São Tomé and Principe Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
São Tomé and Principe's population density was 249.5 in 2025, ranked 55th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's population density stood at 249.5 in 2025, a rise of +9.0 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 249.5 by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 55th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's population density has exhibited a steady increase over the past six decades, rising from a low of 71.57 people per square kilometer in 1961 to 249.50 as of 2025. This represents a 247.93% growth in population density, outpacing several of its peer countries. For instance, Liechtenstein, a country with a similar ranking, reported a population density of 252.88 people per square kilometer in 2025. São Tomé and Principe's growing population density is likely a result of advancements in healthcare and declining mortality rates. As the country continues to urbanize, its population density is expected to increase further. However, this trend may be altered by factors such as emigration or changes in fertility rates, which could potentially slow or reverse the growth in population density.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 254.1 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 249.5 | - | - |
| 2025 | 249.5 | +9.0 | #55 |
| 2023 | 240.5 | +4.8 | #159 |
| 2022 | 235.7 | +4.5 | #158 |
| 2021 | 231.2 | +4.7 | #160 |
| 2020 | 226.5 | +4.2 | #157 |
| 2019 | 222.3 | +3.3 | #157 |
| 2018 | 218.9 | +3.4 | #157 |
| 2017 | 215.6 | +3.4 | #157 |
| 2016 | 212.2 | +3.5 | #156 |
| 2015 | 208.6 | +3.7 | #156 |
| 2014 | 205.0 | +3.8 | #157 |
| 2013 | 201.2 | +3.9 | #157 |
| 2012 | 197.3 | +3.9 | #156 |
| 2011 | 193.4 | +4.0 | #155 |
| 2010 | 189.4 | +4.1 | #153 |
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 population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's population density was 249.5 in 2025. Ranked 55th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's population density peaked at 249.5 in 2025.
The lowest population density in São Tomé and Principe was 71.6 in 1961.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 55th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's population density is projected to reach 249.5 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 249.5. This ranks 55th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_population-density,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}