8 answers, 1 from São Tomé and Príncipe's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
83,828 children were attending kindergarten, primary or secondary school in São Tomé and Príncipe in November and December 2024, according to the National Statistics Institute's 2024 census report (in Portuguese). Of these, 16.7% were in kindergarten, 68.8% in primary and 14.5% in secondary education.
There were more girls than boys at every level, except in Príncipe and Caué district. The census asked households whether each member was attending school, so the figures can differ from enrolment records kept by schools.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2017, is 93.1%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 87.9% (2015) to 95.0% (2005). It is 7th highest of 28 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 85.4%. World rank, highest first: 82nd of 134.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross secondary school enrolment in São Tomé and Príncipe at 90.4% in 2017. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 5th highest of 26 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 44.0%. World rank, highest first: 77th of 134.
In 2015, gross tertiary enrolment in São Tomé and Príncipe was 12.8%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 9.5%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 10th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 115th of 138.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2019, is 87.4%. That compares with 84.9% in 2001. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 55.0%; São Tomé and Príncipe is 4th highest of 15. World rank, highest first: 38th of 55.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts government spending on education in São Tomé and Príncipe at 5.0% of GDP in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.3% of GDP (2006) to 10.0% of GDP (2009). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 5th highest of 35. World rank, highest first: 27th of 112.
31: that is the number of primary pupils per teacher in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2017, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 39 in 2015 and the low 26 in 2009. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 39; São Tomé and Príncipe is 20th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 25th of 130.
In 2017, the primary completion rate in São Tomé and Príncipe was 85.1%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2005 it has ranged from 70.4% (2007) to 108.8% (2011). It is 8th highest of 26 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 68.9%. Worldwide: 101st of 129.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error