Country Profile: Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator. The country, comprising two main islands, has a tropical climate and a population of approximately 223,561 people as of 2024. Its economy is classified as lower middle-income and is heavily reliant on agriculture, with significant contributions from cocoa and tourism, although these sectors face challenges from environmental factors and economic instability. The governance structure is a semi-presidential republic, having experienced a variety of political changes since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975.

Geography

Sao Tome and Principe is situated in Central Africa and consists of two volcanic islands with a total land area of 964 square kilometers. The islands have a mountainous terrain and a coastline of 209 kilometers. The climate is predominantly tropical, characterized by high humidity and a single rainy season from October to May. The country is known for its lush vegetation and biodiversity, although it faces environmental issues such as deforestation.

964 sq km: Total land area.
209 km: Total coastline.
2,024 m: Highest point, Pico de Sao Tome.
57.5%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023).
44.8%: Agricultural land use (2023).

People and Society

The population of Sao Tome and Principe is estimated at 223,561 in 2024, with a balanced gender distribution. The predominant ethnic groups include Mestico and Angolars, with Portuguese being the official language. As of 2024, the median age is 21.2 years, indicating a youthful population. The country exhibits a high urbanization rate, with approximately 76.4% of the population living in urban areas.

87.4%: Literacy rate (2019).
36.4%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024).
1.39%: Population growth rate (2025).
76.4%: Urban population (2023).
67.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Sao Tome and Principe's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, which represents 12.8% of its GDP. The country has faced challenges such as declining cocoa production and the impact of COVID-19 on tourism, contributing to high levels of debt. In 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is estimated to be $1.291 billion, with a per capita GDP of $5,500. The government is heavily involved in the economy, owning 90% of the land.

$1.291 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
9.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
55.5%: Population living below the poverty line (2017).
14.4%: Inflation rate (2024).
$128.767 million: Government revenues (2022).

Government

Sao Tome and Principe operates as a semi-presidential republic. The President, currently Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, is elected by popular vote, while the Prime Minister, currently Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos, is chosen by the National Assembly. The country's governance has been marked by political instability, with frequent changes in leadership since its independence in 1975. The National Assembly is a unicameral legislature comprised of 55 members.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
6: Number of administrative divisions.
5: Number of judges in the Supreme Court.
2026: Expected date for the next presidential election.
12 July 1975: Independence Day from Portugal.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe include the army, coast guard, and national guard, with approximately 500 active personnel. The military focuses on both external defense and internal security, although its capabilities are limited and primarily consist of older equipment. Compulsory military service appears to be largely unregulated.

500: Active military personnel (2023).
18: Minimum age for compulsory military service.
93.2%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
40.95 million kWh: Transmission and distribution losses in electricity (2023).
6.8%: Percentage of electricity generated from hydroelectric power (2023).

Energy

Energy access in Sao Tome and Principe stands at 78% of the population, with urban electrification rates reaching 80%. The country's energy generation is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with a small contribution from hydroelectric sources. In 2023, electricity consumption was recorded at 47.05 million kWh.

78%: Electrification rate of total population (2022).
29,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
93.2%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity (2023).
1,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
8.875 million Btu: Total energy consumption per capita (2023).

Transportation

Transportation in Sao Tome and Principe includes two airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The country has two key ports located at Santo Antonio and Sao Tome. Air travel is essential for connectivity given the islands' geographical layout.

2: Airports (2025).
25: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
2: Number of key ports.
15: General cargo vessels in the merchant fleet (2023).
S9: Civil aircraft registration country code.

Communications

Sao Tome and Principe has a developing communications infrastructure, with a mobile cellular subscription rate of 87 per 100 inhabitants. The country benefits from one state-owned television station and multiple radio services, alongside a growing internet user base of 62%.

152,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
62%: Percentage of population with internet access (2023).
6,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
2,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
1: State-owned television station.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	223,561	2024 estimate
Area	964 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.291 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	9.2%	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	87.4%	2019 estimate
Life Expectancy	67.7 years	2024 estimate
Inflation Rate	14.4%	2024 estimate
Electrification Rate	78%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	76.4%	2023 estimate
Age Structure (0-14 years)	36.4%	2024 estimate