Government

The Cape Verde constitution adopted in 1980 and revised in 1992, 1995, and 1999 forms the basis of government. The Prime Minister is head of government and as such proposes other ministers and secretaries of state. Members of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for 5-year terms; the most recent elections were held in 2001. The Prime Minister is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the President. The President is head of state and is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term; the most recent elections were held in February 2001.

The judicial system is comprised of a Supreme Court of Justice--whose members are appointed by the President, the National Assembly, and the Board of the Judiciary--and regional courts. Separate courts hear civil, constitutional and criminal cases. Appeal is to the Supreme Court.

Political Conditions

Cape Verde enjoys a stable democratic system. The Movement for Democracy (MpD) captured a governing majority in the National Assembly in the country's first multi-party general elections in 1991. The MpD was returned to power with a larger majority in the general elections held in December 1995. In 2001, the PAICV recaptured power. Currently, there are four parties with seats in the National Assembly--PAICV 40, MPD 30, PCD 1, and PTS 1.

Government Type: Republic.
Independence : July 5, 1975 .
Constitution: 1982; revised 1992, 1995, and 1999.
Branches: Executive--president (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers. Legislative--National Assembly. Judicial--Supreme Court, lower courts.
Administrative subdivisions: 17 administrative districts.
Political parties: African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV); Movement for Democracy (MPD);Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD); Party for Democratic Renovation (PRD); Party for Labor and Solidarity (PTS);Social Democratic Party (PSD).
Suffrage: Universal over 18.
Flag: Broad horizontal blue bands at the top and bottom. Three horizontal bands (top white, middle red, bottom white) the middle third. A circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands.

Economy

Although limited by scarce arable land and diminished by regular drought, agriculture remains an important economic activity. Staple crops include maize and beans; also cultivated are sweet potatoes, coconuts, potatoes, cassava, and dates. Some bananas are grown for export, and sugarcane is raised for the making of rum. Because of its mountainous terrain, only 9.7 percent of the islands' area is cultivated. Subdivision of farms from generation to generation has reduced many farms to a size smaller than needed for subsistence, and Cape Verde depends on food imports (much of it in the form of aid) to feed its people.

Cape Verde is located in the midst of rich fishing grounds, although the industry has yet to develop to its potential. Fish-processing facilities have been constructed in Mindelo, and the government has initiated programs to modernize the fishing fleet. The catch in 1997 was 10,039 metric tons; the catch is usually composed chiefly of skipjack and yellowfin tuna and wahoo, a type of large mackerel. Some lobsters are caught for export.

Salt is mined on Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio, with annual production of about 7,000 metric tons. Production has declined to less than one-quarter of the level achieved in the 1970s, depressed by the lack of steady markets and readily available ocean transportation, as well as the cost of repairs to equipment. Pozzolana is extracted for export.

Gross domestic product (GDP) of Cape Verde was $558 million in 2000, or just $1,270 per person. The bulk of exports, valued at $17 million in 2000, are purchased by Portugal , followed by the United Kingdom , Spain , France , Germany , and The Netherlands. Imports, worth $286 million, come principally from Portugal , France , and Japan . The economy depends extensively on remittances from Cape Verdeans living overseas, which help to offset the country's large trade deficit. The country's basic unit of currency is the Cape Verde escudo (115.88 escudos equal U.S.$1; 2000 average); 1,000 escudos is known as a conto.

Despite these problems, Cape Verde's economic indicators are relatively high compared to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. For example , Gross National Product (GNP) per capita was estimated at $1,330 in 2000. This is far below Europe or the United States ($28,000), but much higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa ($490). This paradox is a result of high inflows of foreign assistance and remittances of Cape Verdeans living abroad, as well as sound economic policies of the Cape Verdean government. For example, the Cape Verdean currency, the escudo, ($1US.=125 ECV) has been relatively stable, and inflation has averaged only 4% annually between 1995 and 2000.

In contrast to other African countries, agriculture makes up only a small percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (8.%). Nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, but less than half of these make their main living from agriculture. Industry ( primarily apparel, footwear, food processing and other light industries) makes up 13% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs 30% of the labor force. Services (including services to air and maritime transport and tourism) total 79% of the GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Unemployment is a serious problem. About 25% of working age Cape Verdeans are unemployed, and many others are underemployed. As a result, many Cape Verdeans go abroad to find work.

Since 1990, the Cape Verde Government (GOCV) adopted a policy of promoting a market-oriented, outward looking economy. It is progressively privatizing the state-owned industries and welcoming private investment, both through changes in its laws and regulations and the establishment of a one stop shop for foreign investment (PROMEX). It especially encourages investment in areas which take advantages of its location athwart the major sea and air routes, its fisheries and tourism resources and its hard working, relatively well educated population. Foreign investment has grown steadily. There have been significant and continuing improvements in transport and communications facilities, including the international airport at Sal and the main harbor in Mindelo (Sao Vicente). A new international airport in Praia (Santiago) is under construction.

Cape Verde is highly dependent upon foreign assistance and remittances from the emigration representing each of them one third of the Gross Domestic Product. Portugal and Luxembourg are the largest bilateral donors, followed by other European countries. The World Bank is also a major donor. World Bank projects include those for infrastructure, privatization, and education. The United States provides significant food aid. Remittances from Cape Verdeans living abroad contribute at least as much as the foreign aid

Cape Verde is attempting to capitalize on its strategic location at the crossroads of mid-Atlantic air and sea lanes by expanding, with the assistance of foreign aid, airports, and port facilities. Main ports are at Mindelo and Praia . The international airport at Espargos, on Sal, is a refueling stop for flights to Africa and South America . A second international airport is under construction on São Tiago . With unspoiled beaches and a sunny climate, the government has identified tourism as the primary focus of development, although the number of visitors in 2000 was only 143,000.

Social Indicators
Cape Verde has among the highest levels of health and literacy in Africa. Life expectancy is estimated at 69 years, compared to an average of 54 years for Sub-Saharan Africa. Infant mortality has declined from 120 per thousand in 1974 to 23.1 per thousand in 2000. Under five years old mortality in 2000 is estimated at 28.2 per thousand. While high compared to the United States and Cuba and Europe (8 per thousand), it is very low compared to Sub-Saharan Africa (157 per thousand) and is the lowest in West Africa. The GOCV has an active health and feeding program, but malnutrition and many infectious disease are still problems.

Educational levels are also relatively high. The illiteracy rate was estimated at 25% in 1999, and is higher among women (33%). While high by western standards, it is well below the average Sub-Saharan African level (43%). Virtually all the children of primary school age attend school, which is compulsory up to age 14 . However, enrollment drops off in secondary school. In 1993, it was estimated at 28%, just above the Sub-Saharan African average. There are several technical training schools including a Maritime Training Center and an Agricultural Research Institute. There is no University in Cape Verde. Many Cape Verdeans study abroad, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. The United States provided training for over 4,000 Cape Verdeans between 1977 and 1996, of whom approximately 300 received long-term degree training.

Flag

The current flag was adopted on 22 Sep 1992, when Cape Verde finally severed its links with Guinea-Bissau . The new flag has 10 stars representing the islands, set in a blue sea. Prior to 1992, the similarity between the two nations' flags was explained by the fact that both were derived from the flag of the Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (P.A.I.G.C.), the liberation movement which succeeded in gaining independence for both countries (Guinea-Bissau in 1974, Cape Verde in 1975). P.A.I.G.C.'s aim had been that the two nations should unite, but this merger was scotched in 1980 by a military coup in Guinea-Bissau . The Constitution of the Republic of Cabo Verde adopted in 1992, defines the new flag, very different from the previous (wich was similar to the Bissau-Guinea flag, for historical reasons), and said by some to be very un-African.

Meaning of the flag

• The rectangle of the flag is seen as a large blue field symbolizing the infinite space of the sea and sky.
• The ten yellow stars represent the 10 islands.
• The circle of the stars symbolizes the Cape Verdean Nation and its unity.
• The circle in a certain sense, is the world to which we are opened and that is opened to us; is the line of horizon which limits our freedom, that is the world map, but is also the mariner's compass and the helm of the navigators.
• The strips are the road to the construction of the country.
• The blue is the sea and the sky.
• The white is the peace we want.
• The red is our effort.

Article 8th

The National Flag is made up of five rectangles stacked along its length.
The upper and lower rectangles are blue, being the upper one half of the flag area and the lower one forth.
Separating the two blue rectangles, three stripes each being one 12th of the flag area.
The stripes adjoining the blue rectangles are white and the one between is red.
Over the five rectangles, ten yellow five pointed stars, with the upper apex in the 90 degree position, define a circle which center lies in the intersection of the middle line of the second vertical quarter, counted from the left with the middle line of the second horizontal quarter, counted from the lower edge. The star nearer from this edge is set inside an invisible circle which center lies on the middle line of the lower blue stripe.

Health and Education

Hospitals-Pharmacies
Hospitals , Health Centers and Pharmacies are to be found on all the islands, and are available in case of necessity.

Health
Cape Verde has exemplary sanitary standards, with no contagious or endemic diseases, and with good coverage on all the islands.

Education
The literacy rate in Cape Verde is about 70 percent, and the demand for primary and secondary education is 85 percent and 48 percent, respectively. Most professionals are college graduates with degrees from European and American universities. Total investment in education accounted for 12 percent of the country's estimated budget for the period 1992-1995.