Population density: 115/km² (298/mi²)

Main languages spoken: Portuguese Creole, Portuguese

The majority of the population is Portuguese–African mestiço; the remainder is largely African, descended either from slaves or from more recent immigrants from the mainland. The Creolization of the culture has led to a relative lack of ethnic tension. African culture is influential on Santiago Island.

The extended family, as well as the Roman Catholic Church, have helped to ensure the vitality of family life. Some 600,000 Cape Verdean emigrants now live in communities around the world: overseas remittances are an important part of the economy.

THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT

RELIGIOUS PERSUASION

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004