Cape Verde

Population: 405,163 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)

Background: The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves. Most Cape Verdeans descend from both groups. Independence was achieved in 1975.

Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE, No information)

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.