Cape Verde flag

Cape Verde

Republic of Cabo Verde

Capital

Praia

Region

Africa

Population

491,233

Area (km²)

4,033

💡Quick Summary

Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, is an archipelago nation in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa's coast, with a population of around 491,233 spread across 4,033 km² of volcanic islands. Its capital, Praia, serves as the economic and cultural hub on Santiago Island. Known for its Creole heritage, stunning beaches, and morna music, this African country thrives on tourism and fisheries despite limited natural resources.

Key Insights

Economic Dual Challenge: Solid Growth Paired with High Joblessness

Cape Verde experienced robust GDP growth (4.795%) in 2023, indicating economic recovery or expansion. However, this growth is paired with a high unemployment rate (11.971%), suggesting that the economic expansion is not generating enough jobs to absorb the available labor force, potentially due to reliance on capital-intensive sectors like tourism.

Urbanization and Infrastructure Success: High Electricity Access

A remarkable 75.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting significant internal migration or density. Furthermore, the 98.6% access to electricity is extremely high for a West African nation, indicating successful infrastructure development and electrification efforts across its small, scattered islands.

Exceptional Longevity: Life Expectancy Rivals Developed Nations

Cape Verde boasts a high life expectancy of 76.06 years, which is substantially higher than the African continental average (around 64 years). This figure is comparable to many developed countries and suggests strong public health infrastructure and access to care, despite the relatively modest GDP per capita.

Demographic Transition: Low Fertility Rate Suggests Aging Population

With a fertility rate of just 1.52 children per woman, Cape Verde is well below the replacement rate (2.1). This characteristic is typical of developed or rapidly developing nations and indicates a rapidly slowing population growth and a future challenge related to an aging population structure.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$2.50B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$4,794.9

GDP Growth (%)

4.8%

Inflation (%)

3.72%

Unemployment (%)

11.97%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-22.00%-11.00%0.00%11.00%22.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230150,000300,000450,000600,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
2014201520162017201820192020202120220.0%7.0%14.0%21.0%28.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$1,500$3,000$4,500$6,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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