São Tomé and Principe Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to gdp was 51.38% in 2025, ranked 99th globally. This represents a 20.7% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2001–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to gdp stood at 51.38% in 2025, a decline of +13.43% from 2024. The IMF projects 51.38% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 99th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to GDP ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 25 years, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. The country's all-time peak occurred in 2001, with a staggering ratio of 418.38, indicating a substantial burden on its economy. Conversely, the latest figure in 2025 reveals a notable improvement, with the ratio standing at 51.38, positioning the country as the 99th globally. This decline is comparable to Uganda's debt-to-GDP ratio, which currently stands at 52.35, suggesting São Tomé and Principe's efforts to manage its public finances have been relatively successful. Notably, this reduction occurred despite the country facing economic challenges, including dependence on a single industry and vulnerability to external shocks. As São Tomé and Principe continues to diversify its economy and strengthen its fiscal framework, a sustained decline in the government debt to GDP ratio is likely to be maintained, potentially further improving its economic stability and competitiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 30.53% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 34.33% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 37.53% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 41.19% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 45.39% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 51.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.38% | −13.43% | #99 |
| 2024 | 64.81% | −8.42% | #119 |
| 2023 | 73.23% | −13.54% | #132 |
| 2022 | 86.76% | +1.70% | #157 |
| 2021 | 85.06% | −5.90% | #147 |
| 2020 | 90.96% | −7.68% | #151 |
| 2019 | 98.64% | +2.78% | #175 |
| 2018 | 95.86% | +3.56% | #172 |
| 2017 | 92.30% | −12.27% | #169 |
| 2016 | 104.57% | +3.44% | #173 |
| 2015 | 101.13% | +8.62% | #174 |
| 2014 | 92.51% | +15.66% | #170 |
| 2013 | 76.85% | +17.28% | #158 |
| 2012 | 59.57% | −26.45% | #143 |
| 2011 | 86.02% | +3.03% | #170 |
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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to gdp was 51.38% in 2025. Ranked 99th globally. This represents a 20.7% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to gdp peaked at 418.38% in 2001.
The lowest government debt to gdp in São Tomé and Principe was 51.38% in 2025.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 99th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
São Tomé and Principe's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 51.38% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 51.38%. This ranks 99th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}