Sao Tome and Principe Rate of Natural Increase

São Tomé and Príncipe’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth and death rates—remains relatively high compared to many countries, reflecting its youthful population and elevated fertility rates. As of 2023, São Tomé and Príncipe’s RNI is estimated at around 2.3% per year, with a crude birth rate of about 30 per 1,000 and a crude death rate of roughly 7 per 1,000. Compared to its mainland neighbors, such as Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe’s RNI is slightly higher; Gabon’s RNI is about 2.0% and Equatorial Guinea’s is approximately 2.2%. While all three countries share relatively high birth rates typical of Central Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe’s smaller population and lower mortality rates contribute to its marginally higher RNI. In contrast, countries like Cameroon and Nigeria, though not immediate neighbors but regionally relevant, tend to have even higher RNIs due to larger populations and higher fertility rates. Overall, São Tomé and Príncipe’s population is growing rapidly, but its RNI is moderate within the context of Central Africa, reflecting ongoing demographic transitions in the region.

Data from US Census International Database