São Tomé and Príncipe
Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Middle Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of approximately 209.6k—one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 964 km², the territory records a density of 217 people per km². Its capital is São Tomé, and Portuguese is the official language, while the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra serves as the national currency.
Population
209,607
Area
964 km²
Density
217/km²
World Rank
#188
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 28.2 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.6 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 37.8% of the population is under 15, while only 3.9% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currencies
- São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (Db)
- Calling Code
- +239
- Top-Level Domain
- .st
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 209,607
- Land Area
- 964 km²
- Population Density
- 217 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +1,845 people
- Daily Growth
- +5 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 1.00°, 7.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3.5k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 9.1%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 40.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
69.7 years
GDP per Capita
$3,491
Birth Rate
28.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
68.9%
Fertility Rate
3.64 births/woman
Infant Mortality
9.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
9.1%
Literacy Rate
87.4%
Internet Users
61.5%
Under 15
37.8%
Over 65
3.9%
Health Spending
5.8% GDP
Gini Index
40.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
79K
15-64 years
122K
65+ years
8K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 68.9% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. São Tomé serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 650.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
144,356
68.9%
65,251
31.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 69.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 9.4 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 87.4% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that São Tomé and Príncipe is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, São Tomé and Príncipe participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 209,607 |
| 2030 | 217,033 |
| 2035 | 226,580 |
| 2040 | 236,440 |
| 2045 | 246,633 |
| 2050 | 257,179 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of São Tomé and Príncipe?
The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately 209,607 as of 2026, making it #188 in the world by population.
What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?
The capital of São Tomé and Príncipe is São Tomé.
What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The main languages spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe are Portuguese.
How big is São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe covers an area of 964 km² with a population density of 217 people per km².
Is São Tomé and Príncipe growing or shrinking?
São Tomé and Príncipe is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 1,845 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The average life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of São Tomé and Príncipe?
The GDP per capita of São Tomé and Príncipe is $3,491.