Cape Verde

Cultural Attributes

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Holidays

• Independence Day

  7/5

  Independence Day

Dates of Interest

• July 5th

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Historical Eras

Overview

Timeline of Key Events

1. 1456

   First Europeans arrive in Cape Verde.

   First Europeans arrive in Cape Verde.

2. 1495

   Cape Verde becomes a Portuguese crown colony.

   Cape Verde becomes a Portuguese crown colony.

3. 1975

   Cape Verde becomes independent.

   Cape Verde becomes independent and adopts constitution envisaging unity with Guinea-Bissau.

4. 1980

   Cape Verde ditches plans for unity with Guinea-Bissau following coup in latter.

   Cape Verde ditches plans for unity with Guinea-Bissau following coup in latter.

5. 1992

   A new constitution brings in a multi-party system.

   A new constitution brings in a multi-party system.

Religion

Languages Spoken

• Portuguese

Population

Population

561,901

Population in Major Urban Areas

PRAIA (capital) 132,000

Nationality Noun

Cape Verdean(s)

Ethnic Groups

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Education

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Cape Verde stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 77 to 78 years, while male life expectancy is generally closer to 71 to 72 years. These figures place Cape Verde well above the sub-Saharan African average, reflecting the island nation's notable achievements in public health, healthcare access, and overall human development. This relatively high life expectancy is the result of sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved access to clean water and sanitation, and declining rates of infant and child mortality over recent decades. Cape Verde has made particular progress in reducing deaths from preventable and communicable diseases, and its healthcare system, while small, has expanded considerably since independence in 1975. The country benefits from a stable political environment and reasonably strong governance, both of which have supported consistent public health programming. Vaccination coverage is high, maternal healthcare has improved significantly, and access to basic medical services has expanded across both the inhabited urban islands, such as Santiago and São Vicente, and the more remote rural islands. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, have become increasingly prominent health concerns as the population ages and lifestyle patterns shift. These conditions now represent the leading causes of mortality among older adults, a transition consistent with patterns observed across many middle-income countries undergoing epidemiological change. Cape Verde's diaspora also plays an indirect role in health outcomes, as remittances from overseas communities help supplement household incomes, enabling families to afford better nutrition and access to healthcare services. The government continues to work with international partners, including the World Health Organization, to strengthen its health system and address the evolving burden of disease as the country's demographic profile gradually matures. Overall, Cape Verde's life expectancy figures reflect a country that has made meaningful and measurable gains in population health, distinguishing it as one of the more successful development stories in West Africa.

Infant Mortality Rate

Cape Verde has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over the past several decades, reflecting significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal and child health services, and overall living standards across the island nation. As of recent data, Cape Verde's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 14 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic decline from earlier decades, when infant mortality was considerably higher due to limited access to healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, and nutritional deficiencies. The sustained downward trend places Cape Verde well ahead of many of its sub-Saharan African neighbors in terms of child health outcomes. Several factors have contributed to this progress. The government has expanded access to primary healthcare services across both urban centers like Praia and Mindelo and more isolated rural communities on the smaller islands. Increased rates of skilled birth attendance, improved prenatal care, and expanded immunization coverage have all played measurable roles in reducing infant deaths. Vaccination programs targeting diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio have achieved relatively high coverage rates, limiting childhood mortality from preventable illnesses. Breastfeeding promotion and nutritional support programs have also contributed to healthier infant outcomes. Malnutrition, while still a concern in some communities, has decreased as food security and public health education have improved. Despite these gains, disparities remain between islands and between urban and rural populations. Infants born on less accessible outer islands may face greater risks due to longer distances to medical facilities and fewer specialized care options. Respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases continue to be leading causes of infant illness and death, particularly in areas with limited clean water access. International organizations and development partners have supported Cape Verde's health sector through funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing the country's ability to sustain and continue improving its child health statistics. Cape Verde's trajectory in this area is frequently cited as a model of health development progress within the African continent.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Cape Verde stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 77 to 78 years, while male life expectancy is generally closer to 71 to 72 years. These figures place Cape Verde well above the sub-Saharan African average, reflecting the island nation's notable achievements in public health, healthcare access, and overall human development. This relatively high life expectancy is the result of sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved access to clean water and sanitation, and declining rates of infant and child mortality over recent decades. Cape Verde has made particular progress in reducing deaths from preventable and communicable diseases, and its healthcare system, while small, has expanded considerably since independence in 1975. The country benefits from a stable political environment and reasonably strong governance, both of which have supported consistent public health programming. Vaccination coverage is high, maternal healthcare has improved significantly, and access to basic medical services has expanded across both the inhabited urban islands, such as Santiago and São Vicente, and the more remote rural islands. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, have become increasingly prominent health concerns as the population ages and lifestyle patterns shift. These conditions now represent the leading causes of mortality among older adults, a transition consistent with patterns observed across many middle-income countries undergoing epidemiological change. Cape Verde's diaspora also plays an indirect role in health outcomes, as remittances from overseas communities help supplement household incomes, enabling families to afford better nutrition and access to healthcare services. The government continues to work with international partners, including the World Health Organization, to strengthen its health system and address the evolving burden of disease as the country's demographic profile gradually matures. Overall, Cape Verde's life expectancy figures reflect a country that has made meaningful and measurable gains in population health, distinguishing it as one of the more successful development stories in West Africa.

Infant Mortality Rate

Cape Verde has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over the past several decades, reflecting significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal and child health services, and overall living standards across the island nation. As of recent data, Cape Verde's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 14 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic decline from earlier decades, when infant mortality was considerably higher due to limited access to healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, and nutritional deficiencies. The sustained downward trend places Cape Verde well ahead of many of its sub-Saharan African neighbors in terms of child health outcomes. Several factors have contributed to this progress. The government has expanded access to primary healthcare services across both urban centers like Praia and Mindelo and more isolated rural communities on the smaller islands. Increased rates of skilled birth attendance, improved prenatal care, and expanded immunization coverage have all played measurable roles in reducing infant deaths. Vaccination programs targeting diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio have achieved relatively high coverage rates, limiting childhood mortality from preventable illnesses. Breastfeeding promotion and nutritional support programs have also contributed to healthier infant outcomes. Malnutrition, while still a concern in some communities, has decreased as food security and public health education have improved. Despite these gains, disparities remain between islands and between urban and rural populations. Infants born on less accessible outer islands may face greater risks due to longer distances to medical facilities and fewer specialized care options. Respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases continue to be leading causes of infant illness and death, particularly in areas with limited clean water access. International organizations and development partners have supported Cape Verde's health sector through funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing the country's ability to sustain and continue improving its child health statistics. Cape Verde's trajectory in this area is frequently cited as a model of health development progress within the African continent.

Country Identity

Country Name

CapeVerde

Full Country Name

Republic of Cape Verde

Local - Long

Republica de Cabo Verde

Local - Short

Cabo Verde

Government Structure

Government Type

republic

Legal System

derived from the legal system of Portugal

Executive Branch

chief of state: President Jose Maria NEVES (since 9 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Ulisses CORREIA SILVA (since 22 April 2016) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 17 October 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president election results: Jose Maria NEVES elected president; percent of vote - Jose Maria NEVES (PAICV) 51.7%, Casimiro DE PINA (independent) 11.6%, Gilson ALVES (independent) 11.2%, other 25.5%

Legislative Branch

Unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: Last held on 18 April 2021 (next to be held in 2026). Election results: Percent of vote by party — MpD 57.97%, PAICV 35.97%, UCID 4.03%, other 2.03%; seats by party — MpD 38, PAICV 30, UCID 4.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Constitution

new constitution came into force 25 September 1992; underwent a major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially increasing the powers of the president, and a further revision in 1999, to create the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Independence

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Capital City

Capital Name

Praia

Capital - geographic coordinate

14 55 N, 23 31 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Military

Branches: Armed Forces: Army (also called the National Guard, GN), Cabo Verde Coast Guard (Guardia Costeira de Cabo Verde, GCCV; includes naval infantry)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code

Cabo Verdean escudos (CVE)

GDP — official exchange rate

$1,128,000,000 (USD)

GDP Real Growth Rate

4.7%