IV.  Political Environment

 Cape Verde enjoys a stable political system with little
 chance of unrest in spite of the currently unsettled
 domestic political situation.  Several factions are
 currently jockeying for supremacy, but the foundations in
 this nascent democracy are solid.  The judiciary functions,
 corruption is rare and all challenges for power come within
 constitutional framework here in one of Africa's democratic
 showcases.

 Historically, Cape Verde has maintained close ties with the
 United States, beginning with the flow of immigrants in the
 early 1880's.  This migration continues today, with the
 resulting impact on the policies of both countries.  During
 Cape Verde's recent two-year stint on the United Nations
 security council, Cape Verde was able to serve as an
 interlocutor between disparate groups.  Siding often with
 the West to the detriment of its reputation within African
 and non-aligned circles, Cape Verde aided in consensus-
 building on Libyan and Palestinian initiatives.  In the
 post-U.N. period, Cape Verde is likely to concentrate on
 African issues, seeking reconciliation instead of
 confrontation in order to resolve Africa's many problems.
 If the past is any indication, this initiative will likely
 prove successful for Capeverdeans, and beneficial for the
 interests of the United States as well, through the
 increasing stabilization of this region of Africa.