São Tomé and Principe Credit to GDP
Domestic credit to private sector as % of GDP FS.AST.PRVT.GD.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's credit to gdp was 1.59% in 2025, ranked 156th globally. This represents a 79.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1995–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's credit to gdp stood at 1.59% in 2025, a decline of +6.22% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.59% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 156th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's credit to GDP ratio has experienced a significant decline over the past three decades, with a notable all-time peak of 41.65 in 2012 and a trough of 1.59 in 2025, the latest available data. This represents a substantial drop from the 4.55 recorded in 1995, the earliest available data point, showcasing a downward trend in the country's credit utilization. In comparison, peer countries such as Sudan, which ranks 2.74 in credit to GDP, and Equatorial Guinea, ranking 1.13, also exhibit relatively low ratios. The current credit to GDP ratio of 1.59 in São Tomé and Principe, ranking 156 globally, highlights the country's limited access to credit and its reliance on external financing. This trend is expected to continue unless the country implements policies aimed at improving its financial sector and increasing access to credit for its citizens, such as strengthening its banking system and promoting financial inclusion.
Data & projection
| Year | Credit to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -2.05% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.59% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.59% | −6.22% | #156 |
| 2023 | 7.82% | −5.04% | #9 |
| 2022 | 12.85% | −4.84% | #19 |
| 2021 | 17.69% | −2.20% | #33 |
| 2020 | 19.89% | −2.60% | #35 |
| 2019 | 22.49% | −2.28% | #45 |
| 2018 | 24.77% | −4.67% | #53 |
| 2017 | 29.44% | −2.06% | #60 |
| 2016 | 31.50% | −1.76% | #60 |
| 2015 | 33.26% | +0.51% | #66 |
| 2014 | 32.74% | −3.58% | #69 |
| 2013 | 36.33% | −5.32% | #80 |
| 2012 | 41.65% | +1.90% | #90 |
| 2011 | 39.75% | +0.56% | #88 |
| 2010 | 39.19% | +6.49% | #87 |
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 credit to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's credit to gdp was 1.59% in 2025. Ranked 156th globally. This represents a 79.6% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's credit to gdp peaked at 41.65% in 2012.
The lowest credit to gdp in São Tomé and Principe was 1.59% in 2025.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 156th globally in credit to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FS.AST.PRVT.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's credit to gdp is projected to reach 1.59% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The credit to gdp of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 1.59%. This ranks 156th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_credit-to-gdp,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Credit to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/credit-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}