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The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and PrincipeMiddle Africa
-4:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country

General Information

National Identity
Official Language(s)Portuguese
National CurrencyDobra (STN)
National Day(s)12 July (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalSao Tome
Economic CapitalSao Tome
Cultural CapitalSao Tome
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 12 – 16 h Connecting flights
Primary AirportSao Tome International Airport (TMS)
Primary PortPort of Sao Tome
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline209 km
Highest PointPico de Sao Tome (2,024 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverIo Grande River
ClimateTropical climate

Border Countries

None (island state)
0

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Key Facts

Sao Tome and Principe is a small island country in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa.

Sao Tome and Principe is known for producing high-quality cocoa and chocolate, and cocoa has played an important role in its economy.

Sao Tome and Principe gained independence from Portugal on 12 July 1975.

Pico de Sao Tome is the highest point in the country, rising more than 2,000 meters above sea level.

The local expression “leve-leve” (meaning “easy-going” or “slowly, slowly”) captures the relaxed pace of island life.

In the 16th century, Sao Tome was one of the world’s leading sugar producers, long before cocoa became its main crop.

The giant sunbird, found only on Sao Tome Island, is one of many bird species unique to the country.

In 2025, UNESCO designated the entire territory of Sao Tome and Principe, both land and sea, as a Biosphere Reserve, making it the first country to be fully designated.

The equator passes through Ilheu das Rolas, a small island just south of Sao Tome.

Sea turtles, including green and leatherback turtles, nest on the country’s beaches.

Sao Tome and Principe is the second-smallest country in Africa by population, after Seychelles.

A popular local dish is calulu, traditionally prepared with fish or meat, vegetables, and herbs.

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Economic Overview

Macroeconomic Snapshot

GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-

Economic Comparison

IndicatorSao Tome and PrincipeUAESao Tome and PrincipeUAE
GDP, current pricesUSD Billions--
GDP, PPPCurrent int$--
Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%)--
GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita--
PopulationMillions of people--
Unemployment rate% of total labor force--
Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%)--
General government gross debt% of GDP--
Income levelWorld Bank classification--

Foreign Trade

No data available for this section yet.

Political Overview

Leadership

Head of State

H.E. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova

Since October 2021

Head of Government

H.E. Americo d’Oliveira dos Ramos

Since January 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz

Since January 2025

Minister of Finance

H.E. Dr. Gareth Haddad do Espirito Santo Guadalupe

Since January 2025

Minister of Economy

H.E. Dr. Gareth Haddad do Espirito Santo Guadalupe

Since January 2025

Minister of Defense

H.E. Horacio Castro da Trindade de Sousa

Since January 2025

Political Summary

Political System

Semi-Presidential Republic

The President is Head of State, while the Prime Minister is Head of Government. Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral National Assembly.

Ruling Party

Independent Democratic Action (ADI): Centre-right

Main Opposition Force(s)

Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe – Social Democratic Party (MLSTP–PSD): Centre-left

Next Presidential Election

Expected in 2031

Next Legislative Election

2030

Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research

Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs

45Organizations
28Member
1Founding Member
4Partner, Observer or Participant
12Not a Member

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations

Competitiveness Indexes

IndexYearRank Out ofSao Tome and PrincipeUAE

No index matches.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic Relations and Representation

Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations24 Oct 199729 years of relations
H.E. Salem Ali Khamis Obaid Al Shamsi
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Salem Ali Khamis Obaid Al ShamsiUAE Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe · Non-resident
Foreign Ambassador
No Accredited Ambassador

Last Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research

Consular Information

Tourists
Residents
Students
Golden Visa Holders
Sao Tome and Principe Nationalsin the UAE
----
UAE Citizensin Sao Tome and Principe
----

Main Agreements and MoUs

Agreement / MOUStatusNotes
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
--
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement
--
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement
--
ASAAir Services Agreement
Signed
Signed on 27 Oct 2017.
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

UAE Foreign Assistance

UAE Aid to Sao Tome and PrincipeTotal Amount
Amount (USD Mn)-

Bilateral Visits

Official Visits from the UAE

  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Jun2025

Official Visits to the UAE

  • H.E. Patrice TrovoadaPrime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe
    Dec2023
  • H.E. Osvaldo D’AbreuMinister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources of Sao Tome and Principe
    Jan2022
  • H.E. Aerton do RosarioMinister of Tourism and Culture of Sao Tome and Principe
    Jan2022

The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

Trade

Non-Oil Bilateral Trade

-

Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners

-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports

Key Trade Commodities

-

Foreign Direct Investment Flows

FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-

Source: fDi Markets

Major Companies and Investments

Major Santomean Companies in the UAE

  • -

Major UAE Companies in Sao Tome and Principe

  • DP WorldDP World-

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

Business Support

Joint Business Council(s)-

Cooperation Opportunities

Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.

Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research