São Tomé and Príncipe: immigration

How many people emigrate from São Tomé and Príncipe?

12,239 people emigrated from São Tomé and Príncipe between 2019 and 2024, according to the National Statistics Institute's 2024 census report (in Portuguese). The census found that close to 2% of the population left the country in 2024 alone.

94% of these emigrants live in Portugal. Two in three were aged 15 to 49. The total includes 2,741 emigrants found in a follow-up count of empty dwellings in March 2025. The resident population was 209,607.

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

How many foreigners live in São Tomé and Príncipe?

96.24% of São Tomé and Príncipe's residents were São Toméan nationals in 2024, according to the National Statistics Institute's 2024 census report (in Portuguese). Portuguese nationals were the largest foreign group at 3.06%, followed by Angolans at 0.24% and Gabonese at 0.13%.

In five of the seven districts, more than 99% of residents are São Toméan, and foreign residents live mainly in the capital district, Água-Grande. These shares come from the census, not from residence permit records.

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

How many immigrants live in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 0.8%. It was 1.2% in 2015. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.2%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 39th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 157th of 193.

Are more people leaving São Tomé and Príncipe than arriving?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -650. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1,809 (2015) to 0 (2020). It is 13th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -5,646. Worldwide: 87th of 193.

How many refugees come from São Tomé and Príncipe?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in São Tomé and Príncipe was 8, according to UNHCR. The peak was 32 in 2007 and the low 5 in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12,726; São Tomé and Príncipe is 48th highest of 48. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 179th highest.

How big are remittances in São Tomé and Príncipe's economy?

In 2025, personal remittances received in São Tomé and Príncipe was 3.7% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.0% of GDP (2009) to 9.9% of GDP (2013). It is 8th highest of 20 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.6% of GDP. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 44th highest.