Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is an island country that covers 10 volcanic islands within the central Atlantic Ocean. These islands make up some of the Macaronesia ecoregion and the islands are located west of the Cape Verde Peninsula. Together, the islands cover an area of just over 1,500 square miles.   The archipelago was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century and colonized as part of the first European settlement of the tropics. In 1951, Cape Verde was incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal until it achieved independence in 1975. Cabo Verde exists as a representative democracy and is recognized as one of the most democratic countries in Africa. Its economy is service-oriented, focusing mainly on foreign investment and tourism.