Consulate of the Republic of Cabo Verde

CAPE VERDE
Located 455 km off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is strategically positioned in the
Atlantic Ocean, connecting the continents of Africa, Europe and America.
Formed by ten islands and eight islets, the archipelago is divided geographically into two
groups:
– Barlavento (northern region) is formed by the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, São
Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Sal and Boavista and by the islets Branco and Raso;
– Sotavento (southern region), formed by the islands of Santiago (where the capital of
the Country is located), Maio, Fogo and Brava and by the islets Seco or Rombo Cima,
Grande, Sapado, Luís Carneiro and Rei.
The island of Santa Luzia is uninhabited, as are the islets, and is visited only by fishermen.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Surface: 4,033 Km2
Population: 504,000 inhabitants
Capital: Praia – Santiago Island
Languages: Creole (Recognised national
language) and Portuguese (official language)

GDP: 1.603 billion $US (2015)
GDP per Capita: $US 3,280 (2015)
Political Regime: Democratic Republic with
multiparty system and semipresidential regime
Climate: Tropical dry, with two seasons: wet season (from August to October) and dry
season (from November to July). Average annual temperature 20-25ºC
Religion: Mostly Catholic, with other religions coexisting peacefully.
REASONS TO INVEST IN CAPE VERDE
I. GEOSTRATEGIC LOCATION
Located in a strategic zone between Europe (3-4 hours by plane), the West African Coast (1-2
hours) and North America (7-8 hours), Cape Verde is a potential platform for trade between
Europe, the Americas and Africa. That is why trade relations are facilitated by privileged access
to regional and international markets.
In addition to its location, Cape Verde is a member of institutions that facilitate regional and
international integration and benefits from preferential agreements that give added value to
investments made in the country:
 The country benefits from preferential access to European markets through
the EU/ACP (European Union/ Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) Convention –
Cotonou Agreement, with the right to export to European Union countries
without quotas and with reduced or nil customs duties
 A member of ECOWAS – Economic Community of West African States, whose
main instrument is the Trade Liberalisation Plan, facilitating the free
movement of transport, goods and persons within ECOWAS, including the
elimination of all tariff and non-tariff barriers to foreign trade and giving
access to a market of more than 300 million consumers
 The country benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a
law that allows duty-free exports to the United States market of products
originating in the countries of Africa.
II. ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STABILITY
 Economic Stability
Economic Growth

According to the Heritage Foundation in 2016, Cape Verde was ranked in 17th position in
terms of Economic Freedom at the African regional level and in 116th position worldwide.