Cape Verde Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

Cape Verde, an island in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 km west of Senegal; 4,000 km², 554,000 residents (2019.Cape Verde consists of ten islands (of which nine are inhabited) and eight smaller islets. The capital is Praia (134,900 residents, 2012).

Country facts

Republic of Cabo Verde / Republic of Cape Verde
Country abbreviation: CV
Area: 4 000 km²
Population (2019): 554,000 residents
Capital: Praia
Main languages: Portuguese
State: Republic
Head of State: Jorge Carlos Fonseca (President)
Head of Government: Ulisses Correia e Silva
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 3,654
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 3,450
Currency unit: 1 escudo = 100 centavos
Currency code: CVE
Country number (telephony): 238
Internet domain name: cv
Time difference compared to Sweden: −2
National Day: September 12 (Constitution adopted, 1980)
Independence Day: July 5, 1975

Nature

Land use: agricultural land (10%), other (90%)
Highest mountain: Pico do Cano (2,829 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 139 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.4%; birthrate 20 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (29%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (5%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 69 years, women 77 years
Infant mortality (2019): 17 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 700,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.654 (place 125 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 66%
Most populous cities (2012): Praia (134,900 residents), Mindelo (72,000)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (9%), industry (18%), service (77%)
Exports (2017): US $ 189 million
Main export products: fuel, shoes, textiles
Main exporting countries: Spain, Portugal, Netherlands
Imports (2017): US $ 836 million
Main import products: food, industrial products, transport
Main importing countries: Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands
Railway network: nothing in operation

Cape Verde is an island state that forms the highest parts of the Cape Verde Plateau which, in connection with volcanism, was raised from the seabed. The easternmost islands are low and flat, while the western ones are mountainous. The islands are dominated by the northeast winds’ warm winds and have a very dry and warm climate.

The president is the head of state and is elected for a term of five years. Of the 72 members of the National Assembly, six of Cape Verde’s residents reside abroad. The term of office is five years. Cape Verde became independent in 1975.

The country’s economy is dominated by agriculture and fishing. Difficult cultivation conditions with recurring dry periods adversely affect agricultural production. The most economically important industry, which is also considered to have the greatest development potential, is tuna fishing. At present, efforts are also being made to develop the tourism industry on the island of Sal, where the international airport is located. The country also receives major financial assistance from, for example, Portugal, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.