Cape Verde is located in Western Africa, and its capital is Praia. It has a population of approximately 524,877 and covers an area of about 4,030 km². Its official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).
What stands out
People & place
130 /km² across 4,030 km²
Cape Verde has a recorded population of 524,877 and a reported surface area of 4,030 km².
Economic snapshot
$2.73 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $2.73 billion and GDP per capita at $5,192 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, is a vibrant island nation off the West African coast, known for its blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.
The archipelago consists of ten volcanic islands scattered over 1,560 km of the Atlantic Ocean, featuring dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the striking Pico do Fogo, an active stratovolcano that towers 2,829 meters above sea level.
Cape Verde’s culture pulses with morna music, lively coladeira rhythms, and a cuisine that fuses fresh seafood, spicy stews, and the beloved cornmeal dish cachupa, reflecting its seafaring heritage and Creole roots.
Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, Cape Verde became a key hub in the Atlantic slave trade before gaining independence in 1975, marking the first African colony to achieve sovereignty through peaceful negotiation.
Key facts
Cape Verde is one of the world’s most volcanic archipelagos, with active volcanoes still shaping its islands.
Population: approximately 580,000 (2023) spread across ten islands covering 4,033 km².
The islands enjoy a unique Creole Portuguese language, known as Cape Verdean Creole, spoken by the majority.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Cape Verde has a recorded population of approximately 524,877 people.
How big is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde covers an area of about 4,030 km².
What is the population density of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a population density of roughly 130 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $2.73 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a GDP per capita of approximately $5,192.
What currency is used in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), with the symbol $.
Where is Cape Verde located?
Cape Verde is located in Western Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Cape Verde?
The native name of Cape Verde is Cabo Verde.
What are people from Cape Verde called?
People from Cape Verde are referred to as Verdean.
What is the phone calling code for Cape Verde?
The international dialing code for Cape Verde is +238.
What is the internet domain for Cape Verde?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Cape Verde is .cv.
What time zone is Cape Verde in?
Cape Verde uses the Atlantic/Cape_Verde time zone.
What is Cape Verde known for?
Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, is a vibrant island nation off the West African coast, known for its blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.
Western Africa