Country Profile: Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a small archipelago located in Central Africa, just north of the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea. With a population of approximately 223,561, the nation experiences a tropical climate with a significant portion of its land dedicated to agriculture and forestry. The economy is classified as lower middle income, heavily relying on cocoa production and tourism, although both have faced challenges in recent years. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, the country has a history of political instability but has made strides toward democratic reforms since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975.
Geography
Sao Tome and Principe consists of two main islands, which form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the highest point, Pico de Sao Tome, rising to 2,024 meters. The nation features a tropical climate, marked by a single rainy season from October to May, and has a total area of 964 square kilometers.
- 964 sq km: Total area of the country.
- 209 km: Length of the coastline.
- 44.8%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022).
- 52.8%: Forested land covering the archipelago (2022).
- 0 km: No land boundaries with other nations, as it is entirely surrounded by water.
People and Society
The population of Sao Tome and Principe is approximately 223,561 as of 2024, with a median age of 20.8 years. Ethnic groups include Mesticos, Angolares, and Forros, among others, and Portuguese is the official language. The country has a relatively high literacy rate of 87.4% and a significant urban population, accounting for 76.4% of the total.
- 26.7 births/1,000: Birth rate as of 2024.
- 67.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
- 9.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
- 42.6 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2024).
- 49.7%: Contraceptive prevalence rate (2019).
- 100%: Access to improved drinking water in urban areas.
Economy
Sao Tome and Principe's economy is characterized as a lower middle-income economy, experiencing difficulties due to declining cocoa production and the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism. The country has a real GDP (PPP) of approximately $1.291 billion in 2024, with a GDP per capita of $5,500. Agriculture, services, and industry contribute significantly to the GDP, yet the nation faces high debt levels.
- 76.6%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024).
- 12.8%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024).
- 14.4%: Projected inflation rate for 2024.
- 9.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
- $764.274 million: GDP at official exchange rate (2024).
- 55.5%: Population below the poverty line (2017).
Government
Sao Tome and Principe operates as a semi-presidential republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The political landscape has been marked by frequent changes in leadership due to internal conflicts among parties. The latest elections were held in July 2021, leading to Carlos Manuel Vila Nova's election as president.
- 5: Number of districts within the country.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age for citizens.
- 55: Seats in the National Assembly.
- $128.764 million: Government revenues (2022).
- 1975: Year of independence from Portugal.
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe, consisting of approximately 500 active personnel, are responsible for both external and internal security. The country has a small military that is lightly armed, and it has engaged in recent military cooperation agreements, including training and logistical support.
- 18 years: Minimum age for compulsory military service (not enforced).
- 500: Approximate number of active military personnel (2023).
- 40.95 million kWh: Electricity transmission and distribution losses (2023).
Energy
Sao Tome and Principe has an electricity access rate of 78% across its population, with urban areas having better access than rural ones. The country's energy consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, while hydroelectricity makes up a minor percentage of the total energy generation capacity.
- 93.2%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed electricity capacity (2023).
- 29,000 kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
- 1,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
Communications
The telecommunications sector is growing, with approximately 152,000 mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023. The internet penetration rate stands at 62%, indicating a steady increase in digital connectivity. The country is served by a combination of state-owned and independent broadcast media.
- 62%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
- 2,000: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
- 6,000: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,561 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 964 sq km | Total area of the country |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.291 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $5,500 | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 26.7 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 9.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 67.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 87.4% | 2019 estimate |
| Access to Improved Water | 100% (urban) | Urban areas |
| Electric Access | 78% | Total population access (2022 estimate) |
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