History of Cape Verde in Timeline
Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. It comprises ten volcanic islands covering approximately 4,033 square kilometers. The islands are situated 600-850 kilometers west of Cap-Vert, Africa. Cape Verde is part of the Macaronesia ecoregion, which includes the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.
3 hours ago : Cape Verde: High Court Action as Sickness Claims Mount; Tourists Sue After Outbreak
More than 2,000 tourists are suing after a severe stomach bug outbreak in Cape Verde, resulting in multiple deaths and an "unprecedented" High Court action due to numerous sickness claims.
1951: Status Change to Overseas Province
In 1951, Portugal changed Cape Verde's status from a colony to an overseas province, attempting to diminish growing nationalism.
1956: Formation of PAIGC
In 1956, Amílcar Cabral and others formed the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) to improve conditions in Cape Verde and Portuguese Guinea.
1960: PAIGC Headquarters Move
In 1960, the PAIGC moved its headquarters to Conakry, Guinea, enhancing its operational capabilities.
1972: PAIGC Control
By 1972, the PAIGC had gained control over a significant portion of Portuguese Guinea, but refrained from disrupting Portuguese control in Cape Verde.
1973: Declaration of Independence in Portuguese Guinea
In 1973, Portuguese Guinea declared independence with Amílcar Cabral leading the movement before his assassination that year.
April 1974: Revolution in Portugal
Following the April 1974 revolution in Portugal, the PAIGC became an active political movement in Cape Verde.
December 1974: Agreement for Transitional Government
In December 1974, the PAIGC and Portugal signed an agreement to establish a transitional government composed of both Portuguese and Cape Verdeans.
1974: War of Independence
Between 1974 and 1975, the military fought in the war for independence against Portugal.
1974: De Jure Independence of Portuguese Guinea
In 1974, Portuguese Guinea was granted de jure independence, marking the end of Portuguese colonial rule.
June 1975: National Assembly Election
On 30 June 1975, Cape Verdeans elected a National Assembly, setting the stage for independence.
July 1975: Independence Granted
On 5 July 1975, Portugal formally granted Cape Verde its independence, transferring the instruments of power to the newly elected National Assembly.
1975: Second Wave of Immigrants after Independence
After Cape Verde gained independence in 1975, a second wave of immigrants arrived in Massachusetts and found work in factories. As manufacturing plants closed down, they moved into the service industry in the 1990s.
1975: War of Independence
Between 1974 and 1975, the military fought in the war for independence against Portugal.
1980: Adoption of Constitution
In 1980, Cape Verde adopted its constitution, which defines the basic principles of the government.
1983: Ship Repair Facilities Opened
Ship repair facilities at Mindelo were opened in 1983.
1990: Millennium Development Goals
Cape Verde is on track to achieve most of the UN Millennium Development Goals – including halving its 1990 poverty level.
1990: Forest Cover Extent
In 1990, forest cover in Cape Verde was 15,380 hectares.
1990: End of One-Party Rule
In 1990, the PAIGC's one-party rule in Cape Verde came to an end, paving the way for a multi-party system.
1991: Market-Oriented Policies
Since 1991, the government of Cape Verde has implemented market-oriented economic policies, attracting foreign investors and initiating privatization programs.
1992: First Revision of Constitution
In 1992, the constitution of Cape Verde underwent its first revision.
1994: Foreign Investments
From 1994 to 2000 about $407 million in foreign investments were made or planned.
1995: Second Revision of Constitution
In 1995, the constitution of Cape Verde underwent its second revision.
1996: First Summer Olympics
In 1996, Cape Verde competed at its first Summer Olympics.
1999: Currency Linked to Euro
In 1999, Cape Verde linked its currency to the euro, enhancing economic cooperation with Portugal.
1999: Third Revision of Constitution
In 1999, the constitution of Cape Verde underwent its third revision.
2000: Economic Growth
Between 2000 and 2009, real GDP in Cape Verde increased by over 7% annually.
2000: Foreign Investments
From 1994 to 2000 about $407 million in foreign investments were made or planned.
2004: Death of Ildo Lobo
Ildo Lobo, an exponent of traditional music from Cape Verde, died in 2004. The House of Culture in the centre of the city of Praia is called Ildo Lobo House of Culture in his honour.
2005: Military Spending
In 2005, Cape Verde spent 0.7% of its GDP on the military.
2005: RTI Cabo Verde launch
In 2005, RTI Cabo Verde was launched by the Portuguese-based RTI.
March 2007: Record Cabo Verde Launch
On March 31, 2007, Record Cabo Verde was launched by the Brazilian-based Rede Record.
2007: Airport Opening
Aristides Pereira International Airport was opened in 2007, improving Cape Verde's air transport infrastructure.
2007: WTO Membership
In 2007, Cape Verde joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).
2007: Medium development country
In 2007, Cape Verde was promoted to the group of "medium development" countries, leaving the least developed countries category (becoming the second country to do so).
2007: Religious Demographics
In 2007, Catholics made up 85 percent of Cape Verde's population. Most other religious groups are Protestant. Islam is the largest minority religion.
2007: Operation Flying Launch Begins
In 2007, the Cape Verdean Police and military initiated Operation Flying Launch, a campaign against international drug trafficking.
2007: Special Partnership with the EU
Since 2007, Cape Verde has had a special partnership status with the EU under the Cotonou Agreement, considering special membership due to its currency being indexed to the euro.
2007: Developing Nation Classification
Since 2007, the UN has classified Cape Verde as a developing nation rather than a least developed country, recognizing its economic progress.
June 2008: WTO Membership
On 23 June 2008, Cape Verde became the 153rd member of the WTO, further integrating into the global economy.
2008: Graduation to Middle Income Country
In 2008, Cape Verde graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC) to Middle Income Country (MIC) status.
2008: Mitu Monteiro World Champion
Mitu Monteiro, a local kite-surfer, was the 2008 Kite Surfing World Champion in the wave discipline.
2008: European Commission Allocation
The European Commission allocated €54.1 million for Cape Verde during the period of 2008–2013.
2009: Economic Growth
Between 2000 and 2009, real GDP in Cape Verde increased by over 7% annually.
2009: Cesária Évora Airport Opened
Cesária Évora Airport was opened in 2009, enhancing air travel capabilities.
2009: Josh Angulo, PWA Wave World Champion
In 2009, Josh Angulo, a Hawaiian, became the PWA Wave World Champion, promoting the archipelago as a windsurfing destination.
2010: University Degree Programs
After 2010, the local universities have been increasingly adopting the American educational system, offering four-year bachelor's degree programmes.
2010: Religious Demographics
As of 2010, Catholics made up just under 80 percent of Cape Verde's population, slightly down from 85 percent in 2007, reflecting centuries of Portuguese rule. Most other religious groups are Protestant. Islam is the largest minority religion.
2010: Operation Flying Launch Ends
In 2010, Operation Flying Launch successfully ended, dismantling a drug trafficking group smuggling cocaine from Colombia to the Netherlands and Germany.
2010: ECOWAS Regional Centre Inauguration
In 2010, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency was inaugurated in Cape Verde.
2010: Expenditure on education
In 2010, the total expenditure on education in Cape Verde was 5.6% of GDP.
2011: Climate Change Vulnerability Ranking
According to the president of Nauru, in 2011, Cape Verde was ranked the eighth most endangered nation due to flooding from climate change.
2011: Researchers in Cape Verde
In 2011, Cape Verde counted 25 researchers, a researcher density of 51 per million inhabitants. All 25 researchers were working in the government sector, and one in three were women (36%).
2011: Ratification of Rome Statute
In 2011, Cape Verde ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
2011: Wind Farm Construction
In 2011, a wind farm was built on four islands in Cape Verde, supplying about 30% of the country's electricity.
2011: Net enrolment ratio
In 2011, the net enrolment ratio for primary school was 85%.
2013: Official Name Designation
In 2013, Cape Verde's delegation informed the United Nations that only Cabo Verde should be used for official purposes, rejecting other translations.
2013: Worldwide researchers per million inhabitants
In 2013, the world average of researchers was 1,083 per million inhabitants.
2013: Obama's Praise
In 2013, then United States President Barack Obama described Cape Verde as "a real success story", acknowledging its achievements.
2013: Africa Cup of Nations
The Cape Verde national football team played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
2013: European Commission Allocation
The European Commission allocated €54.1 million for Cape Verde during the period of 2008–2013.
2014: Operational Airports
As of 2014, there were seven operational airports in Cape Verde: four international and three domestic.
2014: Pico do Fogo Eruption
In 2014, Pico do Fogo, the largest active volcano in the region, erupted, impacting the island of Fogo.
2015: Academic Mobility Programme
As part of a strategy to strengthen the research and academic sectors, in 2015, Cape Verde began participating in the Ibero-American academic mobility programme, which expects to mobilize 200,000 academics between 2015 and 2020.
2015: Forest Ownership
For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area in Cape Verde was reported to be under public ownership.
2015: Total expenditure on health
In 2015 the total expenditure on health was 7.1% of GDP.
2015: Population Attending Secondary School
In 2015, 23% of the population in Cape Verde had either attended or graduated from secondary schools.
2015: Hurricane Fred
In 2015, Cape Verde was struck by Hurricane Fred, the easternmost hurricane ever to form in the Atlantic.
2015: Sustainable Development Documents Adopted
In 2015, documents such as Cape Verde's Transformational Agenda to 2030, its National Renewable Energy Plan, and its Low Carbon and Climate-resilient Development Strategy were adopted.
2015: Technology Park Project Announced
In 2015, the government of Cape Verde announced a project to build a technology park for business, research, and development.
2015: Africa Cup of Nations
The Cape Verde national football team played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.
October 2016: Number of Secondary Schools
As of October 2016, there were 69 secondary schools in Cape Verde, including 19 private secondary schools, and at least 10 universities.
2016: TV CPLP
As of 2016, TV CPLP was available in towns with electricity.
2016: Paralympic Games medal
In 2016, Gracelino Barbosa became the first Cape Verdean to win a medal at the Paralympic Games.
2016: Monte Tchota Massacre
In 2016, the Cape Verdean Armed Forces were involved in the Monte Tchota massacre, a green-on-green incident resulting in 11 deaths.
2016: Political Party Representation
In 2016, three parties held seats in the National Assembly: MpD (36), PAICV (25), and the Cape Verdean Independent Democratic Union (UCID) (3).
2017: Mortality and HIV rates
According to 2017 data, the infant mortality rate among children between 0 and 5 years old is 15 per 1,000 live births, while the maternal mortality rate is 42 deaths per 100,000 live births. The HIV-AIDS prevalence rate among Cape Verdeans between 15 and 49 years old is 0.8%.
2017: Life expectancy and Healthcare
According to the latest data from 2017, life expectancy at birth is 76.2 years; 72.2 years for males and 80.2 years for females. There are six hospitals, 28 health centres, 35 sanitation centres, and a variety of private clinics.
2017: UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons
In 2017, Cape Verde signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
2017: Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development
In 2017, a Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development, 2017–2021 was introduced.
2017: Education Trends
In 2017, the trends in education were held to the same standards as previous years. Cape Verde stands out in West Africa for the quality and inclusiveness of its higher education system.
January 2018: Minimum Wage Increase
In early January 2018, the government announced a raise in the minimum wage to 13,000 CVE (€118) per month, effective in mid-January.
2018: Graduation Rates in STEM
In 2018, women made up one-third of students but two-thirds of graduates.
2020: Human Development Index
As of 2020, Cape Verde was the 11th best ranked country in Africa in its Human Development Index.
2020: Forest Cover Increase
As of 2020, forest cover in Cape Verde had increased to around 11% of the total land area, equivalent to 45,720 hectares.
2020: Ibero-American academic mobility programme
As part of a strategy to strengthen the research and academic sectors, between 2015 and 2020, Cape Verde began participating in the Ibero-American academic mobility programme, which expects to mobilize 200,000 academics.
2020: Most Democratic Nation in Africa
In 2020, Cape Verde was recognized as the most democratic nation in Africa.
November 2021: Embassy in Nigeria Opens
In November 2021, Cape Verde established its first embassy in Nigeria.
2021: Population Update
As of 2021, the population of Cape Verde was around 491,233, making it one of the least populous countries in Africa.
2021: Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development
In 2017, a Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development, 2017–2021 was introduced.
2021: Cape Verde population
In 2021, Cape Verde had a population of 491,233, with a large proportion (236,000) living on Santiago. The population is primarily descended from Africans and Europeans.
2021: Drone Use
In 2021, small unmanned flying drones able to carry up to 5 kg were being used experimentally for tasks such as delivering medicines between the islands.
2021: Africa Cup of Nations
The Cape Verde national football team played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.
2023: Democracy Ranking
As of 2023, Cape Verde ranked 45th in the world according to the electoral democracy score of the V-Dem Democracy indices.
2023: Cellular phone and internet access rates
As of early 2023, about 99% of the population own an active cellular phone, 70% have access to the Internet, 11% own a landline telephone, and 2% subscribe to local cable TV.
2023: UN Secretary-General's Visit
In 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Cabo Verde, raising concerns about climate change and emphasizing the need for global action.
2023: TechPark Operations Begin
In 2023, operations at the TechPark Cabo Verde began.
2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2023, the Cape Verde national basketball team made their first appearance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
2023: Ama Gloria Film
In 2023, the French film Ama Gloria by Marie Amachoukeli, was filmed in Cape Verde.
2023: Africa Cup of Nations
The Cape Verde national football team played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
February 2024: Malaria-Free Status
On 2 February 2024, Cape Verde was declared free of malaria, becoming the third African country to achieve this milestone.
2024: Bronze medal in boxing
In 2024, Daniel Varela de Pina won a bronze medal in boxing, the first Olympic medal for Cape Verde.
2025: Original Renewable Energy Goal
Cape Verde initially planned to become entirely reliant on renewable energy sources by 2025.
2025: Global Innovation Index
In 2025, Cape Verde was ranked 95th in the Global Innovation Index.
2025: TechPark Official Inauguration
The TechPark Cabo Verde project had its official inauguration in 2025.
2026: FIFA World Cup participation
In 2026, the Cape Verde national football team will participate in their first FIFA World Cup.
2030: Renewable Energy Goal
Cape Verde aims to source 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
2050: Long-Term Renewable Energy Goal
Cape Verde aims to achieve 100% renewable energy production by 2050.
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