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Cape Verde Why children in Cape Verde need your helpCape Verde has one of the most politically stable nations in the African region, but repeated droughts, deforestation and soil erosion during the 1990s have forced many families to emigrate, and resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 people. Today, Cape Verde has more expatriate than domestic residents. While primary school enrolments have increased in recent year, low family incomes mean many children are forced to drop out at an early age, particularly girls. As a result, one-third of women in the country cannot read or write. Over 80 per cent of food stuffs must be imported, despite 70 per cent of the population living in rural communities. Currently, Cape Verde is heavily dependent on overseas aid, and is attempting to encourage the growth of the tourism industry domestically, in order to generate wealth for the country. Country factsCape Verde is made up of ten islands, most of which are mountainous.The area, which was originally uninhabited, was colonised by Portugal in the 15th century and later became a key trading centre for the African slave trade.Over 70 per cent of those living in Cape Verde are of mixed Portugese and African descent. The country achieved independence from Portugal in 1975, and considered uniting with sister colony Guinea-Bissau, until a coup in Guinea derailed the plan. The current president of the country is Pedro de Verona Rodrigues Pires.
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