Cape Verde advances in freedom index

An index of economic freedom has stated that Cape Verde has improved its position since last year, news which may interest those thinking of investing in property there.

The 2009 Index of Economic Freedom, produced by thinktank the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal, has placed the country 77th overall with a score of 61.3, up 3.4 points on 2008.

An area of notable improvement that the report has identified is that of lower tariffs, while overseas investment and property have been singled out as particularly strong areas.

"Property rights are very well secured by the rule of law in comparison to the situation in neighbouring countries," the report stated.

Such a verdict may be particularly encouraging for those thinking of investing in Cape Verde.

The islands were recently described by Lonely Planet writer David Else as "the hidden Caribbean", with its hitherto unknown attractions being gradually discovered by Britons over the past decade.