the cape verde archipelago was uninhabited until the 15th century, 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 transatlantic 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 achieved in 1975.