in cape verde, the annual rate of population growth and mortality are low, compared to average rates of other middle-income countries. the average life expectancy is 66 years and 71 years respectively for men and women. the resident population in the country is estimated at 500,000 inhabitants. there are an estimated additional one million cape verdeans living abroad, mainly in the united states, western europe, and africa. cape verde has a young population with an average age of 23 years.