São Tomé and Principe External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to gni was 35.32% in 2025, ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 17.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to gni stood at 35.32% in 2025, a decline of +7.42pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.32% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 72nd globally.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to Gross National Income (GNI) ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 49 years. The country's all-time high of 459.90% in 1999, a stark contrast to the 4.23% recorded in 1977, highlights the substantial increase in debt burden. In recent years, the ratio has declined, with the latest value standing at 35.32% in 2025. This current ratio is comparable to that of peer countries such as Pakistan and Malawi, which also ranked around the 35% mark. The downward trend since the 1999 peak suggests a gradual reduction in the country's debt burden. However, the trajectory may be altered by factors such as changes in global commodity prices, debt restructuring efforts, or shifts in the country's economic policies. A potential increase in foreign investment or improved economic growth could also impact the country's external debt dynamics, potentially leading to a further decline in the debt-to-GNI ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 23.00% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 29.16% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.32% | −7.42pp | #72 |
| 2024 | 42.75% | −3.70pp | #54 |
| 2023 | 46.44% | −5.59pp | #60 |
| 2022 | 52.03% | −10.09pp | #67 |
| 2021 | 62.13% | −3.60pp | #81 |
| 2020 | 65.73% | −1.07pp | #75 |
| 2019 | 66.80% | +0.49pp | #88 |
| 2018 | 66.31% | −18.43pp | #87 |
| 2017 | 84.73% | +3.10pp | #99 |
| 2016 | 81.63% | −7.37pp | #99 |
| 2015 | 89.00% | +20.52pp | #105 |
| 2014 | 68.49% | −7.88pp | #94 |
| 2013 | 76.37% | −8.26pp | #102 |
| 2012 | 84.63% | −11.10pp | #107 |
| 2011 | 95.72% | +2.00pp | #111 |
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 external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to gni was 35.32% in 2025. Ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 17.4% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to gni peaked at 459.90% in 1999.
The lowest external debt to gni in São Tomé and Principe was 4.23% in 1977.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 72nd globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt to gni is projected to reach 35.32% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 35.32%. This ranks 72nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {São Tomé and Principe External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}