Overview of Cabo Verde

Profile

Cabo Verde is a Macaronesian archipelago nation comprising 10 inhabited and uninhabited islands, featuring dry savanna climate and majestic volcanic landscapes. It maintains stable democracy and relatively high living standards, with an economy supported by tourism, shipping, and remittances from its diaspora. Rich musical culture "Morna" and seafood-centered cuisine, along with festivals like Carnival, attract visitors. In the international community, Cabo Verde serves as a bridge for South-South cooperation as a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.

Official name: Republic of Cabo Verde
Common name: Cabo Verde
Numeric code: 132
Alpha-3 code: CPV
Alpha-2 code: CV
Population: Approximately 600,000 (2023 estimate) (2023)
Population density: Approximately 148 people/km²
Primary languages: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant denominations
National anthem: Cântico da Liberdade (Hymn of Freedom)
Calling code: +238
Internet TLD: .cv

History

Portuguese colonized the uninhabited islands in the 15th century, and Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975. Today it is recognized as a stable semi-presidential democratic nation.

Portuguese settled after 1456 and it prospered as a hub for Atlantic slave trade. The economy stagnated due to droughts and the decline of slave trade, but in the 19th century Mindelo became a commercial city as a coaling station. In the 1950s, PAIGC launched independence struggle and gained sovereignty from Portugal on July 5, 1975. In the early 1990s, it transitioned to a multi-party system and established electoral power transitions. Currently, it pursues sustainable development centered on tourism and cooperation with diaspora communities.

Geography & climate

A mix of rugged mountainous volcanic islands and low flat sandy dune islands with white sand beaches

Subtropical dry steppe climate (BSh)

Area: Africa / 4033 km²
Capital: Praia
Largest city: Praia
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Salt, Seafood, Basalt, Pozzolana (volcanic ash), Wind power, Solar power, Tourism resources, Potential seabed deposits, Medicinal herbs, Basalt stone, High maritime logistics hub potential

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential democratic republic

Economy

Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

GDP (nominal): 2.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 4.6 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole

Time zone: Cape Verde Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Creole (Mulatto), African, European

Life expectancy

73.5 years (2022)

Literacy rate

86.8% (2015 estimate)

National sports

Football, Futsal, Basketball, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Athletics, Beach volleyball, Golf, Cricket