Population
According to
Countryaah, Cape Verde has a population density of 139 residents per
km2. São Tiago, where the capital is located, is
the most populous island with about 50 percent of the
population. In 2019, 66 per cent of the population lived in
cities, of which the capital Praia (134 900 residents, 2012)
and the port city of Mindelo (72 000) are the largest. As a
result of emigration from the country, the country has a low
population growth. Nowadays, more cutting values live
abroad than in the home country.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. The population
speaks crioulo, a Portuguese-based Creole language.
Religion
In 1462 the first Portuguese came to São Tiago, where
they founded the city of Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha).
Ever since, the country has been Catholic. Today (2010), 94%
of the population profess to Catholicism. More than 3% of
the population are Protestants, among whom the Church of
Nazarene is successful. Just under 3% are Muslims and
traditional indigenous religion is covered by just over one
percent. In practice, Catholicism is often enriched with
traditional African elements. Every saint's day, for
example, is celebrated with drums, processions, African
masks and dances.
During colonial times, Catholicism was state religion.
Today, the constitution is secular and together with other
laws it guarantees freedom of religion. According to the
Criminal Code, violations of religious freedom can give up
to three years in prison. Religion and state are separated
according to the constitution, which also prevents the
government from imposing a religion on citizens. But
Catholicism still holds a certain privileged position, in
that the state provides the Catholic Church with free
broadcasting time for television broadcast services. The
country is characterized by good relations between the faith
communities.
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