Cape Verde explained to kids

Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country located in the central Atlantic Ocean. The country consists of 10 volcanic islands, with a total land area of around 4,033 square kilometers (1,557 square miles). The capital and largest city is Praia, with a population of around 137,000 people. Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony and gained independence in 1975. The official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole is also widely spoken. Cape Verde has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). The country experiences a wet season from August to October, and a dry season from November to July. Cape Verde is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, with the most recent major storms being Hurricane Fred in 2015 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Cape Verde has a population of around 550,000 people. The majority of the population is of African descent, with smaller percentages of European, Asian, and mixed ancestry. The official religion is Christianity, although a significant minority of the population practice Islam. The economy of Cape Verde is largely based on tourism and fishing. The country is a popular destination for tourists from Europe and North America, and its beaches and warm climate make it a popular destination for winter holidays. Fishing is also an important economic activity, with Cape Verdean fish being exported to markets in Europe and Africa. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, and the United Nations.