Cape Verde is a former colony of which country?

Portugal.

Cape Verde, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, is a former colony of Portugal. The islands’ history as a Portuguese colony is a significant aspect of their cultural and historical identity, influencing everything from the language to architectural styles found on the islands.

Portugal began colonizing Cape Verde in the 15th century. The discovery and colonization of the islands are attributed to Portuguese explorers, notably Genoese captain Antonio de Noli, who was sailing under the Portuguese flag. In 1456, de Noli, along with other navigators in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator, a central figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire, discovered the uninhabited islands. The Portuguese colonization began in earnest in 1462 when the settlers arrived on Santiago, the largest island, and founded Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha).

Cape Verde’s strategic location made it a significant hub for the Atlantic slave trade. The islands served as a crucial staging post for Portuguese maritime exploration and trade between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. During the transatlantic slave trade era, Cape Verde was a key logistics center, provisioning ships and serving as a place to gather slaves before their transportation across the Atlantic.

Portugal’s control over Cape Verde lasted for more than 500 years, making it one of the longest-lasting European colonial empires. Throughout this period, a blend of African and Portuguese cultural influences shaped the islands’ unique Creole Portuguese-African culture. The fusion is evident in Cape Verdean music, cuisine, and traditions, which blend elements from both African and Portuguese heritage.

The struggle for independence in Cape Verde was part of the broader wave of anti-colonial movements that swept across Africa in the mid-20th century. Amilcar Cabral, a noted Cape Verdean and Guinean nationalist, played a pivotal role in the fight for independence. The islands achieved independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, following the April 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal, which led to the collapse of the Portuguese empire.

Since gaining independence, Cape Verde has been recognized as one of the more stable and democratic nations in Africa. Despite challenges such as scarce natural resources and a heavy reliance on foreign aid, the country has made significant progress in areas such as literacy, healthcare, and economic development.