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Sao Tome and Principe

Thirty-second orientation

Sao Tome and Principe at a glance

Capital: Sao Tome; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 240,254; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 964 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Sao Tomean(s); adjective: Sao Tomean; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: semi-presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Sao Tome and Principe through time

1975-09-16
Admitted to the United Nations
Sao Tome and Principe became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	240,254World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 223,561 (2024 est.) male: 111,553 female: 112,008CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-12

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $981.3 million; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $4,084; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 69.9 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 69.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 77.7%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 59.1%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Sao Tome; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 964 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 240,254; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: dobras (STD); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Sao Tomean(s); adjective: Sao Tomean; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: semi-presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1975-09-16; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
Coastline: 209 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: green, yellow, black, red; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: palm tree; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Pico de Sao Tome · 6,640 ft (2,024 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-12 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: 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.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Central Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Geographic coordinates: 1 00 N, 7 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Map references: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Area: total : 964 sq km land: 964 sq km water: 0 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Area - comparative: more than five times the size of Washington, D.C.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land boundaries: total: 0 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Coastline: 209 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Terrain: volcanic, mountainous; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Elevation: highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Natural resources: fish, hydropower; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 39.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.) forest: 57.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Irrigated land: 100 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Natural hazards: flooding; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

People and Society36 fields

Population: total: 223,561 (2024 est.) male: 111,553 female: 112,008; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Nationality: noun: Sao Tomean(s) adjective: Sao Tomean; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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.) note: shares of language sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 36.4% (male 41,337/female 40,106) 15-64 years: 60.3% (male 67,101/female 67,775) 65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 3,115/female 4,127); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 65.8 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 60.4 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 18.6 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Median age: total: 21.2 years (2025 est.) male: 20.4 years female: 21.2 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Population growth rate: 1.39% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Birth rate: 25.87 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Death rate: 5.84 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Net migration rate: -6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 76.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Major urban areas - population: 80,000 SAO TOME (capital) (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.4 years (2008/09 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 75 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 41.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 46.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 39 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.7 years (2024 est.) male: 66 years female: 69.4 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total fertility rate: 3.18 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.57 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 79.3% of population (2022 est.) rural: 71.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 77.3% of population (2022 est.) urban: 20.7% of population (2022 est.) rural: 28.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 22.7% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Health expenditure: 7.8% of GDP (2021) 14.9% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Physician density: 0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 56.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 43.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 53.5% of population (2022 est.) urban: 43.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 56.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 46.5% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 12.4% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 4.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 3.58 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Tobacco use: total: 7.3% (2025 est.) male: 13.1% (2025 est.) female: 1.7% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 5.4% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 53.1% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 5.4% (2019) women married by age 18: 28% (2019) men married by age 18: 3.1% (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Education expenditure: 5% of GDP (2023 est.) 18.1% national budget (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Literacy: total population: 87.4% (2019 est.) male: 92.5% (2019 est.) female: 82.8% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years (2021 est.) male: 13 years (2021 est.) female: 13 years (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: deforestation and illegal logging; soil erosion and exhaustion; inadequate sewage treatment in cities; biodiversity; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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 signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 39.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.) forest: 57.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 76.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 146,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 146,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 29 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 25,600 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.9% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 14.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 600,000 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 25.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total renewable water resources: 2.18 billion cubic meters (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Government22 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e Principe 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Government type: semi-presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Capital: name: Sao Tome geographic coordinates: 0 20 N, 6 44 E time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Administrative divisions: 6 districts (distritos, singular - distrito), 1 autonomous region* (regiao autonoma); Agua Grande, Cantagalo, Caue, Lemba, Lobata, Me-Zochi, Principe*; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Legal system: mixed system of civil law based on the Portuguese model and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Constitution: history: approved 5 November 1975 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Américo d'Oliveira DOS RAMOS (since 12 January 2025) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president 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 most recent election date: 18 July 2021, with a runoff on 5 September 2021 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% expected date of next election: 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 55 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 9/25/2022 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) percentage of women in chamber: 14.5% expected date of next election: September 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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) 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 subordinate courts: Court of First Instance; Audit Court; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604 New York, NY 101168 telephone: [1] (212) 317-0533 FAX: [1] (212) 317-0580 email address and website: stp1@attglobal.net Sao Tome and Principe Permanent Mission to the United Nations; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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 mailing address: 2290 Sao Tome Place, Washington DC 20521-2290; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National symbol(s): palm tree; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National color(s): green, yellow, red, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Independencia total" (Total Independence) lyrics/music: Alda Neves DA GRACA do Espirito Santo/Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e ALMEIDA history: adopted 1975; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Economy30 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.291 billion (2024 est.) $1.279 billion (2023 est.) $1.275 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 0.9% (2024 est.) 0.4% (2023 est.) 0.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP per capita: $5,500 (2024 est.) $5,500 (2023 est.) $5,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $764.274 million (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.4% (2024 est.) 21.3% (2023 est.) 18% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 12.8% (2024 est.) industry: 2.9% (2024 est.) services: 76.6% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 81.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 7.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -40.4% (2017 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Agricultural products: plantains, oil palm fruit, taro, bananas, fruits, cocoa beans, yams, coconuts, cassava, vegetables (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Industries: light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 3.2% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Labor force: 34,500 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Unemployment rate: 9.2% (2024 est.) 9.1% (2023 est.) 9% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 8.6% (2024 est.) male: 8% (2024 est.) female: 9.2% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Population below poverty line: 55.5% (2017 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.7 (2017 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% (2017 est.) highest 10%: 32.8% (2017 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Remittances: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.) 2% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Budget: revenues: $128.767 million (2022 est.) expenditures: $165.95 million (2022 est.) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Public debt: 93.1% of GDP (2016 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Current account balance: -$79.437 million (2022 est.) -$95.248 million (2021 est.) -$59.595 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports: $96.977 million (2022 est.) $75.256 million (2021 est.) $49.337 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports - partners: Pakistan 54%, Germany 11%, Netherlands 7%, France 5%, UAE 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, cocoa beans, vehicle parts/accessories, palm oil, aircraft parts (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports: $219.322 million (2022 est.) $201.145 million (2021 est.) $160.097 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports - partners: Portugal 35%, Angola 13%, Gabon 11%, Japan 8%, China 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports - commodities: ships, refined petroleum, rice, electric generating sets, cars (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $46.247 million (2023 est.) $64.476 million (2022 est.) $75.017 million (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Debt - external: $327.248 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exchange rates: dobras (STD) per US dollar - 22.658 (2023 est.) 23.29 (2022 est.) 20.71 (2021 est.) 21.507 (2020 est.) 21.885 (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Energy5 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 78% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 80% electrification - rural areas: 73.7%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 29,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 47.05 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 40.95 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 93.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 8.875 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 152,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 87 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station; 2 state-owned radio stations; 7 independent local radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Internet country code: .st; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 62% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 6,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Transportation4 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: S9; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Airports: 2 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Merchant marine: total: 25 (2023) by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 4, other 6; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Ports: total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 0 key ports: Santo Antonio, Sao Tome; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Military and Security5 fields

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) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 500 active Armed Forces (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FASTP is lightly armed and has a small inventory of mostly older weapons and equipment (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

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Sao Tome and Principe at a glance

Sao Tome and Principe through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile