São Tomé and Principe External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
São Tomé and Principe's external debt was $319.8M in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's external debt stood at $319.8M in 2025, a decline of +$6.6M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $319.8M by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 119th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt has displayed a considerable fluctuation over the 49-year period from 1977 to 2025, with the all-time peak of 356,057,555.20 in 2004 and the all-time trough of 2,183,745.20 in the same year. The country's debt has increased significantly since 2004, reaching 319,849,577.11 in 2025, ranking #119 globally. In comparison, Timor-Leste, a peer country, has a higher external debt of 327,216,193.46 as of 2025, while Tonga has a significantly lower debt of 178,558,664.09. The substantial increase in São Tomé and Principe's external debt since its peak in 2004 may be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges and reliance on foreign aid. To alter this trajectory, the country would need to implement sustainable economic reforms, improve its fiscal management, and diversify its economy to reduce reliance on external financing.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $323.5M | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $321.7M | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $319.8M | - | - |
| 2025 | $319.8M | −$6.6M | #119 |
| 2024 | $326.4M | +$7.9M | #3 |
| 2023 | $318.5M | +$31.6M | #3 |
| 2022 | $286.9M | −$40.6M | #2 |
| 2021 | $327.5M | +$14.6M | #3 |
| 2020 | $312.9M | +$37.3M | #4 |
| 2019 | $275.6M | +$19.9M | #4 |
| 2018 | $255.6M | −$16.9M | #3 |
| 2017 | $272.5M | +$31.6M | #4 |
| 2016 | $240.9M | +$6.6M | #4 |
| 2015 | $234.3M | +$28.0M | #5 |
| 2014 | $206.3M | +$49,949 | #6 |
| 2013 | $206.3M | +$12.9M | #6 |
| 2012 | $193.3M | −$23.0M | #3 |
| 2011 | $216.4M | +$38.6M | #3 |
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 improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's external debt was $319.8M in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt peaked at $356.1M in 2004.
The lowest external debt in São Tomé and Principe was $2.2M in 1977.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 119th globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt is projected to reach $319.8M by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
São Tomé and Principe's external debt was approximately 319.85 million ($319.8M) in 2025.
The external debt of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was $319.8M. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_external-debt,
title = {São Tomé and Principe External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}