Cape Verde, officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago located in the central Atlantic Ocean. With a population of around 561,901 people, Cape Verde is a small island nation with a rich history and cultural heritage. The islands were discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, during their search for new trade routes and African resources, particularly gold. As a result, Cape Verde became a colony of Portugal from 1455 until its independence in 1975. The islands played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade, with the Portuguese establishing a slave-trading economy on the islands in the 17th to 19th centuries. This history of slavery and colonization has shaped the demographic and cultural makeup of Cape Verde, with a diverse population consisting of Creole (Mixed) and African ethnic groups. Today, Cape Verde is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with Portuguese as the official language. Its economy relies on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services. The country boasts stunning landscapes, vibrant music and dance traditions, and a warm and welcoming spirit that attracts visitors from around the world.