Introduction
Background
The Portuguese discovered and colonized the uninhabited Cabo Verde islands in the 15th century. After independence in 1975, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cabo Verde continues to sustain one of Africa's most stable democratic governments and relatively stable economies.
Geography
Area
total : 4,033 sq km
land: 4,033 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and erratic
Natural resources
salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum
People and Society
Population
total: 611,014
Ethnic groups
Creole (Mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
Languages
Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a Portuguese-based Creole language with two main dialects spoken in Cabo Verde and in the Cabo Verdean diaspora worldwide)
Religions
Roman Catholic 72.5%, Protestant 4% (includes Adventist 1.9%, Nazarene 1.8%, Assembly of God 0.2%, God is Love 0.1%), Christian Rationalism 1.7%, Muslim 1.3%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Church of Jesus Christ 1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 1.2%, none 15.6%, no response 0.4% (2021 est.)
Population growth rate
1.16% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Praia
Executive branch
chief of state: President Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 9 November 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose Ulisses CORREIA e SILVA (since 22 April 2016)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)
Economy
Economic overview
stable, middle-income, developing island economy; strong GDP growth led by tourism sector recovery; sustained poverty reduction through PEDS II development plan; high reliance on foreign remittances and aid to finance external debt
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$4.903 billion (2023 est.)
$4.663 billion (2022 est.)
$3.971 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$8,200 (2023 est.)
$7,900 (2022 est.)
$6,800 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, tomatoes, coconuts, pulses, goat milk, vegetables, bananas, milk, cabbages, potatoes (2022)
Industries
food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair
Exports
$951.224 million (2023 est.)
$860.578 million (2022 est.)
$465.348 million (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Spain 56%, Portugal 12%, Italy 9%, US 6%, India 5% (2022)
Exports - commodities
fish, shellfish, garments, natural gas, scrap iron (2022)
Imports
$1.424 billion (2023 est.)
$1.31 billion (2022 est.)
$1.117 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Portugal 41%, Spain 12%, China 8%, Netherlands 7%, Togo 5% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fish, plastic products, milk, cars (2022)
Exchange rates
Cabo Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar -
Page last updated: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
