Cabo
Verde
History and facts |
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Less than 20 years ago, the
archipelago belonged to the poorest countries
in the world. Dryness and drought, hunger and
hardship drove many desolate people to immigrate
to any number of other countries. More than 700'000
of the total 1.1 million counted population of
the Cape Verde Islands was lost to immigration.
The former colonial master,
Portugal, released the small island country to
independence in 1975, however, social problems
only became worse. Over the course of many years,
the Cape Verde Islands politically drifted towards
the Eastern Bloc, which staggered the socio-economic
situation in the long term. |
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Help from the World Bank and
the massive support offered by the EU over decades
guaranteed the survival of the small island state,
which is still dependent upon the good will of
the international community.
Since the mid 90ies, the country has been developing
more and more into a popular vacation destination.
Foreign investors have discovered the "new
Canaries" – as the Cape Verde Islands
are often referred to – and already realized
large hotel projects on Sal and Boavista.
The country is experiencing a "small economical
wonder" as the result of the tourism and
improved transportation conditions. This trend
is still limited to only a few of the islands,
but new and modern hotel infrastructures are already
being built on Santiago and Santo Antão.
They create new jobs and a complimentary economical
branch. |
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