DAKAR, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cape Verde, the northern African island state, attracted 2.639 billion euros (3.593 billion U.S. dollars) in direct foreign investment (DFI) in 2008, a rise of 129 percent from the previous year, according to statistics from the Cabo Verde Investimentos (CI).

    The statistical agency of the 10-island archipelago also disclosed on Wednesday that the country approved 19 projects in 2008, compared with 13 projects a year ago.

    Tourism continued to be the top contributor to the capital inflow, accounting for 99 percent of the DFI. In 2007, Cape Verde saw 97 percent of DFI out of its tourism sector.

    Until 2006, DFI predominantly came from Portugal, Spain and Italy, while northern European investors have taken the center stage; main investors included Britain, Sweden and Belgium, the CI reported.

    The Atlantic island nation, with a population of 487,100 and an area of 4,033 square kilometers, won its independence from Portugal in 1975. It wrapped up entry negotiations with the World Trade Organization in December 2007 to become its 152nd member state.