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Cape Verde HistoryWith the decline in the slave trade, Cape Verde's early prosperity slowly vanished. However, the islands' position astride mid-Atlantic shipping lanes made Cape Verde an ideal location for re-supplying ships. Because of its excellent harbour, Mindelo (on the island of São Vicente) became an important commercial centre during the 19th century. Cape Verde's islands were uninhabited on their discovery in 1465 and became part of the Portuguese empire in 1495. In 1951 Cape Verde’s status changed from a Portuguese colony to an overseas province, and in 1961 the inhabitants became full Portuguese citizens. In July 1975 the islands became independent. Positioned on the great trade routes between Africa, Europe and the New World, the islands became a prosperous centre for the slave trade but suffered economic decline after abolition in 1876. In the 20th century, Cape Verde served as a shipping port and the government has recently embarked on a major expansion of its port whilst modernising the fishing fleet and enhancing its fish processing industry. These projects are being paid for partly by the EU and the World Bank. The first multi-party elections after independence were held on 13 January 1991 when the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde lost its majority to the Movement for Democracy Party and Antonio Monteiro won the presidential election. He re-held his position in the election in 1996. Monteiro was defeated in the 2001 election when The African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde regained control with the National Assembly choosing Jose Maria Neves as Head of Government and Pedro Pires as the President. |
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