Country Profile: Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, boasts a rich cultural heritage stemming from its historical interactions between European and African traditions. With a population of approximately 611,014 as of 2024, the nation operates under a parliamentary republic, maintaining a stable democratic governance since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The economy, characterized as stable and developing, has a strong reliance on tourism and foreign remittances, contributing significantly to its GDP growth and poverty reduction efforts.
Geography
Cabo Verde is situated in Western Africa, approximately 500 km off the coast of Senegal and consists of nine inhabited islands. The climate is temperate with warm, dry summers and limited precipitation, leading to varied population distribution across the islands. The rugged volcanic terrain is marked by the highest peak, Mt. Fogo, reaching 2,829 m.
- Area: 4,033 sq km
- Coastline: 965 km
- Natural hazards: Prolonged droughts and volcanic activity are prevalent.
- Climate: Temperate; warm, dry summer.
People and Society
Cabo Verde has an estimated population of 611,014 in 2024, predominantly of mixed Creole heritage. The official language is Portuguese, with Crioulo widely spoken as well. The nation exhibits a youthful demographic, with a median age of 29.3 years and a literacy rate of 88.5%.
- Urban population: 68% of total population (2023)
- Life expectancy: 74.3 years (2024)
- Birth rate: 17.51 births/1,000 population (2025)
- Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic (72.5%).
Economy
Cabo Verde's economy is categorized as a stable, middle-income, developing economy, heavily reliant on tourism and remittances. The real GDP per capita is estimated at $9,900 in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 7.3%. Agriculture contributes 4.7% to the GDP, while services dominate with 69.4%.
- GDP (PPP): $5.2 billion (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 11.9% (2024)
- Remittances: 12.1% of GDP (2024)
- Major industries: Food and beverages, fish processing.
Government
Cabo Verde is a parliamentary republic with Praia as its capital. The legal system is based on civil law influenced by Portugal. The country enjoys political stability, with elections held regularly, the most recent being in October 2021. The President is Jose Maria Pereira Neves, and the Prime Minister is Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva.
- Independence: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal)
- Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 72 seats.
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Military and Security
The Cabo Verdean Armed Forces (FACV) maintain a modest presence, with approximately 1,000-1,500 active personnel. Military expenditure stands at 0.6% of GDP. The FACV plays roles in both external defense and internal security in collaboration with the police.
- Military service age: 17 years (voluntary); 18-35 years (compulsory).
- Military equipment: Limited, mostly secondhand from various countries.
- Internal security cooperation: Engages with national police for law enforcement.
Energy
Cabo Verde's electricity access is high, reaching 97.1% of the population, with a generation capacity of 200,000 kW as of 2023. The energy mix includes a significant portion from fossil fuels.
- Energy consumption per capita: 19.999 million Btu (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 400 million kWh (2023)
- Electricity generation sources: 71.1% fossil fuels, 14.2% solar, 14.6% wind.
Environment
Environmental challenges include deforestation, water shortages, and soil erosion. Cabo Verde is a party to various international environmental agreements, yet faces significant issues related to climate and sustainability.
- Total water withdrawal: 300 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Municipal solid waste: 132,600 tons generated annually (2024 est.)
- Recycling rate: 17.4% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Transportation
Cabo Verde has a modest transportation infrastructure with 10 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The primary ports include Porto da Praia and Porto Grande, supporting both cargo and passenger services.
- Total merchant marine: 44 ships (2023)
- Ports: 2 total, including oil terminals.
- Civil aircraft registration prefix: D4.
Communications
Access to telecommunications is expanding, with a mobile penetration of 112 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. The internet usage is prevalent among the population, marking a significant step in connectivity.
- Internet users: 74% of the population (2023)
- Total mobile subscriptions: 590,354 (2023)
- Fixed telephone line subscriptions: 60,000 (2023).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 611,014 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 4,033 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.2 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $9,900 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 11.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 74.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 17.51 births/1,000 people | 2025 estimate |
| Electric access | 97.1% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban population | 68% | 2023 estimate |
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