| The Cape Verde islands are thought to have been | | | | was the last of these in 1712 which led to the decline |
| officially first discovered in 1456 by the Portuguese, | | | | of the city as the main settlement on the islands, |
| but there are suggestions that the islands had already | | | | making way for the growth of Praia, which is the |
| been discovered previously to this. However, there is | | | | most important city on the islands to this day. |
| no evidence to back this up, and it is instead based | | | | Challenging Times |
| on the probability of such a scenario. | | | | Despite its early prosperity, Cape Verde was to be |
| When the Portuguese arrived they quickly declared | | | | devastated by a number of serious droughts in the |
| the islands part of their country's territory, a status | | | | 18th and 19th centuries, which coincided with the |
| that they held until relatively recently. Alvise | | | | abolition of the slave trade. As this was by far the |
| Cadamosto was the one to make the discovery, and | | | | major player in the economy of the islands, it led to |
| records suggest that the islands that he discovered | | | | a period of decline in Cape Verde's economy. |
| were at that time lush with vegetation, hence the | | | | However, it was not long before the islands found a |
| name 'Verde', even though such greenery is not so | | | | completely different role to play after slavery had |
| prevalent today. | | | | been eradicated. During the 20th century, it rapidly |
| The Islands | | | | grew as a major refuelling stop for the increasing |
| The islands were all discovered at different times, | | | | numbers of huge ocean liners, where ships would |
| and have all played different roles throughout the | | | | stop for supplies of fuel, water and other |
| history of Cape Verde. Sal was discovered in 1460, | | | | commodities. The harbour, Mindelo, was built up |
| along with Boavista, Santiago and Maio. It was | | | | significantly with the help of the British to deal with |
| originally named Llana, but became important for the | | | | the country's coal interests, and it became a hugely |
| salt plains that were discovered on it. Indeed, the | | | | important factor in Cape Verde's economic growth. |
| exportation of salt was the biggest business for the | | | | But the honeymoon period was not to last, and the |
| island before tourism came along. São Vicente | | | | arrival of World War II, followed by the decline of |
| was also discovered early on in 1462, but it was only | | | | the British coal trade later in the century, dealt the |
| in the 19th century that it began to be significantly | | | | economy further harsh blows. |
| populated. | | | | Independence |
| However, Santiago has played the biggest role in the | | | | As the economy went into decline, the first half of |
| history of the islands, as it was here that the first | | | | the 20th century was a tough time for the |
| permanent settlement was founded in 1462. Named | | | | inhabitants of Cape Verde. They were plagued by |
| Ribeira Grande, and now known as Cidade Velha, it | | | | droughts and epidemics, whilst their Portuguese rulers |
| had the distinction of being the first permanent | | | | did very little to help. As countries across Africa |
| tropical settlement to be founded by Europeans. | | | | fought for their independence, the African Party for |
| Growth Through Slavery | | | | the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde |
| Soon after the foundation of Ribeira Grande at the | | | | (PAIGC) was formed. However, it wasn't until 1975 |
| end of the 15th century, Cape Verde grew in | | | | and the fall of the dictator Salazar that the islands |
| importance due to its role in the transatlantic slave | | | | finally managed to secure their independence. |
| trade. Slaves were taken from Africa to Cape Verde, | | | | Modern Times |
| and throughout the 16th century the islands | | | | These days, the Cape Verde islands are well known |
| prospered greatly due to their ideal location. | | | | for their all-year sunshine and burgeoning tourism |
| Ribeira Grande was, however, prone to attacks by | | | | industry. Evidence of the fascinating history can be |
| pirates, who would constantly set about plundering | | | | found throughout the islands, and it is now just one |
| the settlement due to its prosperity. Indeed, it wasn't | | | | of a number of draws that make the islands so |
| only pirates who attacked the city, with both the | | | | interesting to visit. |
| English and the French making their own attacks. It | | | | |