Cape Verde: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Cape Verde 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Cape Verde: na
  • Happiness Score Cape Verde:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Cape Verde. CV.

    Cape Verde is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.

  • It is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly the genres of Morna and Funaná.
  • The country’s economy is largely based on tourism, remittances, and service industries.
  • Cape Verde – Country Overview

    Early History and Ancient Civilizations

    The Cape Verde islands are believed to have been uninhabited until their discovery by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Prior to that, there is no evidence of any ancient civilizations or settlements on the islands.

    Colonial Period

    Cape Verde was first discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the mid-15th century. It remained a Portuguese colony until its independence in 1975. The islands served as a significant hub in the transatlantic slave trade and were also used as a resupply stop for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a protracted struggle for liberation. Initially governed as a one-party state under the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the country transitioned to a multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. Since then, Cape Verde has maintained political stability and has been regarded as one of Africa’s most successful democratic nations.

    Current Political Situation

    Cape Verde is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The current president is José Maria Neves, who took office in 2021. The prime minister is Ulisses Correia e Silva, and the National Assembly is the country’s legislative body. Cape Verde has a multi-party system with the Movement for Democracy (MPD) and the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) being the two dominant political parties.

    International Relations

    Cape Verde maintains strong diplomatic ties with various countries and is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The country has close relations with Portugal, the United States, and other European nations. It also has strong economic and cultural ties with other African countries.

    Human Development and Economy

    Cape Verde has a service-based economy, with tourism, commerce, and transportation being the main economic activities. The country has made significant strides in human development, with a high life expectancy, low infant mortality rates, and a relatively high level of education. However, unemployment and poverty remain challenges, particularly in rural areas.

    Cultural Highlights

    Cape Verde has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its African and Portuguese roots. The country is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly the genres of morna, coladeira, and batuque. Cape Verdean cuisine is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, with staples like cachupa (a slow-cooked stew) and pastéis (pastries).

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Cape Verde faces challenges such as limited natural resources, vulnerability to climate change, and a reliance on imports. However, the country has opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and technology. Sustainable development, economic diversification, and addressing income inequality are key priorities for the nation’s future.

    Travel Tips for Cape Verde

    Best Times to Visit: The dry season from November to June is considered the best time to visit Cape Verde, with mild temperatures and lower chances of rain. The months of February to May are particularly ideal for beach vacations.

    Cultural Etiquette: Cape Verdeans are generally warm and welcoming. Greet people with a handshake and make eye contact. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to show respect for the local culture.

    Safety Precautions: Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night. Avoid isolated beaches and remote areas, especially after dark. Follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings.

Main facts

1. Location

Cape Verde is an archipelago located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 kilometers (350 miles) off the western coast of Africa. The islands are situated between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, roughly halfway between the Cape Verde Peninsula (from which the country derives its name) in Senegal and the Caribbean islands.

2. Map References

Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa.

3. Area – Comparative

With a total land area of 4,033 square kilometers (1,557 square miles), Cape Verde is slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

As an island nation, Cape Verde has no land borders with any other country.

5. Coastline

Cape Verde has a total coastline of 965 kilometers (600 miles), featuring sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and sheltered bays.

6. Maritime Claims

Cape Verde claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf extending 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

7. Climate

Cape Verde has a warm, semi-arid climate, with a dry season from November to June and a relatively humid season from August to October. The islands enjoy moderate temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F).

8. Terrain

The islands of Cape Verde are characterized by steep, rugged terrain with volcanic mountains and deep valleys. The landscape is generally arid, with limited vegetation and rocky coastlines.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Cape Verde is Mount Fogo, an active volcano on the island of Fogo, rising to 2,829 meters (9,281 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Cape Verde has limited natural resources, with salt, basalt rock, limestone, and pozzolana (a volcanic ash used in cement production) being among the notable resources found on the islands.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the Cape Verde archipelago, but there are no major rivers or inland lakes within the country’s territory.

12. Natural Hazards

Cape Verde is susceptible to volcanic activity, particularly on the island of Fogo, where the last major eruption occurred in 2014-2015. The islands are also prone to occasional droughts, as well as strong winds and high waves during the rainy season.

13. Geography – Notes

Cape Verde’s isolated location and arid climate have contributed to its unique biodiversity, with several endemic plant and animal species found on the islands. The country’s geographical position has also made it an important stop for ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean throughout history.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 22.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 543. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 19.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  16.5388-23.0418.
  • Capital: The capital of Cape Verde is  Praia
  • Major Cities:
    1. Praia – Population: 140,000
    2. Mindelo – Population: 70,611
    3. Santa Maria – Population: 25,000
  • Population: 483,628
  • Area(Km2): 4033
  • Population Density( P/Km²):138. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:238
  • Official Language(s):Cape Verde is Portuguese 100% spoken.
  • Currency: CVE

Main Economic Indicators

Cape Verde is a small island nation off the coast of West Africa with a service-oriented economy. The economy has transitioned from its historical dependence on agriculture and fishing to a more diversified model focused on tourism, transportation, and light manufacturing. Despite its limited natural resources, Cape Verde has implemented market-oriented policies to promote economic growth and foreign investment. However, the country faces challenges such as a high cost of living, limited freshwater resources, and vulnerability to external shocks.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 1.8%
2020: 0.6%
(Source: International Monetary Fund)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: B+
Moody’s: B1
Standard & Poor’s: B+

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 5.5%
Industry: 15.4%
Services: 79.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee, purgeira (vegetable oil), fish
Industrial Products: Food and beverage processing, fish processing, clothing and footwear, tourism, transportation equipment, ship repair, construction

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 248,000 (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 172nd (out of 195 countries)

Current Account Balance

2021: -$147 million
2020: -$84 million
Comparative Ranking: 90th (out of 189 countries)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $97 million (2021)
Key Partners: Spain, Portugal, France, United States
Main Commodities: Clothing, fish, shoes, car parts
Imports: $754 million (2021)
Key Partners: Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, China
Main Commodities: Machinery and transportation equipment, food products, petroleum products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $711 million (2021)
Gold Reserves: 0.35 tonnes (2022)

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,981,845,741. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 20.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.50%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.02. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.68. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 12.25%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Cape Verdean(s)
Adjective: Cape Verdean

2. Ethnic Groups

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

3. Religions

  • Roman Catholic 77.3%
  • Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene) 4.6%
  • Other Christian 3.4%
  • Muslim 2.1%
  • Other 1.5%
  • None 11.1%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 24.26%
  • 15-64 years: 67.33%
  • 65 years and over: 8.41%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 48.4
Youth dependency ratio: 36.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 12.5

6. Median Age

Total: 28.1 years
Male: 27.6 years
Female: 28.6 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 13.9%
  • Alcohol consumption: 6.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 12.6% of adults
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 88.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:19.49. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.27. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 53.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 364,029. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):23.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Cape Verde’s military consists primarily of the Cape Verdean Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Militia. The Army is the largest branch, responsible for maintaining public order and security. The Air Force and Coast Guard are relatively small, focused on maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations. The Militia serves as a reserve force.

Military Expenditures

Cape Verde’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 0.53%
  • 2017: 0.54%
  • 2016: 0.51%
  • 2015: 0.53%
  • 2014: 0.48%

Cape Verde’s military expenditure is relatively low compared to global standards, ranking among the lowest in the world.

Personnel Strengths

The Cape Verdean Armed Forces have approximately 1,200 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 900
  • Air Force: 100
  • Coast Guard: 200

The National Police Force is responsible for maintaining internal security and has around 1,500 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Cape Verde’s military equipment inventory is relatively limited, consisting primarily of small arms, light vehicles, and patrol boats. The country relies on international assistance and donations for most of its military hardware. There are currently no significant future acquisition or development programs.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Cape Verde has no mandatory military service. Voluntary military service is open to citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, with a minimum service period of two years.

Military Deployments

Cape Verde has no active overseas military deployments. However, it contributes a small contingent of personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Strategic Military Notes

Cape Verde’s defense strategy focuses primarily on maritime security, given its archipelagic nature and reliance on fishing and tourism. The military plays a supporting role in maintaining internal security and disaster response. Cape Verde is a member of several regional security organizations, including the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

  • Armed Forces Size: 1200. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.77
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 60.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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