Cape Verde

Key facts

Capital

Praia

Continent

Africa

Subregion

Western Africa

Population

555,987

Land area

4,033 km²

ISO codes

CV / CPV

Languages

Portuguese

Coastline

Has a coastline

Currency

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

Calling code

+238

Internet domain

.cv

How Cape Verde compares

Cape Verde ranks 165th of 194 countries on this site by population and 165th by land area — under 0.01% of their combined population. In Africa it ranks 52nd of 54 by population and 50th by area. It has a coastline. It shares no land border with another country.

Countries by population · Countries by area

Flag of Cape Verde: colours

A pixel-accurate scan of the Cape Verde flag breaks down as 73.3% blue, 15.9% white, 8.1% red and 2.7% yellow.

• 73.3% blue
• 15.9% white
• 8.1% red
• 2.7% yellow

Can you name a country from its colours alone? That is the whole idea behind the flag pie chart game.

Did you know?

1. Cesária Évora brought Cape Verdean morna music from Mindelo bars to concert halls worldwide.
2. The archipelago's volcanic islands have no native land mammals — unique reptiles and birds evolved in isolation.
3. Cape Verdeans living abroad outnumber residents on the islands, making emigration central to national identity.
4. The islands were uninhabited until Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century.
5. Fogo island's active volcano last erupted in 2014, burying vineyards that locals later replanted on fresh lava soil.

Cape Verde: frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Cape Verde?

The capital of Cape Verde is Praia.

What continent is Cape Verde in?

Cape Verde is in Africa, specifically the Western Africa subregion.

What is the population of Cape Verde?

Cape Verde has a population of roughly 555,987 people, across a land area of 4,033 km².

What language is spoken in Cape Verde?

The main language of Cape Verde is Portuguese.

Does Cape Verde share a land border with any country?

Cape Verde has no land borders — it is an island nation or is otherwise surrounded by water.