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Cape Verde vs United States

Cape Verde has a population of 491K, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 692.4 times more populous than Cape Verde. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 10549.2 times larger than Cape Verde's ($2.7B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 2361.8 times larger than Cape Verde's 4,033 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 2.3 years higher than Cape Verde's 76.1 years.

Metric
Flag of Cape VerdeCape Verde
Flag of United StatesUnited States
Population
-99.9%491K
+69136.2%340.1M
Area
-100.0%4,033 km²
+236078.2%9,525,067 km²
GDP
-100.0%$2.7B
+1054820.6%$28.75T
GDP Per Capita
-93.9%$5,192.482
+1528.0%$84,534.041
Life Expectancy
-3.0%76.1 yrs
+3.1%78.4 yrs
Infant Mortality
+100.0%11.0
-50.0%5.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+184.4%11.9%
-64.8%4.2%
Capital
Praia
Washington, D.C.
Region
Africa
Americas
Languages
Portuguese
English
Currencies
CVE (Esc)
USD ($)

Last updated: March 2026

All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.

Population Comparison

United States is 692.4 times more populous than Cape Verde, with 340.1M residents compared to 491K. Cape Verde is a nation of 491K people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cape Verde averages 122 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Cape Verde.

Economy Comparison

Cape Verde is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 10549.2 times larger than Cape Verde's ($2.7B). Cape Verde's GDP per capita of $5,192.482 is 136% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 16.3 times wealthier than those in Cape Verde.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Cape Verde is 76.1 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 2.3 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cape Verde (76.1 years) is 4.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 11.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cape Verde's infant mortality is 100% higher than United States's 5.5.

Geographic Comparison

United States (9,525,067 km²) is 2361.8 times larger by land area than Cape Verde (4,033 km²). Cape Verde shares borders with 0 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Cape Verde spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Cape Verde lies in Africa, while United States is located in North America. Cape Verde is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Cape Verde and United States is in GDP: Cape Verde's $2.7B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Cape Verde and United States is in land area: Cape Verde's 4,033 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Cape Verde and United States is in population: Cape Verde's 491K compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 100% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cape Verde's upper-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 16.3x that of Cape Verde ($5,192.482). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Cape Verde is 3.4x more densely populated than United States (122 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of United States live an average of 2.3 years longer than those of Cape Verde (78.4 vs 76.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.

Economic Momentum

Cape Verde's economy grew at 7.2% compared to United States's 2.8%. Cape Verde's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Cape Verde or United States by population?

United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Cape Verde's 491K. United States is 692.4 times more populous than Cape Verde.

Which country has a higher GDP, Cape Verde or United States?

United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Cape Verde's $2.7B. United States's economy is 10549.2 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Cape Verde and United States?

United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Cape Verde's 76.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.3 years. Cape Verde's life expectancy is 4.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Cape Verde or United States?

United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Cape Verde's 4,033 km². United States is 2361.8 times larger than Cape Verde.

What languages are spoken in Cape Verde and United States?

Cape Verde recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Cape Verde or United States?

Cape Verde has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Cape Verde's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.