São Tomé and Principe Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's education spending was 4.58% in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 8.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2002–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's education spending stood at 4.58% in 2025, a decline of +0.44% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.58% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 69th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's education spending has experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades. At 4.58 percent of its GDP in 2025, the country's education expenditure ranks 69th globally, according to the World Bank. This represents a considerable increase from the 2.72 percent recorded in 2002, the lowest point in the 23-year period. Conversely, the all-time peak of 9.99 percent in 2009 highlights the country's ability to allocate a substantial portion of its budget towards education. Notably, São Tomé and Principe's education spending is comparable to that of peer countries such as Latvia, which ranked fourth globally in 2025 with a similar expenditure. The trajectory of education spending in São Tomé and Principe is likely to be influenced by the country's development priorities and its ability to secure external funding, particularly from international donors.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 4.39% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.58% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.58% | −0.44% | #69 |
| 2023 | 5.03% | −0.17% | #91 |
| 2022 | 5.19% | −0.35% | #119 |
| 2021 | 5.54% | +0.51% | #133 |
| 2020 | 5.03% | −1.08% | #108 |
| 2019 | 6.11% | +0.48% | #148 |
| 2018 | 5.62% | −0.25% | #141 |
| 2017 | 5.87% | −0.24% | #148 |
| 2016 | 6.12% | +1.42% | #140 |
| 2015 | 4.70% | +0.27% | #94 |
| 2014 | 4.43% | −2.25% | #90 |
| 2013 | 6.69% | −0.24% | #139 |
| 2012 | 6.93% | −1.87% | #134 |
| 2011 | 8.79% | −1.19% | #139 |
| 2010 | 9.99% | −0.01% | #135 |
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 education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's education spending was 4.58% in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 8.8% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's education spending peaked at 9.99% in 2009.
The lowest education spending in São Tomé and Principe was 2.72% in 2002.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 69th globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's education spending is projected to reach 4.58% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 4.58%. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_education-spending-gdp,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}