Gross National Product (GNP): $596m

Exchange rates against the US$ over the last year: 109 Cape Verde escudos (119.8)

SCORE CARD

World GNP ranking: 166th GNP per capita: $1340 Balance of payments: –$71m Inflation: 1.9% Unemployment: 24%

Strengths

Strategic location close to the mid-Atlantic where Africa is nearest to Latin America: military and economic advantages, including shipping maintenance and air travel. Low debt-servicing costs. Tourism and fishing. Privatization program.

Weaknesses

Permanent threat of drought and water supply problems, despite desalination plants. Lack of agricultural land and dependence on food aid. Difficulties of communications between islands.

EXPORTS

IMPORTS

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