Location & History: Cape Verde is an archipelago of 15 islands in the Atlantic, 600 km west of Dakar, Senegal. Volcanic in origin, the islands are divided into two groups: Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward). Most Cape Verdeans are descendants of the first Portuguese colonists who came in 1462 and the African slaves brought in soon after. The islands won independence on July 5, 1975.

Food & Economy: Repeated droughts and famines have made Cape Verde poorer. Chief crops are banana, coffee, coconuts, sugarcane, maize, and beans. Fishing is important. Minerals: salt.