Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands, located approximately 500 km from the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic. The natural heritage of this archipelago has been discovered only recently by international operators, who have opened Cape Verde's doors to tourism.
Cape Verde's climate is of the dry tropical type, with average temperatures throughout the year of around 27°C; meanwhile, the sea temperature varies between 23°and 29°C depending on the season.
Boa Vista has a dry climate, thanks to warm winds coming from the Sahara.
Since the archipelago undergoes cycles of drought due to the effects of these hot, dry winds, the main problem here has always been water, and this recurs regularly. The rainy season is short, but more than sufficient to sustain a semi-arid nature. Unfortunately, adverse conditions occasionally coincide, causing a dramatic shortening of the rainy season, or sometimes its complete absence. The adoption of highly efficient modern irrigation techniques and methods for water recuperation (condensation, desalination, recycling) have achieved a substantial improvement in the situation; however, the need to sustain a high population means that maintaining adequate supplies is difficult in the occasional periods of crisis.
Cape Verde has no native population; all the residents are immigrants.
The current population of Cape Verde originates from a variety of ethnicities, both African and European, which have mixed over the centuries, creating a unique ethnic blend.
The majority of the population call themselves Catholic (approximately 90%). In many areas, Christianity has encompassed elements of African animist religions. There are also communities of Protestants and Buddhists.
The official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole - a Creole language derived from Portuguese - is extremely widespread.
French is taught in schools as a foreign language, as Cape Verde is a member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
The archipelago, a former Portuguese colony, has been independent since 1975, and the country's government is based on the democratic principles of a parliamentary republic. In spite of high levels of unemployment and poverty - still present, though decreasing - the country has never known social or political tension. Elections are held regularly and are democratic and problem-free.