Cape Verde
Leading cause: Heart Disease · 66% plant-based · 73 yr life expectancy · UHC 71/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Heart Disease · 141 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
This island nation posts a higher life expectancy (73) and better coverage than the West African mainland, with heart disease (141/100k) leading and cancer rising. A diet built on maize, beans (cachupa), fish, and vegetables remains fairly protective.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Hold the traditional cachupa-and-fish diet as imported processed foods and sugary drinks grow with tourism.
- Build on relatively strong coverage with hypertension and diabetes screening.
Explore the evidence: Heart Disease
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 141 CVD deaths per 100k · 66% plant-based diet