São Tomé and Principe Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's debt service was 4.37% in 2025, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 26.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's debt service stood at 4.37% in 2025, a rise of +0.91% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.37% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 91st globally.
São Tomé and Principe's debt service has fluctuated significantly over the past four decades. Notably, the country's debt service peaked in 1989 at 62.78, a stark contrast to its all-time low of 0.00 in 1977. This indicates a substantial increase in the country's reliance on debt servicing, which has been a recurring theme in its economic history. Currently, São Tomé and Principe ranks 91 globally in terms of debt service, with a ratio of 4.37 in 2025, closely trailed by St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 4.67 and Botswana at 4.29. The country's debt service ratio has been on a downward trend since the 1990s, with a few instances of slight increases in recent years. A sustained improvement in the country's economic growth and a reduction in its reliance on external financing would be crucial in driving down its debt service ratio and potentially altering its trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 4.01% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.19% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.37% | +0.91% | #91 |
| 2024 | 3.47% | −1.61% | #9 |
| 2023 | 5.08% | −2.12% | #13 |
| 2022 | 7.20% | +3.31% | #29 |
| 2021 | 3.89% | −1.09% | #14 |
| 2020 | 4.97% | −6.72% | #16 |
| 2019 | 11.70% | +6.97% | #59 |
| 2018 | 4.73% | +0.67% | #22 |
| 2017 | 4.06% | +1.50% | #20 |
| 2016 | 2.55% | −0.30% | #10 |
| 2015 | 2.86% | −11.01% | #12 |
| 2014 | 13.87% | +2.99% | #82 |
| 2013 | 10.87% | −22.80% | #67 |
| 2012 | 33.67% | +28.33% | #108 |
| 2011 | 5.34% | −0.96% | #48 |
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 debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's debt service was 4.37% in 2025. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 26.1% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's debt service peaked at 62.78% in 1989.
The lowest debt service in São Tomé and Principe was 0.00% in 1977.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 91st globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's debt service is projected to reach 4.37% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 4.37%. This ranks 91st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_debt-service,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}