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Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security > Bureau of Political-Military Affairs > Security Assistance > Security Assistance: Countries A-Z

Cape Verde: Security Assistance

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Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

Washington, DC

October 20, 2008

Background: The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. (Source: CIA—The World Factbook)

Security Assistance Funding: (Source: 2009 Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations)

($ in thousands)

Account	FY 2007	FY2007	FY 2008	FY 2008	FY2009
	Actual	Supp	Estimate	Supp	Request
IMET	177	--	100	--	100

Direct Commercial Sales: (Source: 2007 Section 655 Report)

In FY 2007, the Department of State authorized no exports of defense articles or services to Cape Verde.

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