Population: 418,224 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Praia

Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)

Religions: Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Government: republic

Climate: temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic

Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Geography: strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site

Ethnic groups: Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Economy: This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 72% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GDP in 2004 was only 12%, of which fishing accounted for 1.5%. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid and remittances from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program.

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2005 est.)

GDP real growth: 5.5% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate: 21% (2000 est.)

Internet country code: .cv

Dial code: +238