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FACTS SUMMARY OF CAPE VERDE
Location 500 km from Senegal on Africa’s west coast, Cape Verde, near mayor sea routes and communications, is an important sea/air refueling station, one of the five Atlantic Archipelagos of the Macaronésia. The others are Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Savage Isles
Area 4033 sq-km
Coastline 965 km
Terrain a diverse range of wide, long, stretches of beaches to steep, scenic mountains
Elevation highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (on the island of Fogo
Beaches 54 beaches 136,5 km, 59% of which are white sand, mainly on Boavista 52% ( 50.7 k) (Maio 29.6% ( 2.9 k ) , and Sal 15.6% (5 k)
Climate temperate, warm and dry with limited precipitation in the low lying areas
Language Portuguese (official language), Crioulo (a mixture of Portuguese and West African dialects). English and French are also widely spoken.
Racial or tribal disharmony none
International Disputes none
Population 412,137 (2003 est.) with approx. 700,000 living abroad, mostly in the USA and Portugal
Government Independence from Portugal (1975) Republic, Head of State Pedro Rodrigues Pires (2001), Head of Government: Priminister Jose Maria Neves (2001
Passport/Visa required by all (Can be obtained at Sal and Praia airports). Application requirements: 2 photos, application form, valid passport, fee: approx. 38 euros single entry) 72 (multiple)
Airlines TACV and other international carries
Airports total: 9 (2 international at Sal and in Praia, yet uncompleted)
Departure Tax none
Time GMT - 1
Electrical Current 220 volts, 50Hz
Currency escudo (CVE) 100+ to one $US
Currency Exchange avail at airports and banks
Bank Hours Mon-Fri 0800-1500
Phone CV Telecom modern, country code 238
Post reliable
Mobile Phone GSM 900 (www.cvtelecom.cv)
Ethnic groups Creole (mixed races) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
Religion predominately Roman Catholic
Literacy total population, 76.6 % (male 85.8%), (female 69.2%) One of the highest in Third World.
Life expectancy total population:69.83 years
HIV/AIDS 0.04%
Capital Praia, population: 100,000 est.
Independence Day 5 July 1975 (public holiday)
Economy overview service-oriented, with commerce, transport and tourism. and public services accounting for 72% of GDP, financed by foreign aid and remittance from emigrants living abroad, economic reforms aimed at developing the private sector by attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy, emphases on the tourist sector.
GDP 4%
Per capita income $1,400 annually
Population below poverty Line 30%
Industries food, and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair
Agriculture products bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, coffee, peanuts, fish
Exports shoes, garments, fish and hides
Imports food stuffs (about 82%), industrial products, transport equipment, fuels
