Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for almost 70% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GDP in 1998 was only 13%, of which fishing accounts for 1.5%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid and remittances from emigrants; remittances constitute a supplement to GDP of more than 20%. Economic reforms, launched by the new democratic government in 1991, are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects for 2001 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program.
Industry:
food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair
Ethnicgroups:
Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
Yellow fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries having notified cases in the last 6 years.
Malaria:
Limited malaria risk exists from September through November in São Tiago Island.
