Cape Verde is an archipelago made up of 10 islands and 5 islets. Praia, located on the island of Santiagu, is the capital and largest city. The other islands are: Santu Anton, Son Visenti, Son Nikulau, Santa Luzia, Sal, Boa Vista, Maiu, Fogu, and Brava. Santa Luzia is the only island currently uninhabitted.

Cape Verde was discovered in 1456 by Luigi da Cadamosto, a navigator in the service of Portugal . Four years later, Diogo Gomes, a Portuguese explorer, visited the uninhabited islands, and colonists from Portugal began to settle there in 1462. People from West Africa were soon brought in as slaves, and by the 16th century the islands had become a shipping center for the slave trade to other Portuguese slave colonies such as Brazil . Later a Portuguese penal colony was established, and some of the convicts remained after completing their terms. Slavery was abolished on the islands in 1876 . In 1951 the status of the islands was changed from colony to overseas province.

Although the nationalist movement appeared less fervent in Cape Verde than in Portugal 's other African holdings, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was founded in 1956 and many Cape Verdeans fought for independence in Guinea-Bissau . Cape Verde gained its independence from Portugal under the leadership of Amilcar Cabral (and other people) in July 5 th , 1975 .

In 1981 the PAIGC was renamed the PAICV (African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde), a new constitution was adopted, and Arístides Maria Pereira ( Cape Verde 's first president) was reelected. In 1983, Cape Verde normalized relations with Guinea-Bissau , and in 1986. Pedro Pires is the present president (since 2001).

Cape Verde's islands fall into two main groups—the Barlavento, or Windward, in the north, which include Santu Anton, Son Visenti, Santa Luzia, Son Nikula, Boa Vista, and Sal, and the Sotaventu, or Leeward, in the south, which include Santiagu, Fogu, Maiu, and Brava. The islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin; the only active volcano is at the archipelago's highest point, Cano, which is located on Fogu. Regularly active until the 18th century, the volcano's most recent eruptions were in 1951 and 1995.

The area is sometimes subject to severe droughts and the fierce harmattan wind. About 71% of the population is of mixed African and European descent, and almost 28% are of African descent; and 1% European, which include Portuguese. Most persons are Roman Catholic, Protestants and Nazarenes (and the religions are often mixed with indigenous beliefs). Portuguese and Kriolu, a blend of Portuguese and West African languages, are widely spoken.

Cape Verdeans are, for the most part, a mixed people. Most of the population, 70 percent, has European and African ancestry. Thirty percent of the population has African ancestry. The European relationship with Cape Verdeans comes from Portugal , as well as Italy , France and Spain - and some other unknown origins. The origin of the African slaves is not known.

The contributions by the Africans are language, cuisine, garments, music, artifacts, physical characteristics, and the belief in oneness with nature. The Europeans contributed language, military system, social and political structure and hierarchy, religion, way of social living, administrative organization, and architecture (Filho, 1983).

The Cape Vedeans have many cultural traditions. They are most known for their music, cuisine, religion and superstition, and past times. Their music is most influenced by the African culture because of its rhythm instruments, and drum-beats . Some of the modern-traditional styles of music are Pasada (a slow-paced rhythm with usually sad lyrics that requires two people to dance… today, it is the most preferred dance by the younger population), Funana (a fast-paced rhythm that uses only the “gaita” – small version of an accordion, a “feru” – two pieces of metal that is used to create a friction sound, and a “caneka” – a cowbell that is used to designate the pace of the dance as well as the ground beat), Koladera (a medium-paced rhytm played mostly by the guitar and the fiddle), Batuku (a fast or show-paced rhythm most preferred by the older population of Cape Verde), Morna (a Cape Verdean style of music that tells the tales and sufferings of the Cape Verdean people throughout the ages). Kola Son Djon (another fast-paced dance of energy, danced individually or in pairs), Mazurka (another couple dance)... Since CV has so many islands with subculures, it has many dances, some of which are not listed. It is said that Batuku is the original dance of the slaves. It is most preferred by the older population because it helps them remember the trials and tribulations their parents and grand-parents went through during the slavery times. They feel that it is a matter of principle and moreal obligation to pass on and keep this dance alive.

Batuku and Koladera are the least changed dancing styles, especially since they are practiced mostly by the older population of Cape Verdeans who are a bit more orthodox. Pasada and Funana are the most preferred amongst the younger population; however, during the Independence Day celebrations, Funana, Koladera, Kola Son Djon, and Batuku are used to "represent" the dancing culture of Cape Verdeans .

Cape Verdeans are also known as some of the best cooks on the African continent. Although most of its cuisine originated from the African culture, it does have some European influence. The cultural mix makes it a bit different from the rest of the African culture's food. Some of their best plates are Xeren (a corn delight), Katxupa (a vegetable stew), Pexi (any type of prepared fish), Fejuada (A type of bean stew), and Aros-ku-atun (tuna-fish and rice). Cape Verde is an agriculture and fishing-concentrated country. Consequently, most of the food is related to fish or vegetables. Even though agriculture is the major industry in the country, the land is often too dry for farming.

The people have melted the two cultures together to create a whole different and unique culture. They have succeeded in many ways; however, there are those who want them to choose only one cultural identity. Through their historical legacy of slavery and living on these islands, a sense of loyalty for the land was developed among Cape Verdeans . Though unsure of one common identity, Cape Verdeans share a common feeling. This "feeling" is known as "Kabuverdianidadi" , Cape Verdean-ness (Davidson, 1989). If the people of Cape Verde were to choose an identity, researchers such as Davidson suggest they would most likely choose the African identity. His reason is supported by the fact that most Cape Verdeans do not want to be identified with those who oppressed them for so many years. The struggle was to liberate themselves from the rule of Europe , not from the rule of Africa ; and it is Africa , not Europe that has saved (liberated) them (Davidson, 1989).

Some of Cape Verdean's favorite passtimes are dancing, storytelling and soccer (Futbol), which is the national sport.