1. The archipelago is made up of ten islands and five islets.

2. Cape Verde is the third largest nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

3. Only half a million people live here, the majority on Santiago.

4. Santa Luzia is the archipelago's only uninhabited island.

5. Boa Vista's waters are a breeding ground for humpback whales.

6. Sal was once a center for salt mining.

7. The archipelago was uninhabited until the 15th century.

8. It has many volcanoes, the highest of which is Pico do Fogo.

9. The country has one of Africa’s most stable democratic governments.

10. Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau were once one country.

11. The long-eared bat is the only native animal to the islands.

12. Cabo Verde was the first landing of Charles Darwin’s famed HMS Beagle voyage.

13. In 1968, a “ghost” ship carrying the latest Korgs, Moogs and Hammond organs was marooned off the Cabo Verde island of São Nicolau.

14. A traditional dish in Cabo Verde is Cachupa, a hearty stew made with beans, herbs, cassava, and occasionally meat, that is simmered for hours before serving.​