape Verde is an island country (an archipelago) in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. It consists of 10 main volcanic islands, of which 9 are inhabited. Its unique geography puts it on the list of must-visit vacation destinations.
Early History & Colonialism
The islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese and some Genoese/European navigators in the mid-15th century. Settlements by the Portuguese began around 1462, including the founding of Ribeira Grande on Santiago Island.
Population
The island nation is home to over 500,000 people.
Economy:
Cape Verde is classified as a lower-middle-income country (LMIC) under the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) credit policy. The country’s nominal GDP was about US$2.77 billion in 2024.
Football: National Team
The men’s national football team is nicknamed “Blue Sharks” (Tubarões Azuis).
Culture, Language & Music
The country’s official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is widely spoken across the islands, with regional variants. Music is a significant part of the country’s identity, with genres such as morna (made internationally famous by Cesária Évora), coladeira, funaná, and batuque.
Festivals & Public Holidays
Cape Verde celebrates Independence Day on July 5 every year. Other notable festivals in the country include music festivals, carnival-style events (particularly in islands like São Vicente or Santiago).
Recent natural disaster
In August, torrential rains associated with Tropical Storm Erin triggered severe flash floods on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão. At least nine people died, more than 119,000 people were affected, and 1,500 homes were displaced/destroyed.
Malaria-free
Cape Verde was certified malaria-free in February 2024.
High life-expectancy
The country’s average life expectancy is around 74.7 years, one of the highest in Africa.
GDP
Cape Verde’s (Cabo Verde’s) GDP in 2024 (nominal, current U.S. dollars) is estimated at approximately USD 2.77 billion.
Cuisine
Cachupa is Cape Verde’s most iconic dish. It is a slow-cooked stew made from corn (maize), beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and assorted meats or fish. Other cuisines are Cachupa Rica, Cachupa Pobre, Canja de Galinha, and Feijoada, among others.
Political system
Cape Verde is a democratic country. It has held periodic elections since the early 1990. In 1992, the country abolished the one-party state.
Recent Football Landmark
Cape Verde qualified for the first time for FIFA World Cup, making their debut in the 2026 tournament, after a 3-0 win over Eswatini on Monday.
Challenges
The islands face environmental vulnerabilities, including droughts, rainfall variability, dependence on food imports, and limited arable land. It also faces the risk of volcanic eruption and other geological hazards.
