São Tomé and Principe Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
São Tomé and Principe's urban population was 69.04% in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's urban population stood at 69.04% in 2025, a rise of +0.17% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.04% by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 95th globally.
São Tomé and Principe has experienced a significant shift in urbanization over the past six and a half decades. As of 2025, the country's urban population stands at 69.04%, ranking 95th globally. This represents a notable increase from the all-time low of 15.43% in 1960, marking the beginning of the country's urban growth. The current level of urbanization is comparable to that of Lithuania, which ranks 94th globally with a 69.22% urban population. São Tomé and Principe's rapid urbanization is likely driven by economic development and migration from rural areas in search of better opportunities. The country's urban population has been steadily increasing since the late 20th century, with no signs of slowing down. A decline in rural-urban migration or a significant shift in government policies could potentially alter this trajectory, leading to a slowdown in urbanization growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 69.46% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 69.25% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 69.04% | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.04% | +0.17% | #95 |
| 2024 | 68.87% | +0.27% | #123 |
| 2023 | 68.60% | +0.23% | #123 |
| 2022 | 68.37% | +0.20% | #123 |
| 2021 | 68.17% | +0.13% | #122 |
| 2020 | 68.04% | +0.13% | #124 |
| 2019 | 67.91% | +0.13% | #125 |
| 2018 | 67.78% | +0.13% | #124 |
| 2017 | 67.65% | +0.13% | #124 |
| 2016 | 67.52% | +0.13% | #124 |
| 2015 | 67.39% | +0.13% | #125 |
| 2014 | 67.26% | +0.13% | #126 |
| 2013 | 67.13% | +0.10% | #125 |
| 2012 | 67.03% | +0.31% | #126 |
| 2011 | 66.73% | +0.67% | #126 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's urban population was 69.04% in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's urban population peaked at 69.04% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in São Tomé and Principe was 15.43% in 1960.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 95th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's urban population is projected to reach 69.04% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 69.04%. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_urban-population,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}