The majority of the population is Portuguese-African "mestiτo;" the remainder is largely African, descended either from slaves or from more recent immigrants from the mainland. The Creolization of the culture has led to a relative lack of ethnic tension, although there is some bad feeling between islands. African traditions of the extended family and the Catholic Church have helped to ensure the vitality of family life. Women's role in public affairs is not prominent, in part due to the conservative Catholic influence.
