Cabo Verde

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 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Creole (Mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Languages
Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a Portuguese-based creole language with two main dialects)

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)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Luis do Livramento MONTEIRO ALVES DE BRITO (since 23 December 2020)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jennifer ADAMS (since 10 September 2024)

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)
$5.2 billion (2024 est.)
$4.848 billion (2023 est.)
$4.6 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$9,900 (2024 est.)
$9,300 (2023 est.)
$8,900 (2022 est.)

Exports
$1.158 billion (2024 est.)
$972.636 million (2023 est.)
$851.907 million (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
Spain 46%, Portugal 9%, Togo 7%, Italy 7%, India 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
fish, refined petroleum, railway cargo containers, shellfish, garments (2023)

Imports
$1.473 billion (2024 est.)
$1.428 billion (2023 est.)
$1.31 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
Portugal 29%, Saudi Arabia 11%, Netherlands 9%, Spain 8%, China 7% (2023)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, aircraft, cars, fish, railway cargo containers (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.668, ranking it 135th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)