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Government directory
Government directory

Government of São Tomé and Príncipe

17 officials listed, each linked to its source.

Population240,2542025
GDPUS$981m2025
Next electionDue by 2026Presidential election
Ask PollsAfricaAsk a questionAnswered from our data

São Tomé and Príncipe, officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, has its capital at Sao Tome and a population of 240,254 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a semi-presidential republic. President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova (in office since 2 Oct 2021) is head of state; Primeiro-Ministro e Chefe do Governo Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos is head of government. The legislature is the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional), a unicameral body with 55 seats. The most recent national election, per IFES ElectionGuide, was held on 19 Jul 2026. Elections are run by the Comissão Eleitoral Nacional (CEN); website not found. Agostinho Fernandes is listed as central bank governor. The directory below lists 7 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.

Legislature

National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)

Unicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook

ChamberSeatsLast election
National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)55 (all directly elected)25 Sept 2022

Political mix

Seats by party in each chamber of São Tomé and Príncipe. One dot is one seat.

National Assembly

As elected, 2026

MLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyMLSTP - Social Democratic PartyIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionIndependent Democratic ActionMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyMCI - Socialist Party - National Unity PartyBasta MovementBasta Movement

55

National Assembly seats

  • MLSTP - Social Democratic Party24(43.6%)
  • Independent Democratic Action23(41.8%)
  • MCI - Socialist Party - National Unity Party6(10.9%)
  • Basta Movement2(3.6%)
Seats by party (table)
National Assembly: seats by party, as elected, 2026
PartySeatsShare of seats
MLSTP - Social Democratic Party2443.6%
Independent Democratic Action2341.8%
MCI - Socialist Party - National Unity Party610.9%
Basta Movement23.6%

As elected: the seats each party won at the 2026 election. It does not follow members who changed party afterwards. 55 seats in the chamber. As of 27 September 2026. Source: Wikipedia, 2026 São Toméan parliamentary election (reference source).

Other cabinet members

PortfolioHolderAppointed
President (Presidente da República)Carlos Manuel Vila Nova2 Sept 2021
Prime Minister; Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (Primeiro-Ministro e Chefe do Governo; Ministro do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social)Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos14 Jan 2025
Minister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources (Ministro da Infraestrutura e Recursos Naturais)Nelson Mário de Carvalho Rosa Cardoso14 Jan 2025
Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism (Ministra do Ambiente, Juventude e Turismo Sustentável)Nilda Borges da Mata14 Jan 2025
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development (Ministro da Agricultura, Pesca e Desenvolvimento Rural)Nilton Garrido de Sousa Pontes14 Jan 2025

Sources: Tribunal Constitucional de São Tomé e Príncipe (retrieved 25 Oct 2026); Government of São Tomé and Príncipe (official portal) (retrieved 25 Oct 2026).

List as of 11 Oct 2026.

São Tomé and Príncipe election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028

Next national election: Due by 2026, presidential election.

DateElectionStatusTurnoutWinner
Due by 2026Presidential electionDue--
Due by 2026Parliamentary electionDue--

Sources: Comissão Nacional Eleitoral (CNE) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).

Africa election calendar

Economy at a glance

Full economy page
GDP
US$981m
2025
GDP growth
1.0%
2025
Remittances received
US$36m
2025
Foreign direct investment
US$103m
2025

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More data for São Tomé and Príncipe

Population of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe had 0.2 million people in 2025, 52nd largest of 53 in Africa. The IMF projects 0.3 million by 2030. African countries by population.

São Tomé and Príncipe in numbers

  • Population (2025)

    0.2

    52nd largest of 53 in Africa

  • Population growth since 2015 (2025)

    20.0 %

    39th fastest-growing of 52 in Africa

  • Projected population 2030 (2030)

    0.3

    51st highest of 52 in Africa

  • People per sq km (2025)

    250

    9th most crowded of 53 in Africa

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Population of São Tomé and Príncipe, 2015 to 2030Millions of people. From 2026 the figures are IMF projections.
0.180.20.220.240.260.282015201720192021202320252027202920300.3
0.180.20.220.240.260.28201520192023202720300.3
View the data as a table
PeriodSão Tomé and Príncipe
20150.2
20160.2
20170.2
20180.2
20190.2
20200.2
20210.2
20220.2
20230.2
20240.2
20250.2
20260.3 (partial)
20270.3 (partial)
20280.3 (partial)
20290.3 (partial)
20300.3 (partial)

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Inflation and unemployment in São Tomé and Príncipe

Prices in São Tomé and Príncipe rose 11.1% in 2025, 13th highest of 52 in Africa. The ILO estimates unemployment at 9.1% (2025) and 8.8% among people aged 15 to 24. São Tomé and Príncipe's own survey put it at 8% in 2017. Inflation in Africa · Unemployment in Africa · São Tomé and Príncipe's economy.

Prices and jobs in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Inflation (2025)

    11.1 %

    40th lowest of 52 in Africa

  • Unemployment (2025)

    9.1 %

    35th lowest of 53 in Africa

  • Youth unemployment (2025)

    8.8 %

    23rd lowest of 53 in Africa

  • Unemployment, national survey (2017)

    8.0 %

    National survey

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Inflation in São Tomé and PríncipeRise in consumer prices, % a year.
010203020102013201620192022202511.1
01020302010201420182022202611.1
View the data as a table
PeriodSão Tomé and Príncipe
201013.3
201114.3
201210.6
20138.1
20147.0
20155.3
20165.4
20175.7
20187.9
20197.7
20209.8
20218.1
202218.0
202321.3
202414.4
202511.1
2026Not published

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Unemployment in São Tomé and Príncipe: ILO estimate and national survey% of the labour force. The national survey line has gaps in years without a survey.
6810121416201020132016201920222025ILO modelled estimate 9.1National survey 8.0
ILO modelled estimateNational survey681012141620102014201820222026
View the data as a table
PeriodILO modelled estimateNational survey
201014.6Not published
201114.2Not published
201213.613.6
201312.5Not published
201411.4Not published
201510.6Not published
20169.7Not published
20178.88.0
20188.7Not published
20198.8Not published
20209.7Not published
20219.6Not published
20229.0Not published
20239.0Not published
20249.1Not published
20259.1Not published
2026Not publishedNot published

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Life expectancy and infant mortality in São Tomé and Príncipe

A child born in São Tomé and Príncipe can expect to live 69.9 years (2024). 14 of every 1,000 children die before age five. Life expectancy in Africa, all countries ranked.

Health in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Life expectancy (2024)

    69.9

    9th longest of 54 in Africa

  • Child deaths under five (2024)

    14

    5th lowest of 54 in Africa

  • Health spending per person (2023)

    171

    14th highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe against the middle African countryLife expectancy at birth, years.
6062.56567.57072.5201420162018202020222024São Tomé and Príncipe 69.9Middle African country 65…
São Tomé and PríncipeMiddle African country6062.56567.57072.52014201720202023
View the data as a table
PeriodSão Tomé and PríncipeMiddle African country
201465.561.8
201566.062.3
201666.662.8
201767.163.1
201867.663.2
201968.063.3
202068.063.7
202168.062.5
202269.264.6
202369.765.6
202469.965.8

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Infant and child mortality in São Tomé and PríncipeDeaths before age five per 1,000 live births. Lower is better.
101520253020142016201820202022202414
1015202530201420172020202314
View the data as a table
PeriodSão Tomé and Príncipe
201426
201523
201621
201720
201818
201917
202016
202115
202215
202314
202414

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Literacy rate in São Tomé and Príncipe

87.4% of adults in São Tomé and Príncipe can read and write (2019, World Bank). Literacy rate in Africa by country · Universities and exam bodies in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Literacy and schooling in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Adult literacy (2019)

    87.4 %

    11th highest of 52 in Africa

  • Youth literacy (2019)

    95.5 %

    9th highest of 53 in Africa

  • Education spending, % of GDP (2023)

    5.0 %

    13th highest of 52 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Human development and internet access in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe's Human Development Index was 0.637 in 2023, 141st of 193 countries in the world (medium human development). Human Development Index in Africa · Tech and internet in Africa · Learn digital skills with SR Academy.

Development and digital access in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Human Development Index (2023)

    0.64

    16th highest of 54 in Africa

  • Internet users (2024)

    59.1 %

    17th highest of 54 in Africa

  • Mobile subscriptions (2024)

    62

    44th highest of 54 in Africa

  • Access to electricity (2024)

    77.7 %

    15th highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Human development in São Tomé and PríncipeUNDP Human Development Index, 0 to 1, against the middle African country.
0.40.50.60.7200020032006200920122015201820212023São Tomé and Príncipe 0.64Middle African country 0.…
São Tomé and PríncipeMiddle African country0.40.50.60.7200020052010201520202023
View the data as a table
PeriodSão Tomé and PríncipeMiddle African country
2000Not published0.44
2001Not published0.45
2002Not published0.45
2003Not published0.46
2004Not published0.46
20050.540.47
20060.550.47
20070.550.48
20080.560.49
20090.560.50
20100.560.50
20110.570.51
20120.570.52
20130.590.52
20140.600.52
20150.610.53
20160.610.53
20170.620.54
20180.620.54
20190.630.55
20200.630.55
20210.630.56
20220.640.57
20230.640.57

Source: UNDP, Human Development Report, composite indices time series. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe safe?

The US State Department rates São Tomé and Príncipe at level 2 of 4: exercise increased caution. The homicide rate is 3.2 per 100,000 people (2011). Safest countries in Africa.

Safety in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • US travel advisory level (2026)

    2

    11th safest by advisory of 54 in Africa

  • Homicide rate (2011)

    3.2

    14th lowest of 37 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Coups, democracy and stability in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has had 2 successful coups, the latest on 16 July 2003, and 1 failed attempt or plot. Coups in Africa: every country.

  • 24 November 2022: Failed coup attempt
  • 16 July 2003: Coup (succeeded)
  • 15 August 1995: Coup (succeeded)
Democracy and stability in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Voice and accountability (2025)

    61

    8th highest of 54 in Africa

  • Political stability (2025)

    75

    6th highest of 54 in Africa

  • Control of corruption (2025)

    51

    7th highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

São Tomé and Príncipe's debt

Government debt was 59.1% of GDP in 2025 (IMF). The largest foreign creditor is Angola, owed 26.7% of public debt abroad (2024). São Tomé and Príncipe's debt and creditors in full · Debt in Africa.

Reading on São Tomé and Príncipe

Where São Tomé and Príncipe ranks in Africa

Its place among the 54 African countries on each of our Africa rankings. Each tile opens the full ranking with its source.

All Africa rankings

Cite this

PollsAfrica (2026). Government of São Tomé and Príncipe. Retrieved 26 Oct 2026 from https://pollsafrica.com/countries/sao-tome-and-principe