Moving to São Tomé and Príncipe: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

211,122

Population Growth Rate

1.94%

Urban Population

62.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

SAO TOME (capital) 64,000

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Age Structure

42.470000

Median Age

17.600000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

36

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.68

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.81

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

38.4%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

38.4%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

19.4

Mother's mean age at first birth

19.4

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-8.96

Ethnic Groups

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Nationality Noun

Sao Tomean(s)

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Literacy - total population

84.9%

Literacy - male

85%

Literacy - female

62%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

9.5%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

11.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

63.860000

Infant Mortality Rate

50.480000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

50.480000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

70

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.49

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.9

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.7%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

9.5%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.900000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

40.800000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

14.4%

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Economic Overview

• Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of São Tomé and Príncipe's economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to both domestic food supply and export revenue. The main agricultural products include cocoa, coffee, palm oil, coconuts, and bananas. Cocoa is the country's primary export crop, with São Tomé and Príncipe being known for producing high-quality cocoa beans.
• Fisheries: The fisheries sector plays an essential role in São Tomé and Príncipe's economy, providing employment opportunities and a vital source of protein for the population. The country's waters are rich in fish and other marine resources, making fisheries a significant contributor to both domestic consumption and export earnings.
• Tourism: Tourism has the potential to become a significant driver of economic growth in São Tomé and Príncipe due to the country's natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique biodiversity. However, the tourism industry is still relatively underdeveloped compared to other tropical destinations. Efforts are underway to promote tourism and attract investment in infrastructure and hospitality services to capitalize on the sector's potential. International
• Aid: São Tomé and Príncipe relies heavily on international aid and assistance to support its development efforts, address socio-economic challenges, and finance public projects. Development partners, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, provide financial aid, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to the government in various sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and governance.
• Challenges: Despite its potential, São Tomé and Príncipe faces several economic challenges, including limited infrastructure, high unemployment rates, poverty, and vulnerability to external shocks. The country's small size, isolation, and susceptibility to natural disasters further exacerbate these challenges. Efforts to Diversify the
• Economy: São Tomé and Príncipe's government has recognized the need to diversify the economy away from its heavy dependence on agriculture and fisheries. Efforts are underway to promote economic diversification, attract foreign investment, improve infrastructure, enhance human capital development, and create a more conducive business environment to stimulate private sector growth and reduce reliance on external aid.

Industries

• light construction, textiles, soap, beer
• fish processing
• timber

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$890,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$3,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$326,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 85% government
• consumption: 13.2% investment in fixed
• capital: 48.4% investment in
• inventories: -0.1% exports of goods and
• services: 12.3% imports of goods and
• services: -58.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

18.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

16%

GDP by Sector- services

65.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

7%

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Inflation Rate

13%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

dobra (STD)

Currency Name and Code

Dobra (STD)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

26%

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Labor Force

52,490

Major Industries

• light construction, textiles, soap, beer
• fish processing
• timber

Agriculture Products

• cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans
• poultry
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

54%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

3,235

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

8%

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Labor Force by Occupation - note

population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Labor Force by Occupation - note

population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Annual Budget

$35,560,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-11.7%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

27%

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Full Country Name

Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

Country Name

Sao Tome and Principe

Local - Long

Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

Local - Short

Sao Tome e Principe

Etymology- history of name

Sao Tome was named after Saint THOMAS the Apostle by the Portuguese who discovered the island on 21 December 1470 (or 1471), the saint's feast day

Principe is a shortening of the original Portuguese name of "Ilha do Principe" (Isle of the Prince) referring to the Prince of Portugal to whom duties on the island's sugar crop were paid

Independence

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

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Government Type

semi-presidential republic

Constitution

• history: approved 5 November 1975
• amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; the Assembly can propose to the president of the republic that an amendment be submitted to a referendum; revised several times, last in 2006

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law based on the Portuguese model and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021)
• head of government: Prime Minister Américo d'Oliveira DOS RAMOS (since 12 January 2025)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president most recent election
• date: 18 July 2021, with a runoff on 5 September 2021
• election results: 2021: Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote in the first round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (IDA) 39.5%; Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 20.8%; Delfim NEVES (PCD-GR) 16.9%; Abel BOM JESUS (independent) 3.6%; Maria DAS NEVES (independent) 3.3%; other 15.9%; percent of the vote in second round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA 57.5%, Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA 42.5% 2016: Evaristo CARVALHO elected president; percent of vote - Evaristo CARVALHO (ADI) 49.8%, Manuel Pinto DA COSTA (independent) 24.8%, Maria DAS NEVES (MLSTP-PSD) 24.1% expected date of next
• election: 2026

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 25 September 2022 (next to be held 30 September 2026)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - ADI 46.81%, MLSTP/PSD 32.70%, MCI-PS -PUN 6.56%, BASTA Movement- 8.8%, other 5.14%; seats by party - ADI 30, MLSTP-PSD 18, MCI-PS -PUN 5, BASTA Movement 2;
• Composition: men 47, women 8, percent of women 14.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the National Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the president of the republic and elected by the National Assembly for 5-year terms
• subordinate courts: Court of First Instance; Audit Court

Regions or States:

6 districts (distritos, singular - distrito), 1 autonomous region* (regiao autonoma); Agua Grande, Cantagalo, Caue, Lemba, Lobata, Me-Zochi, Principe*

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Union of Democrats for Citizenship and Development and Force for Democratic Change Movement or MDFM–UDD [Carlos Filomeno Agostinho DAS NEVES]
• Independent Democratic Action or ADI [Patrice TROVADA]
• Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Jorge Lopes Bom JESUS]
• Party for Democratic Convergence-Reflection Group or PCD-GR [Leonel Mario D'ALVA]
• Movement of Independent Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe [António Monteiro] other small parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Sao Tome

Capital - geographic coordinate

0 20 N, 6 44 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AOSIS
• AU
• CD
• CEMAC
• CPLP
• EITI (candidate country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM (observer)
• IPU
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIF
• OPCW
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• Union Latina
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO (observer)

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the US Ambassador to Angola is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe
• Mailing Address: 2290 Sao Tome Place, Washington DC 20521-2290

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant)
• Chancery: 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604 New York, NY 101168
• Telephone: [1] (212) 317-0533
• FAX: [1] (212) 317-0580
• Email: stp1@attglobal.net

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Total Area

372 Square Miles 964 Square Kilometers

Land Area

372 Square Miles 964 Square Kilometers

Coastline

130 Miles 209 Kilometers

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Terrain

volcanic, mountainous

Highest Point

2,024 Meters

Highest Point Location

Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

fish, hydropower

Irrigated Land

37 Square Miles 97 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain

volcanic, mountainous

Location

Central Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon

Total Area

372 Square Miles 964 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$13,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$99,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Major Imports

machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products

Top Export Partners

Netherlands 37.5%, Belgium 12.5%, Canada 12.5%, Germany 12.5%, Spain 12.5%

Top Import Partners

Portugal 50.8%, Germany 10.2%, UK 8.5%, Belgium 6.8%

Export Partners

Netherlands 37.5%, Belgium 12.5%, Canada 12.5%, Germany 12.5%, Spain 12.5%

Import Partners

Portugal 50.8%, Germany 10.2%, UK 8.5%, Belgium 6.8%

Country Description

São Tomé and Príncipe is a developing nation, comprised of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located off the western coast of central Africa.

Portuguese is the official language; few São Toméans speak English.

Facilities for tourism exist on both islands and are adequate.

Safety & Security

You should maintain security awareness at all times.

There have been isolated incidents of civil unrest in the capital city.

There were minor demonstrations during the presidential election on July 16, 2011.

You should avoid large gatherings or any other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.

In the event of a fire, dial 112.

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Crime

Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing, and armed home invasions do occur on the islands, particularly around the winter holidays.

Pick-pocketing can occur anywhere but is more prevalent in public places, such as in markets, on the streets, or near hotels.

Do not display large amounts of cash in public.

Store valuables and extra cash in your hotel safe while sightseeing or visiting the beach.

When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, carry a minimal amount of cash and avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry.

If you are the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking, you are encouraged to comply with the attacker to avoid injury, and to report all incidents to the police and the U.S.

Embassy in Libreville.

Police response time to reports of crime can be slow.

While scams and confidence schemes are not common, travelers should exercise caution.

For general information on scams, see the Department of State’s Financial Scams web page.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in São Tomé and Príncipe, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own and criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in São Tomé and Príncipe, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating the laws of São Tomé and Príncipe, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in São Tomé and Príncipe are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in São Tomé and Príncipe are extremely limited.

There is one hospital in the country on the island of São Tomé, Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes, phone number 239 2-221-222.

A few clinics also exist, but the service provided is very basic.

For all but minor medical needs, it is necessary to travel to Libreville (Gabon), Lisbon (Portugal), or elsewhere.

You should carry an ample supply of properly-labeled prescription drugs and other medications with you; an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies is generally not available.

Cerebral malaria is endemic in all areas of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Travelers should discuss prophylaxis with a physician well before planned travel as some prophylactic medications must be started two weeks before arriving in a malarial zone.

Even with prophylaxis you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of malaria and seek medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms.

Tap water may not be potable and you should drink and cook with bottled water only.

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Schistosomiasisis a parasite that can penetrate intact skin of those swimming or bathing in fresh water from lakes, rivers and streams.

It is recommended to avoid contact with untreated fresh water to prevent schistosomiasis infection.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Traffic Safety

While in São Tomé and Príncipe, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Streets in the city of São Tomé are paved, but large potholes are common.

Major roads outside of town are also paved.

Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and animals on the roads can be a major hazard.

Outside of the city of São Tomé, there are no sidewalks or shoulders along the sides of roads.

In rural areas outside of the capital city, drivers are expected to honk the car’s horn periodically as a warning signal of their approach.

There is no street lighting outside of the capital.

Some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Only a few miles of improved roads exist on the island of Príncipe; the conditions are similar to those found on São Tomé.

Although taking taxis is fairly safe, it is advisable to rent a car instead.

If you must take a taxi, make sure that the taxi has seat-belts and negotiate the rate before entering the taxi.

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Airports - total

2

Airports with Paved Runways

2

Roadways- total

199 Miles 320 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

135 Miles 218 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Santo Antonio, Sao Tome

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Telephones

7,800

Cell Phones

30,100

Internet Users

23,000

Internet Country Code

.st

Internet Hosts

1,514

Broadcast Media

• 1 government-owned TV station
• 1 government-owned radio station
• 3 independent local radio stations authorized in 2005 with 2 operating at the end of 2006
• transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: local telephone network of adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 65 telephones per 100 persons
• international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

101,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

19,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

904

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Anthem History

Independência total is the national anthem of São Tomé and Príncipe. The anthem, adopted in 1975, was written by Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo and composed by Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e Almeida.

Anthem Lyrics

Independência total CHORUS: Independência total, Glorioso canto do porvo, Independência total, Hino sagrado de combate.

Dinamismo Na luta nacional, Juramento eterno No pais soberano de São Tomé e Príncipe.

Guerrilheiro da guerra sem armas na mão, Chama viva na alma do porvo, Congregando os filhos das ilhas Em redor da Pátria Imortal.

Independência total, total e completa, Costruindo, no progresso e na paz, A nação ditosa da Terra, Com os braços heróicos do povo.

CHORUS Trabalhando, lutando, presente em vencendo, Caminhamos a passos gigantes Na cruzada dos povos africanos, Hasteando a bandeira nacional.

Voz do porvo, presente, presente em conjunto, Vibra rijo no coro da esperança Ser herói no hora do perigo, Ser herói no ressurgir do País.

CHORUS Dinamismo Na luta nacional, Juramento eterno No pais soberano de São Tomé e Príncipe.

Anthem Lyrics English

CHORUS: Total independence, Glorious song of the people, Total independence, Sacred hymn of combat.

Dynamism In the national struggle, Eternal oath To the sovereign country of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Warriors in the war without weapons, Live flame in the soul of the people, Congregating the sons of the islands Around the Immortal Fatherland.

Total independence, total and complete, Building, in progress and peace, With the heroic hands of the people, The happiest nation on earth.

CHORUS Working, struggling, struggling and conquering, We go ahead with giant steps In the crusade of the African peoples, Raising the national flag.

Voice of the people, present, present and united, Strong beat in the heart of hope To be a hero in the hour of peril, A hero of the Nation's resurgence.

CHORUS Dynamism In the national struggle, Eternal oath To the sovereign country of São Tomé and Príncipe.