• Country's whose diaspora dwarfs the residents
• Legacy of colonialism and seafaring defines islands
• Remittances power the economy

Scattered, but one

The enduring truth about Cape Verdeans is about how scattered they are all across the earth. No doubt, this has something to do with the long history of periodic famines that have ravaged the islands, forcing many to leave. Being caught up in the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of busy shipping lanes has added to this migratory instinct.

Today, Cape Verdean immigrant communities in numerous countries on four continents, from Senegal in West Africa to Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Italy, France, and, of course, the US.

For a people who are so far-flung, one could say Cape Verdeans and the internet were made for each other. Each of the islands in the Republic of Cape Verde is separated from the others and they in turn are separated from their kinsmen in the US, Europe, Brazil and West Africa. A quick survey of the internet can call up hundreds of Cape Verdean-related sites and links

In one sense, Cape Verdeans are part of a wider global community linked through the Portuguese language. It is not often acknowledged that the Portuguese language is spoken by more people worldwide – some 230 million - than French, or German, or Italian, or Japanese. Only English, Mandarin and Spanish count more speakers. The majority of Portuguese speakers are in Brazil.