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. With a population of approximately 223,561, the country is known for its tropical climate, volcanic terrain, and rich biodiversity. The economy is primarily agrarian, focused on cocoa and coffee production, while recent challenges include high debt levels and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, Sao Tome and Principe has experienced political instability but continues to strive for democratic governance.

Geography

Sao Tome and Principe consists of two main islands and several smaller islets, situated in Central Africa. The islands are characterized by their mountainous volcanic terrain, lush vegetation, and a tropical climate with significant rainfall from October to May. The total area of the islands is 964 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa.

964 sq km total area.
209 km of coastline.
2,024 m highest elevation at Pico de Sao Tome.
44.8% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
57.5% forest coverage (2023 est.).

People and Society

The population of Sao Tome and Principe is estimated at 223,561 as of 2024, with a fairly young demographic structure. The capital, Sao Tome, holds about a quarter of the entire population. The nation is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, predominantly of mixed heritage, and Portuguese is the official language. The country also faces challenges related to healthcare and education but has made strides in improving literacy rates.

76.4% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
87.4% literacy rate (2019).
55.5% of the population lives below the poverty line (2017).
26.7 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024).
67.7 years life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

The economy of Sao Tome and Principe is classified as lower middle-income, primarily relying on agriculture, especially cocoa and coffee exports. Despite challenges such as falling cocoa production and high national debt, the country has seen some growth in the service sector, with tourism expected to recover post-pandemic. However, the economic landscape remains fragile, impacted by inflation and reliance on external aid.

$1.291 billion GDP (PPP) as of 2024.
9.2% unemployment rate (2024).
76.6% of GDP from the services sector (2024).
55% of the labor force employed in agriculture (2017).
14.4% inflation rate in consumer prices (2024).

Government

Sao Tome and Principe operates under a semi-presidential republic framework, which allows for a balance between presidential and parliamentary powers. The country has a history of political turmoil since its independence from Portugal in 1975, with multiple changes in leadership. Despite these challenges, democratic principles are enshrined in its constitution, and elections are held regularly.

President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova elected in 2021.
Prime Minister Américo dos Ramos took office in 2025.
Unicameral National Assembly with 55 seats.
18 years old is the minimum voting age.
Constitution approved on November 5, 1975.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe, while small, are tasked with both external security and internal policing. The military's capabilities are limited, with only around 500 active personnel and outdated equipment. The country has experienced attempts at political upheaval, leading to recent security agreements focused on training and support, particularly with Russia.

Approximately 500 active personnel (2023).
Legal minimum age for military service is 18 years.
Participated in a military cooperation agreement with Russia in 2024.
The military consists of the Army and Coast Guard.

Energy

Sao Tome and Principe's energy infrastructure primarily relies on fossil fuels, contributing to a limited yet improving electricity access. As of 2022, approximately 78% of the population has access to electricity, with efforts underway to reduce transmission losses and diversify energy sources.

29,000 kW of installed generating capacity (2023).
47.05 million kWh of electricity consumed (2023).
93.2% of total electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).
78% electrification rate for total population (2022).

Environment

The country faces several environmental issues, such as deforestation and soil erosion, alongside its rich natural resources. Sao Tome and Principe is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements, seeking to balance development with ecological preservation.

57.5% of land is forested (2023).
29 micrograms of particulate matter emissions per cubic meter (2019).
146,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).
16.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).

Transportation

Sao Tome and Principe has a limited transportation infrastructure, with only a few airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The transportation system primarily facilitates internal movement, with the capital city housing the majority of the population and economic activity.

2 airports expected by 2025.
25 merchant marine vessels (2023).
2 ports for maritime trade, including Santo Antonio and Sao Tome (2024).

Communications

The communication sector in Sao Tome and Principe is developing, with a notable increase in mobile cellular subscriptions. Internet access is improving, with about 62% of the population using the internet as of 2023.

152,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
2,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
62% of the population are internet users (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	223,561 (2024 est.)
Area	964 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.291 billion (2024)
Energy Consumption	8.875 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	26.7 births/1,000 population (2024)
Unemployment Rate	9.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	67.7 years (2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	78% (2022 est.)
Literacy Rate	87.4% (2019 est.)
Inflation Rate	14.4% (2024 est.)