Cape Verde

Cape Verde became independent from Portugal on 5 July 1975.

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Cape Verde became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping.

Following independence in 1975, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990.

Repeated droughts caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.

Cape Verde has the civil law system of Portugal.

Cape Verde has a constitution dating from 1992.