Sao Tome and Principe GDP (2026)
LiveSao Tome and Principe has a small island economy traditionally rooted in agriculture, with cocoa remaining an important export product. Tourism, fisheries, public investment, and international development support are becoming increasingly significant as the country seeks a broader economic base. This page presents São Tomé and Príncipe GDP figures, historical developments, and the outlook for 2026.
Sao Tome and Principe GDP Growth (1980–2026)
Annual real GDP growth rate (%)
Historical Highlights
1980–2026 GDP performance summary
Share of World GDP (2026)
Key Findings
Sao Tome and Principe's GDP in 2026 is $1.16B.
It ranks #203 among 218 countries.
Sao Tome and Principe contributes 0.00% to the world economy.
GDP per capita is $4,739 in 2026.
The economy recorded GDP growth of 3.40% in 2026.
Sao Tome and Principe GDP Historical Data (1980–2026)
| 2026 | $1,161,000,000 | 3.40% | $4,739 | 0.00% | #192 |
| 2025 | $981,000,000 | 2.10% | $4,085 | 0.00% | #187 |
| 2024 | $828,000,000 | 1.10% | $3,517 | 0.00% | #195 |
| 2023 | $696,000,000 | 0.40% | $3,014 | 0.00% | #202 |
| 2022 | $546,000,000 | 0.20% | $2,412 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2021 | $529,000,000 | 1.90% | $2,381 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2020 | $476,000,000 | 2.60% | $2,188 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2019 | $416,000,000 | 2.00% | $1,950 | 0.00% | #209 |
| 2018 | $387,000,000 | 4.40% | $1,841 | 0.00% | #209 |
| 2017 | $325,000,000 | 4.10% | $1,571 | 0.00% | #210 |
| 2016 | $294,000,000 | 5.20% | $1,443 | 0.00% | #212 |
| 2015 | $262,000,000 | 1.50% | $1,307 | 0.00% | #212 |
| 2014 | $295,000,000 | 4.90% | $1,500 | 0.00% | #212 |
| 2013 | $269,000,000 | 5.10% | $1,393 | 0.00% | #210 |
| 2012 | $231,000,000 | 2.90% | $1,220 | 0.00% | #210 |
| 2011 | $228,000,000 | 2.00% | $1,229 | 0.00% | #211 |
| 2010 | $191,000,000 | 1.40% | $1,049 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2009 | $201,000,000 | 3.30% | $1,128 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2008 | $188,000,000 | 8.20% | $1,082 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2007 | $145,000,000 | 3.30% | $852 | 0.00% | #209 |
| 2006 | $133,000,000 | 9.10% | $805 | 0.00% | #209 |
| 2005 | $125,000,000 | 7.10% | $774 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2004 | $104,000,000 | 3.80% | $663 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2003 | $96,000,000 | 6.60% | $621 | 0.00% | #209 |
| 2002 | $80,000,000 | 2.40% | $533 | 0.00% | #208 |
| 2001 | $72,000,000 | 2.40% | $489 | 0.00% | #203 |
| 2000 | $77,000,000 | 0.40% | $533 | 0.00% | #201 |
| 1999 | $78,000,000 | 2.50% | $550 | 0.00% | #192 |
| 1998 | $73,000,000 | 2.50% | $524 | 0.00% | #193 |
| 1997 | $93,000,000 | 1.00% | $679 | 0.00% | #191 |
| 1996 | $136,000,000 | 1.50% | $1,017 | 0.00% | #187 |
| 1995 | $104,000,000 | 2.00% | $794 | 0.00% | #187 |
| 1994 | $132,000,000 | 2.20% | $1,025 | 0.00% | #180 |
| 1993 | $127,000,000 | 1.10% | $1,000 | 0.00% | #179 |
| 1992 | $96,000,000 | 0.70% | $763 | 0.00% | #177 |
| 1991 | $108,000,000 | 1.20% | $891 | 0.00% | #163 |
| 1990 | $120,000,000 | -2.20% | $1,017 | 0.00% | #161 |
| 1989 | $99,000,000 | 3.10% | $864 | 0.00% | #156 |
| 1988 | $100,000,000 | 2.00% | $894 | 0.00% | #155 |
| 1987 | $117,000,000 | -2.90% | $1,076 | 0.00% | #153 |
| 1986 | $117,000,000 | -5.80% | $1,106 | 0.00% | #152 |
| 1985 | $83,000,000 | 9.30% | $811 | 0.00% | #152 |
| 1984 | $79,000,000 | -6.00% | $787 | 0.00% | #152 |
| 1983 | $76,000,000 | -3.90% | $775 | 0.00% | #151 |
| 1982 | $81,000,000 | 3.10% | $848 | 0.00% | #149 |
| 1981 | $84,000,000 | -10.30% | $901 | 0.00% | #147 |
| 1980 | $69,000,000 | -1.10% | $751 | 0.00% | #148 |
Sao Tome and Principe GDP Projections (IMF)
i| Year | GDP Nominal (Current USD) | GDP Growth Rate (%) | GDP Per Capita (USD) | World Share (%) | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $1,294,000,000 | 3.90% | $5,180 | 0.00% | #178 |
| 2028 | $1,412,000,000 | 3.30% | $5,544 | 0.00% | #177 |
| 2029 | $1,538,000,000 | 3.30% | $5,925 | 0.00% | #177 |
| 2030 | $1,679,000,000 | 3.30% | $6,345 | 0.00% | #176 |
| 2031 | $1,820,000,000 | 3.30% | $6,751 | 0.00% | #175 |
Sao Tome and Principe Economy Overview
Sao Tome and Principe has a small economy where agriculture, tourism, fisheries, commerce, and public services provide most employment. Cocoa remains the country's signature export crop and an important source of rural income, with specialty chocolate production offering opportunities for greater local value addition. The islands' tropical forests, beaches, and biodiversity provide a foundation for eco-tourism. Fishing supports domestic consumption, while construction and retail benefit from public and foreign-funded investment. Limited scale and high import dependence make international assistance and external financing important to economic activity.
Sao Tome and Principe GDP Outlook
Sao Tome and Principe’s prospects depend on tourism, cocoa, fisheries, infrastructure, and external investment. Eco-tourism, specialty agriculture, renewable energy, and improved transport links could gradually broaden the economy. Offshore energy exploration may also influence future investment. High public debt, import dependence, limited institutional capacity, climate risks, and small domestic scale remain major challenges.
Data & Methodology
How the figures on this page are compiled
- Primary Sources
- IMF, World Bank, United Nations and OECD
- Historical Coverage
- 1980–2031
- GDP Measurement
- Nominal gross domestic product in current U.S. dollars
- Update Schedule
- Updated annually using the latest available projections
- Population Data
- United Nations World Population Prospects
Frequently Asked Questions
Sao Tome and Principe's nominal GDP in 2026 is approximately $1,161,000,000, measured in current US dollars.
Sao Tome and Principe's GDP growth rate in 2026 is 3.40%.
GDP per capita in Sao Tome and Principe is approximately $4,739 in 2026.
Sao Tome and Principe ranks #203 globally by nominal GDP in 2026.
GDP is commonly calculated as household consumption plus investment, government spending, and net exports.