São Tomé and Principe Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's literacy rate was 87.44% in 2019, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2019.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's literacy rate stood at 87.44% in 2019, a decline of +2.70pp from 2012. São Tomé and Principe ranked 38th globally.
São Tomé and Principe has experienced a significant improvement in literacy rates over the past few decades. From a low of 57.32% in 1981, the country has made substantial progress, with literacy rates reaching an all-time peak of 90.14% in 2012. However, this momentum was not sustained, and the rate declined to 87.44% in 2019. Despite this, São Tomé and Principe's literacy rate remains one of the highest in the region, surpassing that of its peer countries, such as Cambodia with a rate of 87.66% and Tunisia with a rate of 80.55%. The country's literacy rate has been steadily increasing, albeit at a slower pace in recent years. A continued investment in education and training programs would likely support sustained improvements in literacy rates, potentially positioning São Tomé and Principe as a model for regional education development.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 87.44% | −2.70pp | #38 |
| 2012 | 90.14% | +5.23pp | #22 |
| 2001 | 84.91% | +11.67pp | #19 |
| 1991 | 73.24% | +15.92pp | #14 |
| 1981 | 57.32% | – | #13 |
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 literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's literacy rate was 87.44% in 2019. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's literacy rate peaked at 90.14% in 2012.
The lowest literacy rate in São Tomé and Principe was 57.32% in 1981.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 38th globally in literacy rate as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The literacy rate of São Tomé and Principe in 2019 was 87.44%. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_literacy-rate,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}