São Tomé and Príncipe: health and care

What is the life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Life expectancy at birth in São Tomé and Príncipe was 69.1 years in 2024, 66.6 for men and 70.8 for women, according to the National Statistics Institute's report on the 2024 population and housing census (in Portuguese), published July 2025.

The figure comes from deaths reported by households in the 12 months before the census. Life expectancy was lower in the capital district, Água-Grande, at 66.8 years, than the national average. The crude death rate was 3.04 per 1,000 people.

Official sources: National Statistics Institute: results of the 2024 population and housing census (PDF, in Portuguese)

How long do people live in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The UN Population Division puts life expectancy at birth in São Tomé and Príncipe at 69.9 years in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 4th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 64.3 years. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 132nd highest.

How many babies die in São Tomé and Príncipe?

9.2 per 1,000: that is the infant mortality rate in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2024, according to the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 37.2 per 1,000; São Tomé and Príncipe is 48th highest of 48. Of 192 countries with 2024 data, 115th highest.

What is maternal mortality in São Tomé and Príncipe?

In 2023, the maternal mortality ratio in São Tomé and Príncipe was 75.0 per 100,000, according to the WHO. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 257 per 100,000; São Tomé and Príncipe is 45th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 76th of 192.

How much does São Tomé and Príncipe spend on health?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2023, is 5.8% of GDP. The peak was 10.4% of GDP in 2005 and the low 5.5% of GDP in 2019. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 4.4% of GDP, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 18th highest of 48. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 107th highest.

How much of health care in São Tomé and Príncipe do patients pay for?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2023, is 16.7%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.7% (2021) to 39.9% (2006). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 32.4%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 38th highest of 48. Worldwide: 135th of 191.

How many doctors does São Tomé and Príncipe have?

0.46 per 1,000: that is the number of doctors per 1,000 people in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2022, according to the WHO. It was 0.51 per 1,000 in 2004. It is 8th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 0.18 per 1,000. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 125.

How many hospital beds per person does São Tomé and Príncipe have?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2019, is 2.9 per 1,000. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 0.81 per 1,000, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 2nd highest of 18. World rank, highest first: 58th of 136.

How many children in São Tomé and Príncipe are vaccinated against measles?

According to WHO and UNICEF, measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in São Tomé and Príncipe was 87.0% in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 77.0% (2021) to 95.0% (2018). It is 17th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 81.0%. Of 191 countries with 2024 data, 118th highest.