São Tomé and Principe Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate was 9.13% in 2025, ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate stood at 9.13% in 2025, a rise of +0.07pp from 2024. São Tomé and Principe ranked 142nd globally.
São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate has fluctuated significantly over the past 46 years, ranging from 8.71% in 2018 to 17.63% in 2002. The all-time peak occurred in 2002, during a period of economic instability in the country. Since then, the rate has experienced a downward trend, with a notable decline in unemployment from 13.62% in 1980 to 9.13% in 2025, the latest available data. In comparison, peer country Morocco reported an unemployment rate of 9.00% in 2025, while the Bahamas, The reported 9.21%. The improvement in São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate is a positive development, but the country still ranks among the highest globally. To continue this trend, São Tomé and Principe would need to sustain investment in its education and job training programs, as well as foster a stable economic environment, to support growth in the labor market and reduce unemployment further.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9.13% | +0.07pp | #142 |
| 2024 | 9.06% | +0.03pp | #146 |
| 2023 | 9.03% | +0.07pp | #146 |
| 2022 | 8.96% | −0.60pp | #142 |
| 2021 | 9.56% | −0.12pp | #139 |
| 2020 | 9.68% | +0.84pp | #136 |
| 2019 | 8.84% | +0.12pp | #137 |
| 2018 | 8.71% | −4.76pp | #135 |
| 2017 | 8.81% | −4.61pp | #132 |
| 2016 | 9.68% | −3.75pp | #138 |
| 2015 | 10.59% | −2.88pp | #143 |
| 2014 | 11.43% | −2.10pp | #145 |
| 2013 | 12.48% | −1.11pp | #151 |
| 2012 | 13.59% | −0.54pp | #157 |
| 2011 | 14.23% | −0.40pp | #161 |
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 unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate was 9.13% in 2025. Ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's unemployment rate peaked at 17.63% in 2002.
The lowest unemployment rate in São Tomé and Principe was 8.71% in 2018.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 142nd globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 9.13%. This ranks 142nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_unemployment-rate,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}