São Tomé and Príncipe
Africa · Middle Africa
Tiny Gulf of Guinea island: safe and stable, with emerging eco-tourism and Portuguese culture.
At a Glance
📈São Tomé and Príncipe's Human Development Index
0.613
Medium human development#139 of 191 countries worldwide, #13 of 54 in Africa.
Higher than 27% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off Central Africa, with a colonial Portuguese history, a lush tropical landscape, excellent cocoa plantations, and a peaceful Creole culture that combines African and European roots. The islands are off the map for most travellers, which preserves a quality of quiet and naturalness that is genuinely rare. Those who love cocoa, biodiversity, and real seclusion will find it magical.
- One of the smallest countries in Africa and the world.
- Produces some of the world's highest-rated cocoa — small-batch quality over volume.
Quick Facts
Capital
São Tomé
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Db STN
Area
960 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$4K
PPP / Capita
$6K
Inflation
11.0%
Unemployment
9.1%
GNI / Capita
$4K
FDI Inflows
-2.0%
Education Spend
5.0%
Price Level Index
25th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1990
0.480 → 0.613 (+0.133)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 33 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
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What is São Tomé and Príncipe's Human Development Index?
São Tomé and Príncipe's Human Development Index is 0.613 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #139 of 191 countries.
What is life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Life expectancy at birth in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.9 yrs (World Bank), ranked #134 of 195 countries.