São Tomé and Principe Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation was 23.34% in 2025, ranked 181st globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation stood at 23.34% in 2025, a decline of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.38% by 2026. São Tomé and Principe ranked 181st globally.
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation has experienced a relatively stable though downward trend since the early 1990s. At its peak in 1992, the country's labor force participation stood at 24.70%. The rate declined gradually over the next two decades, reaching an all-time low of 23.12% in 2020. Although it has since rebounded to 23.34% as of 2025, this still positions the country among the lowest globally, ranking 181st. For perspective, Djibouti, a peer country, boasts a significantly higher labor force participation rate of 31.74%. This persistent underutilization of the workforce may be attributed to various factors, including a predominantly youthful population and a lack of economic opportunities. A reversal of this trend could be achieved through targeted investments in education and vocational training, as well as initiatives to stimulate economic growth and job creation, potentially driving São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation upward.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 23.37% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 23.38% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 23.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 23.34% | −0.05pp | #181 |
| 2024 | 23.39% | −0.05pp | #181 |
| 2023 | 23.45% | −0.06pp | #183 |
| 2022 | 23.51% | +0.20pp | #185 |
| 2021 | 23.31% | +0.18pp | #186 |
| 2020 | 23.12% | −0.57pp | #186 |
| 2019 | 23.69% | −0.10pp | #186 |
| 2018 | 23.79% | −0.09pp | #186 |
| 2017 | 23.88% | −0.07pp | #186 |
| 2016 | 23.95% | −0.05pp | #186 |
| 2015 | 24.00% | −0.02pp | #186 |
| 2014 | 24.02% | −0.00pp | #186 |
| 2013 | 24.03% | +0.01pp | #186 |
| 2012 | 24.01% | +0.00pp | #186 |
| 2011 | 24.01% | −0.02pp | #186 |
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 labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation was 23.34% in 2025. Ranked 181st globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation peaked at 24.70% in 1992.
The lowest labor force participation in São Tomé and Principe was 23.12% in 2020.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 181st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's labor force participation is projected to reach 23.38% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 23.34%. This ranks 181st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_labor-force-participation,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}