Sailing to Cap Verde

Cap Verde is situated outside Senegal in the South Atlantic and is a separate state since 1975, after having belonged to Portugal for many centuries. The country used to have a marxist government and was supported by Sovjet, China och Cuba, but somehow it turned reasonably democratic and is now one of the few democracies in Africa.

Cap Verde´s people is a cross breed between the Portugese, slaves, pirates, whalers, and adventurers of all kinds. They share severe poverty but also have good humors in common. They are quite easygoing and smiles are close.

In spite of their poverty you will find few beggars. 

Mindelo is a small town with 47000 people, on an average 7 children per fertile woman. There are few means for survival here. Average annual tempreture is 35 centigrades and rainfall is 20 mm per year. Fish is abundant, everything esle must be imported. One third of the BNP comes from Cap Verde people abroad, one third is aid from other countries.

Santo Antao. Neigboring island about an hour away on a terribly run down ferry, people everywhere. This island is much more beautiful and green than Mindelo, and looks a bit like Madeira. People seem to be better off on this island since it is possible toF grow crops here. The island reaches 2000 m with deep drops on each side of the 'road'.