Cape Verde when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands, establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. Ideally located for the Atlantic slave trade, the islands grew prosperous throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, attracting merchants, privateers, and pirates. The end of slavery in the 19th century led to economic decline and emigration. Cape Verde gradually recovered as an important commercial center and stopover for shipping routes. Incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal in 1951, the islands continued to campaign for independence, which was peacefully achieved in 1975. Since the early 1990s, Cape Verde has been a stable representative democracy,
Visa policy of Cape Verde a visa exemption for European Union citizens, citizens of the United States and Canada, and citizens of European countries outside the Schengen Area, which will take effect on 1 January 2019. Visitors from all other non-visa-exempt countries except may obtain a visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente or Santiago international airports. Visa policy of Cape Verde Visitors to Cape Verde must obtain a visa to enter, unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, which are mostly in Africa. Visas may be obtained in advance from a Cape Verde embassy or consulate, or in person upon