Introduction: Cape Verde Download PDF

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and a stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Capital City: Praia (-1 GMT)  
Chief of State: President Pedro Verona PIRES  
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES  
Currency: Cape Verdean escudo  
Main Cities: Mindelo  
Major Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)  
Calling Code: 238  
Voltage: 220  
Primary Religions: Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs), Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)  

Main Airports

Amílcar Cabral (SID), Praia International Airport

U.S. Embassy

Rua Abílio Macedo, 81, Praia; C.P.201
tel. (238) 260 890

Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
$3,800 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate
6.8% (2008 est.)
Population
429,474 (July 2009 est.)
Country Risk Ratings
B
Ease of Doing Business
143/181
Global Competitiveness
-/134

Statistics

Labor force:
196,100 (2007)
Exports:
$99 million (2008 est.)
Exports - partners:
Japan 37.8%, Spain 28.7%, Portugal 17.7% (2008)
Imports:
$866 million (2008 est.)
Imports - partners:
Portugal 39.5%, Netherlands 11.4%, Spain 6.5%, UK 6.3%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.4%, Brazil 4% (2008)
Major Industries:
food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair

Rankings

Corruption Perceptions Index
47 out of 180
 
The Corruptions Perception Index (CPI) is reported annually by Transparency International, an international civil society organization. The CPI ranks countries in terms of the degree to which corruption exists in the misuse of public power for private benefit among public officials and politicians. CPI is a composite index determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The highest ranked country is the country with the least amount of perceived corruption. Index units, 10=least corrupt, 0=most corrupt.

Data collected in 2008

Source: Transparency International

E-readiness Rankings
-
 
The E-readiness Ranking is reported yearly by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research and advisory firm. The E-readiness Ranking evaluates the technological, economic, political and social assets of countries to assess the information and communications technology infrastructure, and the infrastructures benefits on the country's consumers, businesses and governments. The higher ranked countries have a better ability to leverage digital channels for communication, commerce, and government in order to further development.

Data collected in 2007

Source: EIU

Freedom of the Press
32 out of 191
 
The Freedom of the Press Survey is an annual report by The Freedom House, an organization that promotes and researches advocacy of freedom across countries. The Press Survey assesses the degree of print, broadcast, and internet freedom in every country in the world. Ratings are determined by examining three broad categories: the legal environment in which media operate (0-30 points), political influences on reporting and access to information (0-40 points), and economic pressures on content and the dissemination of news (0-30 points). The highest ranked country has the greatest degree of press freedom. Index units, 1-30: Free, 31-60: Partly Free, 61-100: Not Free.

Data collected in 2006

Source: Freedom House

Global Services Location Index
-
 
The Global Services Location Index is published annually by A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. The Global Services Location Index measures the viability of countries as a potential offshore destination for services, based on their financial attractiveness (0-4 points), people and skills availability (0-3 points), and business environment (0-3 points). The highest ranked country is the most attractive as a potential offshoring destination. Index units, 0=location does not provide offshore support, 10=location does provide offshore support.

Data collected in 2007

Source: A.T. Kearney

Index of Economic Freedom
88 out of 155
 
The Index of Economic Freedom is reported annually by the Heritage Foundation, a research and educational institute. The Index of Economic Freedom analyzes a wide range of issues including trade barriers, corruption, government expenditures, property rights, and tax rates to generate an overall ranking of economic freedom. The highest ranked country is the country with the least number of restrictions and constraints on businesses.

Data collected in 2008

Source: Heritage Foundation

Tax Misery & Reform Index
-
 
The Forbes Tax Misery Index is annually compiled by Forbes, an American publishing and media company. The Tax Misery Index reflects the sum of corporate income, personal income and wealth taxes plus employer social security, employee social security and VAT/sales taxes at the highest marginal rate in each locale. The highest ranked countries impose the harshest taxes while those at the bottom are the most tax friendly.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Forbes

The Globalization Index
-
 
The Globalization Index is compiled annually by A.T. Kearney and Foreign Policy. The Globalization Index ranks the major developed and developing countries in the world by analyzing key components of global integration, such as economic, personal, technological, and political integration. The highest ranked country is the most globalized.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Foreign Policy