In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a centre of maritime trade of points among Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, Brazil in South America, and the Caribbean.

[4] Between 1492 and 1497,[5] Manuel I of Portugal exiled thousands of conversos, Jews forced to accept baptism and conversion to Christianity but considered suspect, to São Tomé, Príncipe, and Cape Verde.

The riches of Ribeira Grande and conflicts between Portugal and rival colonial powers France and Britain attracted pirate attacks, including those by Francis Drake (1585) and Jacques Cassard (1712).

[10] In the course of the 19th century, the Plateau of Praia was completely redeveloped with streets according to a grid plan, lined with grand colonial buildings and mansions.

[12] Several thousands of islanders emigrated, for instance accepting contract labour on the cocoa plantations of Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe.

For instance, in 1956, Amílcar and Luís Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).

[15] On 5 July 1975, at Praia, Portugal's Prime Minister Vasco Gonçalves turned over power to National Assembly President Abílio Duarte, and Cape Verde became independent.

Cape Verde Islanders had higher educational levels and were often appointed to low-level administrative posts in Portuguese territories.