Administrative Division of Cape Verde
The Cape Verde archipelago is administratively divided into 22 counties (municipalities). Some of these are named after one of the settlements within their territory, while others have distinct names.
Each county is further divided into parishes (freguesias). Geographically, the counties are grouped into two districts: Barlavento and Sotavento, which correspond to the two sub-archipelagos of Cape Verde. However, this division does not hold any specific administrative function.
Cities of Cape Verde
According to the 2005 census, only three Cape Verdean cities have populations exceeding 10,000 inhabitants:
- Praia, the capital, with 113,364 inhabitants
- Mindelo, with approximately 70,611 inhabitants, considered the cultural capital of the archipelago
- Santa Maria, with a population of 17,231 inhabitants
The Education System in Cape Verde
Primary education in Cape Verde is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16 and is free up to the age of 12. In 2008, the net enrollment rate in primary school was 84%, while the literacy rate for the population over 15 years old reached 85%.
To ensure access to education, 90% of students received textbooks, and 83% of teachers completed specialized training. However, the school system faces some challenges:
- Many students and teachers speak Cape Verdean Creole as their native language, but education is conducted in Portuguese, creating language barriers.
- Resources allocated for teaching materials and books are insufficient.
- The school repetition rate is high.
