São Tomé and Principe Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit was 1.08% in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 17.2% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit stood at 1.08% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. The IMF projects 1.08% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 21st globally.
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 26 years. The all-time peak of 125.14 in 2007 reflects a substantial fiscal imbalance, which decreased to an all-time trough of -25.11 in 2004. However, the country's budget deficit has shown a general downward trend, with the latest value of 1.08% in 2025 indicating a more stable fiscal position. This improvement is comparable to that of its peer, Ireland, which also exhibits a budget deficit of 1.05% in 2025. Despite this progress, São Tomé and Principe still ranks 21st globally in terms of budget deficit, with Aruba and Palau having lower deficits. To continue this positive trend, a sustained commitment to fiscal discipline and structural reforms will be essential, particularly in the context of potential external economic shocks, as this would mitigate the country's reliance on debt financing and support its economic growth prospects.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.63% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.28% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.48% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.65% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.30% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 1.08% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.08% | +0.16% | #21 |
| 2024 | 0.92% | +3.05% | #159 |
| 2023 | -2.13% | +0.11% | #109 |
| 2022 | -2.24% | −0.73% | #106 |
| 2021 | -1.52% | −4.46% | #144 |
| 2020 | 2.94% | +3.01% | #184 |
| 2019 | -0.07% | +1.96% | #134 |
| 2018 | -2.02% | +1.08% | #87 |
| 2017 | -3.11% | +1.90% | #68 |
| 2016 | -5.01% | +2.59% | #46 |
| 2015 | -7.60% | −1.33% | #21 |
| 2014 | -6.27% | −8.41% | #22 |
| 2013 | 2.13% | +14.39% | #171 |
| 2012 | -12.26% | +0.77% | #4 |
| 2011 | -13.03% | −0.91% | #4 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
São Tomé and Principe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit was 1.08% in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 17.2% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit peaked at 125.14% in 2007.
The lowest budget deficit in São Tomé and Principe was -25.12% in 2004.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 21st globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
São Tomé and Principe's budget deficit is projected to reach 1.08% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 1.08%. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_budget-deficit,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}