Cape Verde Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Cape Verde is 583,255, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

Total population	583,255
Population growth rate	1.28%
Birth rate	20.00 births per 1,000 people
Life expectancy
Overall	71.28 years
Men	69.05 years
Women	73.58 years
Age structure
0-14 years	28.70%
15-64 years	66.06%
65 years and above	5.24%
Median age	24.50 years
Gender ratio (Male to Female)	0.94
Population density	144.62 residents per km²
Urbanization	55.90%
Ethnicities
71% African-European, 28% African descent; approx. 700,000 abroad, mainly in the USA, Portugal, the Netherlands
Religions
Catholics (Roman Catholic) (mixed with indigenous religions); Protestants (mainly Church of the Nazarene)
Human Development Index (HDI)	0.651
HDI ranking	126th out of 194

People in Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The Portuguese and other Europeans settled on the islands. It became a hub for slaves. The people from Europe and Africa mingled. Their descendants are called Creoles. The cultures also mingled into a new, Creole culture. They also have in common that they speak a Creole language.

Because of the poverty in the country and recurring famine, many Cape Verde residents emigrated. It is estimated that 700,000 Cape Verdeans live abroad – more than on the islands themselves.

Cape Verdeans? Yes, that’s what the residents of Cape Verde are mostly called in German. However, there are also the names Cape Verde and Cape Verdier or Cape Verdier. The Duden recommends Cape Verdeans.

Children in Cape Verde

Every woman in Cape Verde has an average of 2.2 children. That is far less than in other West African countries. Infant mortality is 1.2 percent and child mortality 1.7 percent. These numbers are also much lower than in the rest of West Africa.

Urban and countryside

66 out of 100 people in Cape Verde live in the city. As everywhere in Africa, young people in particular are drawn to the cities. They hope that they will find work there and that their chances of an education are better there.

Languages in Cape Verde

The official language in Cape Verde is still Portuguese. The islands were a Portuguese colony until 1975. However, one Creole language is spoken in Cape Verde, Cape Verde Creole.

It originated from Portuguese and the African languages ​​of the slaves. However, the Creole of the northern archipelago is very different from the Creole of the southern islands. There are even differences from island to island. However, the residents can communicate with each other, the differences are minor.

Here are a few examples: If you want to ask “What’s your name” in San Vicente, do you say: Qu ‘manêra qu’ ê bô nôm ‘? Pronounced it sounds like this: kmanera ke bo nom? In Portuguese it would be:Como e teu nome? “We’re going to the sea” means in Cape Verdean Creole: Nô tâ bá ‘pâ már. The Portuguese would say: Nós vamos para o mar. You see, it’s similar, but different.

Religions in Cape Verde

The residents of Cape Verde are predominantly Christians. Eighty percent belong to the Catholic Church, ten percent are Protestants, about half of which belong to the Nazarene Free Church.

The remaining ten percent is distributed among other churches such as the Anglican Church or religious communities such as Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

Cape Verde Overview

Cape Verde, an archipelago located off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and diverse music scene. The country’s volcanic landscapes, with rugged mountains and fertile valleys, offer spectacular hiking and scenic vistas. Cape Verde’s rich musical heritage, including genres like morna and funaná, has gained international recognition, with artists like Cesária Évora bringing Cape Verdean music to global audiences. The capital city, Praia, is a bustling hub of activity, while the colorful towns of Mindelo and Santa Maria attract visitors with their lively atmosphere and cultural festivals.

• Capital City: Praia
• Population: Approximately 555,000
• Area: 4,033 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Cabo Verde
• Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
• Language: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
• ISO Country Codes: CV, CPV

Bordering Countries of Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an island country located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. It is bordered by five countries: Senegal to the north, Mauritania to the south, Guinea-Bissau to the east, and The Gambia and Guinea to the west. Each of these countries has its own unique culture and history that have had a significant influence on Cape Verde’s culture.

Senegal is located directly north of Cape Verde; it is a large West African country with a population mainly composed of people from ethnic groups like Wolof, Pulaar and Serer. Senegal has two official languages: French and Wolof which are spoken by most Senegalese people. It also has some impressive national parks such as Niokolo-Koba National Park which are home to rare species of wildlife like elephants and lions.

Mauritania lies south of Cape Verde; this North African nation has a population primarily composed of people from ethnic groups like Moors, Soninke and Wolof. It has two official languages: Arabic and French which are spoken by most Mauritanians. Mauritania also boasts some impressive wildlife reserves like Banc d’Arguin National Park which are home to endangered species like flamingos and pelicans.

Guinea-Bissau lies directly east of Cape Verde; this small West African nation has a population mainly consisting of people from ethnic groups like Balanta, Fula and Manjaco who practice various religions such as Christianity and Islam. It has two official languages: Portuguese and Crioulo (a Portuguese-based creole language). Guinea-Bissau also boasts some impressive national parks such as Orango Islands National Park which are home to rare species of wildlife like chimpanzees.

The Gambia lies west of Cape Verde; this small West African nation was previously known as The Gambia Colony until 1965 when it changed its name to The Gambia Republic. The majority of The Gambia’s population consists mainly of Mandinka people who practice various religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and traditional animism beliefs. It has one UNESCO World Heritage Site: Stone Circles at Wassu (which were once part of an ancient kingdom).

Finally, Guinea lies northwest of Cape Verde; this large West African nation was previously known as French Guinea until 1958 when it changed its name to Republic Of Guinea. The majority of Guinea’s population consists mainly of Fulani people who practice various religions such as Islam, Christianity and traditional animism beliefs. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (which consists mostly tropical rainforest), Susu Ruins Of Jenne (which were once part of an ancient kingdom) & Upper Niger National Park (which is home to endangered species like chimpanzees).