Rank #161 by World Population
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe has a population of 230,871, ranking #161 in the world. The capital is Sao Tome. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Lower middle income
230,871
Population
#161
World Rank
69.7
Life Expectancy
$2,991
GDP Per Capita
Sao Tome and Principe, #161 by world population
Sao Tome and Principe Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Sao Tome and Principe had a population of 68,012 in 1960 and 235,536 in 2024, a 3.5× growth over 64 years. The peak was 235,536 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.96%.
235,536
Population (2024)
68,012
Population (1960)
235,536
Peak (2024)
1.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 68,012 |
| 1961 | 68,707 |
| 1962 | 69,403 |
| 1963 | 70,112 |
| 1964 | 70,865 |
| 1965 | 71,680 |
| 1966 | 72,576 |
| 1967 | 73,596 |
| 1968 | 74,765 |
| 1969 | 76,083 |
| 1970 | 77,626 |
| 1971 | 79,330 |
| 1972 | 81,041 |
| 1973 | 82,798 |
| 1974 | 84,672 |
| 1975 | 86,708 |
| 1976 | 88,922 |
| 1977 | 91,301 |
| 1978 | 93,794 |
| 1979 | 96,252 |
| 1980 | 98,544 |
| 1981 | 100,615 |
| 1982 | 102,508 |
| 1983 | 104,380 |
| 1984 | 106,394 |
| 1985 | 108,658 |
| 1986 | 111,150 |
| 1987 | 113,919 |
| 1988 | 116,939 |
| 1989 | 119,979 |
| 1990 | 122,980 |
| 1991 | 125,697 |
| 1992 | 128,110 |
| 1993 | 130,467 |
| 1994 | 132,732 |
| 1995 | 134,895 |
| 1996 | 136,962 |
| 1997 | 138,922 |
| 1998 | 140,751 |
| 1999 | 142,442 |
| 2000 | 144,018 |
| 2001 | 146,375 |
| 2002 | 149,922 |
| 2003 | 153,814 |
| 2004 | 157,705 |
| 2005 | 161,639 |
| 2006 | 165,638 |
| 2007 | 169,700 |
| 2008 | 173,793 |
| 2009 | 177,853 |
| 2010 | 181,802 |
| 2011 | 185,649 |
| 2012 | 189,439 |
| 2013 | 193,148 |
| 2014 | 196,767 |
| 2015 | 200,291 |
| 2016 | 203,689 |
| 2017 | 206,970 |
| 2018 | 210,187 |
| 2019 | 213,392 |
| 2020 | 217,435 |
| 2021 | 221,961 |
| 2022 | 226,305 |
| 2023 | 230,871 |
| 2024 | 235,536 |
Demographics
| Population | 230,871 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.00% |
| Urban Population | 68.6% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.64 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 69.7 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 9.5 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$2,991
GDP Per Capita
9.0%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
Health & Education
5.8%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.46
Physicians per 1,000
5.0%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
9.5
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
81.3%
Electricity Access
58.6%
Internet Users
85
Mobile Subs per 100
240.5
People per km2
-592
Net Migration
Environment
52.1%
Forest Area
Sao Tome and Principe Climate
Sao Tome and Principe has an average annual temperature of 22.3°C (72°F) and receives about 2615 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is March and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.3°C
Avg Temp
2615
Precip (mm/yr)
Mar
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23° / 73° | 221 mm |
| February | 23° / 74° | 211 mm |
| March | 23° / 74° | 291 mm |
| April | 23° / 74° | 301 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 263 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 70 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 17 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 43 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 145 mm |
| October | 22° / 72° | 457 mm |
| November | 22° / 72° | 345 mm |
| December | 23° / 73° | 251 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe
The most comfortable months to visit Sao Tome and Principe are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is March (around 27°C high). The coldest is July (near 18°C low). October is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sao Tome and Principe in global context
Sao Tome and Principe is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sao Tome and Principe has a population of 230,871, ranking #161 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.00%.
Life expectancy in Sao Tome and Principe is 69.7 years. The infant mortality rate is 9.5 per 1,000 live births.
Sao Tome and Principe's GDP per capita is $2,991. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
68.6% of Sao Tome and Principe's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 240.5 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Sao Tome and Principe is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Sao Tome and Principe are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Sao Tome and Principe has an average annual temperature of 22.3°C and about 2615 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically March and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Sao Tome and Principe is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 230,871. Its population is growing quickly, by about 2.0% a year.
GDP per capita is roughly $2,991, placing Sao Tome and Principe among lower-income economies. Life expectancy is 69.7 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.6 births per woman, and 68.6% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.