Cape Verde
Type of Government: Republic
Independence: 1975 from Portugal
Head of State: President Pedro Verona Pires (since March 22, 2001)
2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 102
2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 49
Political Development: Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa’s most stable democratic governments. The elections have been considered free and fair, there is a free press, and the rule of law is respected by the State.
Adult HIV Rate: 0.035%
Life Expectancy: 71.02
GDP: $1.128 billion
Inflation: 5.4%
Poverty: 30%
Petroleum: N/A
Leading Export Partner: Spain (43.3%)
Economic Note: The island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 66% of GDP. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government’s development program. Cape Verde has been exploring European Union membership in recent years.
