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São Tomé and Príncipe

Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 220
Currency
💱 São Tomé and Príncipe dobra
Languages
🗣️ Portuguese
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Sao Tomean
Independence
July 12, 1975 (from Portugal)
Top-Level Domain
.st
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+239
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
São Tomé
ISO Alpha-2
ST
ISO Alpha-3
STP
UN Code
678
Geographic Coordinates
1,7
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
964#189 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
220,372#187 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
240.49
Highest Point (m)
2,024
Lowest Point (m)
0
Land Use
Agricultural land: 50.1%; forest: 43.8%
Irrigated Land
No readily available data.
Coastline Length
209 km
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; two rainy seasons
Natural Resources
Fish, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
Two provinces: Príncipe and São Tomé
Legal System
Based on Portuguese civil law
Chief of State
President Carlos Vila Nova
Head of Government
Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the President on the proposal of the Prime Minister
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a 5-year term; elections for National Assembly held every 4 years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)
Major Political Parties
Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD), Independent Democratic Action (ADI)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
São Tomé and Príncipe dobra
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.98#201 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.53#192 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4,084.4#147 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
12.19
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.23
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
81.39
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11.05#23 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
35,075
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.13#43 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt is a concern, with fluctuations depending on economic factors.
Budget
The budget is dependent on external aid and revenue from tourism and agriculture.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.13#186 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.33#188 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are managed to stabilize the economy.
Currency Exchange
Information about currency exchange can be found through local banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Primarily agriculture, services, and industry, with agriculture being a significant contributor.
Major Industries
Agriculture (cocoa), tourism, fishing, and construction.
Major Export Partners
Portugal, Netherlands, and Spain.
Major Import Partners
Portugal, Angola, and the European Union.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
87.44#109 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
28.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.5
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is slightly negative.
Median Age
Relatively young median age.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
69.17#94 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is increasing.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
69.9#152 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is moderate.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.77
Ethnic Groups
Mostly mixed African descent (Mestizo), with smaller European and Asian populations.
Religions
Primarily Roman Catholic, with smaller Protestant and other religious groups.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Portuguese

Education

Education System
The education system in São Tomé and Príncipe is structured with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
12.4
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The country has a few institutions offering higher education, including the Universidade de São Tomé e Príncipe.

Culture

Cultural Overview
The culture of São Tomé and Príncipe is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Ano Novo (2026-01-01)
  • Dia dos Mártires (2026-02-03)
  • Dia do trabalhador (2026-05-01)
  • Dia da Independência (2026-07-12)
  • Dia das Forças Armadas (2026-09-06)
  • Dia da Reforma Agrária (2026-09-30)
  • Dia de São Tomé (2026-12-21)
  • Natal (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music styles include Socopé and Puxa, often incorporating Portuguese influences.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods feature seafood, beans, rice, and local fruits like breadfruit.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.
Major Festivals
Festivals celebrate local culture with music, dance, and traditional ceremonies.
Famous People
Notable figures include writers, musicians, and sports personalities.
Cultural Heritage Sites
The country has several sites of cultural significance, including colonial architecture.
UNESCO Sites
São Tomé and Príncipe has UNESCO World Heritage sites reflecting its cultural and natural heritage.
Annual Tourist Visits
Information unavailable.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is developing; focuses on eco-tourism and beaches.
Top Tourist Attractions
Pico Cão Grande, beaches, rainforests, Boca de Inferno.
Famous Cities
São Tomé.
National Parks
Obo National Park.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for biodiversity.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check with the embassy.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is developing, with room for improvement.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed nations.
Number of Hospitals
There are a few hospitals and several health centers.
Universal Healthcare
Sao Tome and Principe has a public healthcare system, but access and quality can vary.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited; facilities are concentrated in the capital.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available, but limited in scope.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 112.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 112.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is 112.
Crime Rate
Crime rates are relatively low, but petty theft can occur.
Safety Index
The safety index is moderate.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure accounts for a small percentage of the GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but resources may be limited.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
São Tomé and Príncipe has a small military force.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is available in urban areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is a challenge in some areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation infrastructure is developing.
Railways
This country does not have a railway system.
Roadways
Roads are often unpaved and the network is limited.
Transportation System
Transportation relies on a combination of roads, boats, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
São Tomé International Airport (TMS), Principe Airport (PCP)
Ports
The main port is located in São Tomé.
Public Transit
Public transportation options are limited, mainly consisting of buses and taxis.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
59.12#151 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited information available.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.63#153 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; generally poor due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
High due to sewage and industrial discharge; sanitation is poor.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited; some solar energy initiatives but heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and coastal degradation.
Natural Hazards
Volcanic activity, frequent heavy rains leading to landslides and flooding.
Waste Management
Poor; inadequate collection and disposal, leading to open dumping and pollution.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in a few countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access for citizens to a limited number of countries.

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