Sunday 14 February 2016

By Ben Grow


The history of Cape Verde is typical and yet unique for its location. For three centuries, the islands were a setting for the transatlantic slave trade, exile for political prisoners of Portugal and a place of refuge for Jews and other victims of religious persecution during the Spanish-Portuguese Inquisition. But even in the 19th century, the slaves led very different lives than those of North or South America.

Because much of Cape Verde’s population was mixed race, they tended to fare better than fellow Africans in other Portuguese colonies. Beginning in the mid-19th century, a privileged few even received an education, many going on to help administrate mainland colonies.

As other European powers were relinquishing their colonies, Portugal’s right-wing dictator, António de Salazar, propped up his regime with dreams of colonial greatness. From the early 1960s, one of Africa’s longest wars of independence ensued. Cape Verde’s fortunes revived with the advent of the ocean liner at the end of the 19th century.

It became an important stopover for coal, water and livestock, and Mindelo, with its deep, protected harbour, became the island’s new commercial and cultural centre. Freedom from Portugal came in 1975. African society is most apparent on the island of Santiago-where a large portion of the population lives. Cape Verde appreciates a stable majority rule framework.

The current flag of Cape Verde consists of a blue base with a white horizontal stripe. In the middle of the white stripe is a thinner horizontal red stripe. Towards the left side of the white stripe is a circle made up of ten yellow five-point stars.

The blue shade of the national banner of Cape Verde symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the ten brilliant stars speak of the ten islands which make up this enormous nation. The red strip which goes through the white is an image of financial advancement. The white speaks of the peace. The Flag Company Inc had practical experience in banner plans offered an uncommon version of decals and banners to remember the historical backdrop of the banner of Cape Verde for future generations.




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