São Tomé and Principe Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's physicians was 0.43 in 2025, ranked 94th globally. This represents a 7.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's physicians stood at 0.43 in 2025, a decline of +0.04 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.43 by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 94th globally.
São Tomé and Principe has experienced a relatively stable trend in its physician-to-population ratio, fluctuating between 0.23 in 1970 and 0.55 in 1989. The country's physician density peaked in 1989, a year characterized by significant economic growth and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Since then, the ratio has declined, reaching 0.43 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025, ranking the country 94th globally. This decline is comparable to that of its peer country, Gabon, which has also experienced a decline in physician density, albeit from a slightly higher base of 0.45 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025. In comparison, countries such as Nigeria and Jamaica have maintained relatively stable or increasing physician-to-population ratios. To reverse the current trend, São Tomé and Principe would need to invest in its healthcare infrastructure and workforce, potentially through increased funding for medical education and training programs.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.43 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.43 | −0.04 | #94 |
| 2022 | 0.46 | −0.03 | #84 |
| 2019 | 0.49 | +0.18 | #105 |
| 2015 | 0.32 | −0.20 | #100 |
| 2004 | 0.51 | +0.05 | #91 |
| 1996 | 0.47 | +0.14 | #74 |
| 1992 | 0.33 | −0.20 | #73 |
| 1990 | 0.53 | −0.02 | #92 |
| 1989 | 0.55 | +0.01 | #29 |
| 1983 | 0.54 | +0.12 | #29 |
| 1981 | 0.42 | −0.02 | #54 |
| 1980 | 0.44 | +0.21 | #48 |
| 1970 | 0.23 | −0.07 | #79 |
| 1960 | 0.30 | – | #53 |
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 physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's physicians was 0.43 in 2025. Ranked 94th globally. This represents a 7.7% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's physicians peaked at 0.55 in 1989.
The lowest physicians in São Tomé and Principe was 0.23 in 1970.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 94th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's physicians is projected to reach 0.43 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 0.43. This ranks 94th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_physicians,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}