Country exposure · GEC-TP

Sao Tome and Principe

Africa · Sao Tome · semi-presidential republic

What Sao Tome and Principe means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Sao Tome and Principe

224K

Population

$764M

GDP

U.S. exposure

Minimal direct economic exposure

Sao Tome and Principe is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.

Reference

The country itself

Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Portugal discovered and colonized the uninhabited Sao Tome and Principe islands in the late 15th century, setting up a sugar-based economy that gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century -- all grown with African slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling among the various political parties precipitated repeated changes in leadership and failed, non-violent coup attempts in 1995, 1998, 2003, and 2009. In 2012, three opposition parties combined in a no-confidence vote to bring down the majority government of former Prime Minister Patrice TROVOADA, but legislative elections returned him to the office two years later. President Evaristo CARVALHO, of the same political party as TROVOADA, was elected in 2016, marking a rare instance in which the same party held the positions of president and prime minister. TROVOADA resigned in 2018 and was replaced by Jorge BOM JESUS. Carlos Vila NOVA was elected president in 2021. TROVOADA began his fourth stint as prime minister in 2022, after his party's victory in legislative elections.

Geography

Location: Central Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon
Area: 964 sq km
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
Terrain: volcanic, mountainous
Natural resources: fish, hydropower
Coastline: 209 km
Natural hazards: flooding

People & society

Population: 223,561 (2024 est.)
Nationality: Sao Tomean(s)
Ethnic groups: Mestico, Angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), Forros (descendants of freed slaves), Servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cabo Verde), Tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese), Asians (mostly Chinese)
Languages: Portuguese 98.4% (official), Forro 36.2%, Cabo Verdian 8.5%, French 6.8%, Angolar 6.6%, English 4.9%, Lunguie 1%, other (including sign language) 2.4%; other Portuguese-based Creoles are also spoken (2012 est.)
Religions: Catholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, New Apostolic 2.9%, Mana 2.3%, Universal Kingdom of God 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 6.2%, none 21.2%, unspecified 1% (2012 est.)
Median age: 21.2 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 67.7 years (2024 est.)
Literacy: 87.4% (2019 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: lower middle-income Central African island economy; falling cocoa production due to drought and mismanagement; joint oil venture with Nigeria; government owns 90% of land; high debt, partly from fuel subsidies; tourism gutted by COVID-19
Industries: light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber
Agricultural products: plantains, oil palm fruit, taro, bananas, fruits, cocoa beans, yams, coconuts, cassava, vegetables (2023)
Exports - partners: Pakistan 54%, Germany 11%, Netherlands 7%, France 5%, UAE 3% (2023)
Imports - partners: Portugal 35%, Angola 13%, Gabon 11%, Japan 8%, China 6% (2023)

Government

Government type: semi-presidential republic
Capital: Sao Tome
Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)
Constitution: approved 5 November 1975
Executive branch: President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021)
Legislative branch: National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Sao Tome and Principe. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for every entry stamp and or visa that will be required; holders of a valid U.S. passport do not require a visa when visiting for a period of up to 15 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

Sao Tome and Principe does not currently maintain an embassy in the United States. Travelers transiting Gabon can obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of São Tomé & Príncipe in Gabon, B.P. 49, Libreville, Gabon, telephone +(241)-72-15-27, fax +(241)-72-15-28. For all other inquiries, please contact Sao Tome and Principe’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations at 400 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022, +1 (212) 317 0644.

Telephone Code

239

Local Emergency Phone

2-22-22-22; Fire: 112

Vaccinations

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Sao Tome and Príncipe if traveling from a region with yellow fever. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/

Climate

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season October to May

Currency (Code)

Sao Tome and Príncipe dobra (STN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C,F

Major Languages

Portuguese 98.4% (official), Forro 36.2%, Cabo Verdian 8.5%, French 6.8%, Angolar 6.6%, English 4.9%, other Portuguese-based Creoles are also spoken

Major Religions

Catholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, other 6.2%, none 21.2%

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Required

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Obo National Park; Pico de Sao Tome; Rolas Island; Boca de Inferno; Jale Beach; Principe Ecological Zone

Major Sports

Soccer

Cultural Practices

Manners and etiquette are considered important; greeting a person and inquiring about his or her health and family is essential in social encounters. Older people tend to be treated with great respect, particularly if they have many children and grandchildren. Entry into a person's home or garden is a privilege; acquaintances often converse in the road or across a garden hedge rather than enter a house or yard.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping in Sao Tome and Principe is part of the culture. While it is normal to tip the different service providers, if the service you are receiving is not good, you may decide to give a tip lower than what is stated as the normal tipping amount or decide not to give any tip at all; average tipping percentage in restaurants is between 7% to 13%, between 8% to 20% for taxi drivers, and between 2.00 to 5.00 USD/EURO/GBP in hotels.

Souvenirs

Carved wooden masks and other tribal items, stamps, tortoise-shell jewelry and decorative items

Traditional Cuisine

Calulu de peixe (Fish calulu) — a smoked fish stew which combines various vegetables cooked in red palm oil with okra and sweet potato leaves; traditionally accompanied by rice or funje (a creamy cassava porridge)

CIA source last updated

Monday, August 15, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, August 15, 2022

Geography

Location

Central Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon

Geographic coordinates

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Map references

Africa

Area - total

964 sq km

Area - land

964 sq km

Area - water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

more than five times the size of Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries - total

0 km

Coastline

209 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone

200 nm

Maritime claims - note

note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

Climate

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation - highest point

Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Elevation - lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural resources

fish, hydropower

Land use - agricultural land

44.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 4.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 39.6% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

57.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

0% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land

100 sq km (2012)

Population distribution

Sao Tome, the capital city, has roughly a quarter of the nation's population; Santo Antonio is the largest town on Principe; the northern areas of both islands have the highest population densities, as shown in this population distribution map

Natural hazards

flooding

Geography - note

the second-smallest African country (after the Seychelles); the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes, and both are mountainous

People and Society

Population - total

223,561 (2024 est.)

Population - male

111,553

Population - female

112,008

Nationality - noun

Sao Tomean(s)

Nationality - adjective

Sao Tomean

Ethnic groups

Mestico, Angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), Forros (descendants of freed slaves), Servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cabo Verde), Tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese), Asians (mostly Chinese)

Languages

Portuguese 98.4% (official), Forro 36.2%, Cabo Verdian 8.5%, French 6.8%, Angolar 6.6%, English 4.9%, Lunguie 1%, other (including sign language) 2.4%; other Portuguese-based Creoles are also spoken (2012 est.)

Languages - note

note: shares of language sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census

Religions

Catholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, New Apostolic 2.9%, Mana 2.3%, Universal Kingdom of God 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 6.2%, none 21.2%, unspecified 1% (2012 est.)

Age structure - 0-14 years

36.4% (male 41,337/female 40,106)

Age structure - 15-64 years

60.3% (male 67,101/female 67,775)

Age structure - 65 years and over

3.2% (2024 est.) (male 3,115/female 4,127)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

65.8 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

60.4 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

5.4 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

18.6 (2024 est.)

Median age - total

21.2 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

20.4 years

Median age - female

21.2 years

Population growth rate

1.39% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

25.87 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

5.84 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

-6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

Urbanization - urban population

76.4% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

2.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population

80,000 SAO TOME (capital) (2018)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.03 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

0.99 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.75 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth

19.4 years (2008/09 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth - note

note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29

Maternal mortality ratio

75 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

41.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

46.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

39 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

67.7 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

66 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

69.4 years

Total fertility rate

3.18 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.57 (2025 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: urban

urban: 79.3% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: rural

rural: 71.1% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: total

total: 77.3% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: urban

urban: 20.7% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: rural

rural: 28.9% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: total

total: 22.7% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)

7.8% of GDP (2021)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)

14.9% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density

0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density

2.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: urban

urban: 56.8% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: rural

rural: 43.2% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: total

total: 53.5% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban

urban: 43.2% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural

rural: 56.8% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total

total: 46.5% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

12.4% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita - total

4.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - beer

0.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - wine

3.58 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits

0.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols

0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use - total

7.3% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - male

13.1% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - female

1.7% (2025 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

5.4% (2019 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

53.1% (2019 est.)

Child marriage - women married by age 15

5.4% (2019)

Child marriage - women married by age 18

28% (2019)

Child marriage - men married by age 18

3.1% (2019)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)

5% of GDP (2023 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)

18.1% national budget (2024 est.)

Literacy - total population

87.4% (2019 est.)

Literacy - male

92.5% (2019 est.)

Literacy - female

82.8% (2019 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total

13 years (2021 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male

13 years (2021 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female

13 years (2021 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

Country name - conventional short form

Sao Tome and Principe

Country name - local long form

Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

Country name - local short form

Sao Tome e Principe

Country name - etymology

Sao Tome was named after Saint THOMAS the Apostle by the Portuguese who discovered the island on 21 December 1470 (or 1471), the saint's feast day; Principe is a shortening of the original Portuguese name of "Ilha do Principe" (Isle of the Prince), referring to Prince ALPHONSO of Portugal

Government type

semi-presidential republic

Capital - name

Sao Tome

Capital - geographic coordinates

0 20 N, 6 44 E

Capital - time difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - etymology

named after Saint THOMAS the Apostle by the Portuguese, who discovered the island on 21 December 1470 (or 1471), the saint's feast day

Administrative divisions

6 districts ( distritos , singular - distrito ), 1 autonomous region* ( regiao autonoma ); Agua Grande, Cantagalo, Caue, Lemba, Lobata, Me-Zochi, Principe*

Legal system

mixed system of civil law based on the Portuguese model and customary law

Constitution - history

approved 5 November 1975

Constitution - amendment process

proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; the Assembly can propose to the president of the republic that an amendment be submitted to a referendum

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Citizenship - citizenship by birth

Citizenship - citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe

Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized

Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021)

Executive branch - head of government

Prime Minister Américo d'Oliveira DOS RAMOS (since 12 January 2025)

Executive branch - cabinet

Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president

Executive branch - election/appointment process

president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president

Executive branch - most recent election date

18 July 2021, with a runoff on 5 September 2021

Executive branch - election results

2021: Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote in the first round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (IDA) 39.5%; Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 20.8%; Delfim NEVES (PCD-GR) 16.9%; Abel BOM JESUS (independent) 3.6%; Maria DAS NEVES (independent) 3.3%; other 15.9%; percent of the vote in second round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA 57.5%, Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA 42.5% 2016: Evaristo CARVALHO elected president; percent of vote - Evaristo CARVALHO (ADI) 49.8%, Manuel Pinto DA COSTA (independent) 24.8%, Maria DAS NEVES (MLSTP-PSD) 24.1%

Executive branch - expected date of next election

2026

Legislative branch - legislature name

National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)

Legislative branch - legislative structure

unicameral

Legislative branch - number of seats

55 (all directly elected)

Legislative branch - electoral system

proportional representation

Legislative branch - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - term in office

4 years

Legislative branch - most recent election date

9/25/2022

Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party

Independent Democratic Alliance (ADI) (30); Sao Tome and Principe Liberation Movement/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP - PSD) (18); Movement of Independent Citizens - Socialist Party (MCI - PS) - National Unity Party (PUN) (5); Other (2)

Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber

14.5%

Legislative branch - expected date of next election

September 2026

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal Justica (consists of 5 judges); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 5 judges, 3 of whom are from the Supreme Court)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the National Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly for 5-year terms

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

Court of First Instance; Audit Court

Political parties

BASTA Movement Independent Democratic Action or ADI Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD Movement of Independent Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe - Socialist Party or MCI-PS National Unity Party or PUN

Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery

122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604 New York, NY 101168

Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone

[1] (212) 317-0533

Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX

[1] (212) 317-0580

Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website

stp1@attglobal.net Sao Tome and Principe Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the US Ambassador to Angola is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

2290 Sao Tome Place, Washington DC 20521-2290

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CEMAC, CPLP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Independence

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Flag

description: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double-width), and green with two five-pointed black stars in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the left side meaning: green stands for the country's rich vegetation, red for the struggle for independence, and yellow for cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural products; the two stars symbolize the main islands history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

National symbol(s)

palm tree

National color(s)

green, yellow, red, black

National anthem(s) - title

"Independencia total" (Total Independence)

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

Alda Neves DA GRACA do Espirito Santo/Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e ALMEIDA

National anthem(s) - history

adopted 1975

Economy

Economic overview

lower middle-income Central African island economy; falling cocoa production due to drought and mismanagement; joint oil venture with Nigeria; government owns 90% of land; high debt, partly from fuel subsidies; tourism gutted by COVID-19

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$1.291 billion (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$1.279 billion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$1.275 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024

0.9% (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

0.4% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

0.2% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024

$5,500 (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$5,500 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$5,600 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$764.274 million (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

14.4% (2024 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

21.3% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

18% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

12.8% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

2.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

76.6% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

81.4% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

17.6% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

33.4% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

0% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

7.9% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-40.4% (2017 est.)

Agricultural products

plantains, oil palm fruit, taro, bananas, fruits, cocoa beans, yams, coconuts, cassava, vegetables (2023)

Agricultural products - note

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries

light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber

Industrial production growth rate

3.2% (2024 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force

34,500 (2024 est.)

Labor force - note

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024

9.2% (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023

9.1% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022

9% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate - note

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total

8.6% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male

8% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female

9.2% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line

55.5% (2017 est.)

Population below poverty line - note

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2017

40.7 (2017 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%

2.6% (2017 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%

32.8% (2017 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - note

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances - Remittances 2023

1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2021

2% of GDP (2021 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget - revenues

$128.767 million (2022 est.)

Budget - expenditures

$165.95 million (2022 est.)

Budget - note

note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Public debt - Public debt 2016

93.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

-$79.437 million (2022 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2021

-$95.248 million (2021 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2020

-$59.595 million (2020 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2022

$96.977 million (2022 est.)

Exports - Exports 2021

$75.256 million (2021 est.)

Exports - Exports 2020

$49.337 million (2020 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

Pakistan 54%, Germany 11%, Netherlands 7%, France 5%, UAE 3% (2023)

Exports - partners - note

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities

crude petroleum, cocoa beans, vehicle parts/accessories, palm oil, aircraft parts (2023)

Exports - commodities - note

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2022

$219.322 million (2022 est.)

Imports - Imports 2021

$201.145 million (2021 est.)

Imports - Imports 2020

$160.097 million (2020 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

Portugal 35%, Angola 13%, Gabon 11%, Japan 8%, China 6% (2023)

Imports - partners - note

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, rice, electric generating sets, cars (2023)

Imports - commodities - note

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023

$46.247 million (2023 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022

$64.476 million (2022 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021

$75.017 million (2021 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Debt - external - Debt - external 2023

$327.248 million (2023 est.)

Debt - external - note

note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

dobras (STD) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

22.658 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

23.29 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

20.71 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

21.507 (2020 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2019

21.885 (2019 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

78% (2022 est.)

Electricity access - electrification - urban areas

80%

Electricity access - electrification - rural areas

73.7%

Electricity - installed generating capacity

29,000 kW (2023 est.)

Electricity - consumption

47.05 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - transmission/distribution losses

40.95 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels

93.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity

6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption

1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023

8.875 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

2,000 (2023 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

1 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

152,000 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

87 (2022 est.)

Broadcast media

1 state-owned TV station; 2 state-owned radio stations; 7 independent local radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available

Internet country code

.st

Internet users - percent of population

62% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

6,000 (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

3 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

2 (2025)

Merchant marine - total

25 (2023)

Merchant marine - by type

general cargo 15, oil tanker 4, other 6

Ports - total ports

2 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Santo Antonio, Sao Tome

Military and Security

Military and security forces

Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas Armadas de Sao Tome e Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP), Presidential Guard, National Guard (2025)

Military and security forces - note

note: the Army and Coast Guard are responsible for external security while the public security police and judicial police maintain internal security; both the public security police and the military report to the Ministry of Defense and Internal Affairs; the judicial police report to the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Human Rights

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 500 active Armed Forces (2023)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the FASTP is lightly armed and has a small inventory of mostly older weapons and equipment (2023)

Military service age and obligation

limited information; 18 is the minimum age for compulsory military service (reportedly not enforced) and 17 years of age (with parental permission) for voluntary service (2024)

Military - note

the FASTP is one of the smallest militaries in Africa and consists of only a few companies of ground troops and some small patrol boats (2024)

Environment

Environmental issues

deforestation and illegal logging; soil erosion and exhaustion; inadequate sewage treatment in cities; biodiversity

International environmental agreements - party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban

Climate

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Land use - agricultural land

44.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 4.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 39.6% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

57.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

0% (2023 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

76.4% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

2.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions

146,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids

146,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

29 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

25,600 tons (2024 est.)

Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled

16.9% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - municipal

14.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - industrial

600,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - agricultural

25.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources

2.18 billion cubic meters (2022)

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