Annual defense budget: $8m 

Defense spending trend: Up 14% in 2002

After independence, armed forces were established, now consisting of a 1000-strong army, a small air force, and a naval coast guard. They have never been called upon to play a political role; their main duties are to protect territorial waters against illegal fishing and to curb smuggling.

CAPE VERDEAN ARMED FORCES

Army
		No main battle tanks		1000 personnel
Navy
		3 patrol boats		100 personnel
Air force
		No combat aircraft		100 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004