Cape Verde
Republic of Cabo Verde
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.49%
Situated in Western Africa, Cape Verde has a population of approximately 524.9k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 4,033 km², translating to a density of 130 people per km². Its capital is Praia, and Portuguese is the official language, while the Cape Verdean escudo serves as the national currency.
Population
524,877
Area
4,033 km²
Density
130/km²
World Rank
#175
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 12.3 per thousand against deaths at 5.1 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 25.6% of residents under 15 and 6.9% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Praia
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currencies
- Cape Verdean escudo (Esc)
- Calling Code
- +238
- Top-Level Domain
- .cv
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 524,877
- Land Area
- 4,033 km²
- Population Density
- 130 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.49%
- Annual Growth
- +2,572 people
- Daily Growth
- +7 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- 16.54°, -23.04°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $5.2k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 11.9%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 42.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
76.1 years
GDP per Capita
$5,192
Birth Rate
12.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
76.8%
Fertility Rate
1.52 births/woman
Infant Mortality
11.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
11.9%
Literacy Rate
88.5%
Internet Users
73.5%
Under 15
25.6%
Over 65
6.9%
Health Spending
5.8% GDP
Gini Index
42.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
134K
15-64 years
355K
65+ years
36K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 76.8% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Praia serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 1284.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
402,948
76.8%
121,929
23.2%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 76.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 11.0 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 88.5% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Cape Verde is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Cape Verde participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 524,877 |
| 2030 | 535,721 |
| 2035 | 550,597 |
| 2040 | 566,884 |
| 2045 | 584,534 |
| 2050 | 603,518 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Cape Verde.
Largest Cities in Cape Verde
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Cape Verde by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cape Verde?
The population of Cape Verde is approximately 524,877 as of 2026, making it #175 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Cape Verde?
The capital of Cape Verde is Praia.
What languages are spoken in Cape Verde?
The main languages spoken in Cape Verde are Portuguese.
How big is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde covers an area of 4,033 km² with a population density of 130 people per km².
Is Cape Verde growing or shrinking?
Cape Verde is growing at a rate of 0.49% per year, adding approximately 2,572 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Cape Verde?
The average life expectancy in Cape Verde is 76.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Cape Verde?
The GDP per capita of Cape Verde is $5,192.