Country Profile: Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, consists of nine inhabited islands with a population of approximately 611,014. The country boasts a stable democratic government and an economy that is increasingly reliant on tourism alongside remittances from a significant expatriate community. It has faced challenges from climate variability, including recurring droughts, which have shaped its development trajectory. Cabo Verde's cultural heritage is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, reflected in its language, music, and traditions.

Geography

Cabo Verde is situated in Western Africa, approximately 500 km off the coast of Senegal. The islands are characterized by a steep, rugged, and volcanic terrain, with limited arable land due to their dry climate. This geographic isolation and varied rainfall contribute to a unique ecological and agricultural landscape.

Total Area: 4,033 sq km
Coastline: 965 km
Highest Point: Mt. Fogo at 2,829 m (volcano)
Natural Hazards: prone to prolonged droughts and volcanic activity
Climate: temperate with warm, dry summers and erratic precipitation

People and Society

Cabo Verde has a diverse population of about 611,014 people, primarily of Creole descent (71%). Portuguese is the official language, alongside Crioulo, a local creole language. The country exhibits a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 29.3 years and about 68% of the population living in urban settings.

Urban Population: 68% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 88.5% (2024)
Life Expectancy: 74.3 years (2024)
Total Fertility Rate: 2.08 children/woman (2025)
Population Growth Rate: 1.12% (2025)

Economy

Cabo Verde’s economy is marked by stable growth, driven primarily by the recovery of its tourism sector. In 2024, it is estimated that real GDP will reach $5.2 billion, with a growth rate of 7.3%. The economy is characterized by a high dependency on foreign remittances and aid to sustain public and private investments.

GDP per capita: $9,900 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 11.9% (2024)
Poverty Rate: 35.2% (2015 est.)
Exports: $1.158 billion (2024)
Imports: $1.473 billion (2024)

Government

Cabo Verde is a parliamentary republic with a stable political framework. The government is led by President Jose Maria Pereira Neves and Prime Minister Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva. The nation maintains an active legislative system with a unicameral National Assembly comprising 72 members.

Capital: Praia
Independence: July 5, 1975 (from Portugal)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Legislative Structure: Unicameral National Assembly
Next Election: Expected in October 2026

Military and Security

Cabo Verde has a small military force known as the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces, comprising around 1,000-1,500 active personnel. Military spending represents about 0.6% of GDP, focusing on internal security and external defense operations.

Military Expenditures: 0.6% of GDP (2024)
Service Age: Voluntary at 17 years
Active Personnel: 1,000-1,500 (2025)

Energy

The country has made strides in electrification, with 97.1% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The energy generation is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, though there is a growing focus on renewable energy sources.

Installed Generating Capacity: 200,000 kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 400 million kWh (2023)
Fossil Fuel Contribution: 71.1% of total capacity (2023)

Environment

Cabo Verde faces significant environmental challenges, including water shortages, soil erosion, and deforestation linked to demand for firewood. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements aiming to address these issues.

CO2 Emissions: 714,000 metric tonnes (2023)
Water Withdrawal: 155.895 million cubic meters (2022)
Waste Recycling Rate: 17.4% (2022)

Transportation

Cabo Verde has 10 airports and a small but functional merchant marine. The country's transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting its islands and supporting its tourism-driven economy.

Airports: 10 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 44 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 2 (2024)

Communications

The communications sector in Cabo Verde is developing, with a high penetration of mobile phones and internet users. The country has approximately 590,354 mobile cellular subscriptions.

Internet Users: 74% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line Telephones: 60,000 subscriptions (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: 38,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	611,014	(2024 est.)
Area	4,033 sq km
GDP	$5.2 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.9%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	17.51 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.3 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	68%	(2023)
Electricity Access	97.1%	(2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions	714,000 metric tonnes	(2023)