São Tomé and Príncipe population
Current population of São Tomé and Príncipe
245,514
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 3
- Deaths today
- 0
- Change today (UTC)
- +2
- World rank
- 182nd of 218
- 0.00% of world population
- Population
- 240,254
- 2025 estimate
- Annual growth
- +1.98%
- 2025
- Density
- 240 /km²
- 2023
- Land area
- 960 km²
- Urban population
- 69%
- 2025
- Median age
- 19.5 yrs
- 2025 (UN WPP)
- Fertility rate
- 3.60
- births per woman, 2024
- Life expectancy
- 69.9 yrs
- 2024
- Net migration
- −650
- 2025
- Capital
- Sao Tome
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
Population of São Tomé and Príncipe: overview
São Tomé and Príncipe is home to 240,254 people (2025 estimate), ranking 182nd in the world by population. São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the Sub-Saharan Africa region and its capital is Sao Tome.
The population is expanding quickly, at 1.98% per year. In absolute terms that meant roughly 4,718 additional people over the past year.
Population density is relatively high at about 240 people per km², spread across 960 km² of land. A slim urban majority has emerged, with 69% of people living in cities.
With a median age of just 19.5 years, São Tomé and Príncipe has one of the youngest populations in the world. The fertility rate of 3.60 children per woman sits above the replacement level of 2.1. Life expectancy at birth is 69.9 years (2024).
The UN projects strong growth ahead: 365.12 thousand people by 2050, about 52% more than today. The 2030 projection is 264,564.
São Tomé and Príncipe population, 1960–2025 and projections
| Year | Population | Growth rate | Annual change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 240,254 | +1.98% | +4,718 |
| 2024 | 235,536 | +2.00% | +4,665 |
| 2023 | 230,871 | +2.00% | +4,566 |
| 2022 | 226,305 | +1.94% | +4,344 |
| 2021 | 221,961 | +2.06% | +4,526 |
| 2020 | 217,435 | +1.88% | +4,043 |
| 2019 | 213,392 | +1.51% | +3,205 |
| 2018 | 210,187 | +1.54% | +3,217 |
| 2017 | 206,970 | +1.60% | +3,281 |
| 2016 | 203,689 | +1.68% | +3,398 |
| 2015 | 200,291 | +1.78% | +3,524 |
| 2014 | 196,767 | +1.86% | +3,619 |
| 2010 | 181,802 | +2.20% | +3,949 |
| 2005 | 161,639 | +2.46% | +3,934 |
| 2000 | 144,018 | +1.10% | +1,576 |
| 1995 | 134,895 | +1.62% | +2,163 |
| 1990 | 122,980 | +2.47% | +3,001 |
| 1985 | 108,658 | +2.11% | +2,264 |
| 1980 | 98,544 | +2.35% | +2,292 |
| 1975 | 86,708 | +2.38% | +2,036 |
| 1970 | 77,626 | +2.01% | +1,543 |
| 1965 | 71,680 | +1.14% | +815 |
| 1960 | 68,012 | – | – |
Recent years annually, earlier years at five-year steps. Annual change compares against the immediately preceding year.
São Tomé and Príncipe population forecast
United Nations World Population Prospects 2024, medium variant.
| Year | Projected population | vs today |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 264,564 | +10.1% |
| 2050 | 365,115 | +52.0% |
São Tomé and Príncipe population pyramid (2025)
Age and sex structure from UN World Population Prospects 2024: 37.5% of São Tomé and Príncipe's population is under 15, 58.6% is of working age (15–64), and 3.9% is 65 or older. Hover any bar for the group's size.
São Tomé and Príncipe population FAQ
What is the population of São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026?
São Tomé and Príncipe's population is estimated at about 245.51 thousand in 2026, extrapolated from the latest official figure of 240,254 (2025). São Tomé and Príncipe ranks 182nd in the world by population.
Is the population of São Tomé and Príncipe growing or shrinking?
São Tomé and Príncipe's population is growing at about 1.98% per year, an increase of roughly 4,718 people over the past year.
How densely populated is São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe has about 240 people per square kilometre across a land area of 960 km².
What share of the world's population lives in São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is home to about 0.00% of the world's population.
What is São Tomé and Príncipe's projected population in 2050?
United Nations medium-variant projections put São Tomé and Príncipe's population at 365,115 in 2050, passing through 264,564 in 2030.
What is the median age in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The median age in São Tomé and Príncipe is 19.5 years (2025 estimate) — half the population is younger and half older than that.
Sources: World Bank Open Data (CC BY-4.0); median age and projections from UN World Population Prospects 2024. Live figures are estimates extrapolated from the latest official data — see methodology.