São Tomé and Príncipe Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 181st most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
246,483
The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is about 246,483 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 245 thousand for 2026 as a whole — 0.00% of the world's people.
São Tomé and Príncipe is ranked 181st of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 1.97% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 365 thousand. That is 3.6 times its 1960 population of 68 thousand. Population density is 255 people per square kilometre. 69% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
245 thousand
Yearly change
+1.97%
World rank
181st
Share of world
0.00%
Density
255/km²
Land area
960 km²
Life expectancy
69.9 yrs
Births per woman
3.60
GDP per capita
$4,084
GDP
$1.0B
Population of São Tomé and Príncipe, 1960–2050
São Tomé and Príncipe population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 68,012 | — | 71 |
| 1970 | 77,626 | +2.03% | 81 |
| 1980 | 98,544 | +2.38% | 103 |
| 1990 | 122,980 | +2.50% | 128 |
| 2000 | 144,018 | +1.11% | 150 |
| 2010 | 181,802 | +2.22% | 189 |
| 2020 | 217,435 | +1.89% | 226 |
| 2024 | 235,536 | +2.02% | 245 |
| 2026proj. | 244,994 | +1.97% | 255 |
| 2030proj. | 264,565 | +1.91% | 276 |
| 2040proj. | 315,842 | +1.64% | 329 |
| 2050proj. | 365,115 | +1.32% | 380 |
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 726 times as many people as São Tomé and Príncipe. Bangladesh is 5.4 times more densely populated.
São Tomé and Príncipe population: questions and answers
What is the population of São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026?
About 244,994 (245 thousand), based on World Bank projections.
Is São Tomé and Príncipe's population growing?
Yes, by about 1.97% a year (2026).
What is the population density of São Tomé and Príncipe?
About 255 people per km², with a land area of 960 km².
What will the population of São Tomé and Príncipe be in 2050?
About 365 thousand on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé.
What is the life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe?
69.9 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.