Country Profile: Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean west of Senegal, comprises nine inhabited islands characterized by a rugged volcanic terrain. The population of approximately 611,014 is predominantly Creole with a mix of African and European ancestry. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, which has rebounded strongly post-COVID-19, supported by a stable democratic government established since its independence from Portugal in 1975. Despite challenges such as droughts and emigration, Cabo Verde has made significant strides in poverty reduction and maintaining economic stability.

Geography

Cabo Verde's unique geography consists of steep, rocky, volcanic islands with a total area of 4,033 square kilometers and a coastline of 965 kilometers. The climate is temperate, with warm, dry summers and erratic rainfall, leading to agricultural challenges. The islands are strategically located about 500 kilometers from the western coast of Africa, making them significant for shipping routes.

• 4,033 sq km: Total area of Cabo Verde.
• 965 km: Length of the coastline.
• 2,829 m: Height of Mount Fogo, the highest point in Cabo Verde.
• 19.6%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022 est.).
• 11.5%: Forest cover in Cabo Verde (2022 est.).
• 72.5%: Percentage of population living in urban areas (2023).

People and Society

Cabo Verde has a diverse population estimated at 611,014 people as of 2024, of which about 68% reside in urban areas. The society is marked by a blend of cultural influences, primarily Portuguese and African, reflected in its language and traditions. Portuguese is the official language, while Crioulo is widely spoken. The country has a youthful demographic with a median age of 28.8 years.

• 17.9 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024 est.).
• 74.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• 87%: Literacy rate (2015 est.).
• 40 deaths/100,000 live births: Maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.).
• 11.9%: Unemployment rate (estimated for 2024).
• 35.2%: Percentage of the population living below the poverty line (2015 est.).

Economy

Cabo Verde's economy is classified as a stable, middle-income developing economy, significantly relying on tourism and foreign remittances. In 2024, the Real GDP is estimated to be $5.2 billion, with growth rates projected at 7.3%. The country has made progress in poverty reduction and continues to invest in its development plan.

• $9,900: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
• 12.1%: Share of GDP from remittances (2024 est.).
• 4.7%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.).
• 69.4%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024 est.).
• 11%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
• $1.158 billion: Projected exports (2024 est.).

Government

Cabo Verde is a parliamentary republic with a stable democratic framework. The President and the Prime Minister play significant roles in governance, with elections held every five years. The latest presidential election was conducted on October 17, 2021. The legal system is based on Portuguese civil law, and the country is known for its respect for human rights and political pluralism.

• President: Jose Maria Pereira Neves (in office since Nov 9, 2021).
• Parliament: National Assembly with 72 members.
• Voting Age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
• Next Election: Expected in April 2026.

Military and Security

Cabo Verde’s military, the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces, includes the National Guard and the Coast Guard, with an estimated 1,000-1,500 active personnel. The military budget is about 0.6% of GDP, primarily focused on external defense and internal security collaboration with the police.

• 0.6%: Military expenditures as a portion of GDP (2024 est.).
• 24-month: Conscription period for compulsory military service.
• 1,000-1,500: Active military personnel (2025 est.).

Energy

The energy sector in Cabo Verde comprises various sources: fossil fuels, solar, and wind energy. The electrification rate is high, with 97.1% of the population having access to electricity. The country is making strides in renewable energy transition, targeting increased solar and wind production.

• 97.1%: Total electrification rate (2022 est.).
• 400 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
• 200,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.).
• 71.1%: Share of fossil fuels in total energy capacity (2023 est.).

Environment

Cabo Verde faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, water shortages, and soil erosion. The government is party to several international environmental agreements, aiming to address these issues while balancing development needs.

• 68%: Urban population (2023).
• 300 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.).
• 132,555 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2012 est.).

Transportation

Cabo Verde has a growing transportation network comprising multiple airports and a merchant marine fleet. The country has 10 airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

• 10: Number of airports (2025).
• 44: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
• 2: Major ports, including Porto da Praia.

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Cabo Verde has developed significantly, with a high mobile penetration and increasing internet accessibility. Approximately 74% of the population had access to the internet in 2023.

• 590,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• 60,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
• 74%: Internet penetration rate (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	611,014	2024 estimate
Area (sq km)	4,033	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$5.2 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$9,900	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	11.9%	2024 estimate
Birth rate (per 1,000 population)	17.9	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	74.3 years	2024 estimate