World Happiness Report for Sao Tome and Principe 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Sao Tome and Principe: na
- Happiness Score Sao Tome and Principe:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Sao Tome and Principe. ST.
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located off the coast of Central Africa.
- It is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
- The country has a rich cultural heritage with a blend of African and Portuguese influences.
- Its economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly cocoa production, and is also supported by tourism and foreign aid.
Sao Tome and Principe – Overview
History
Sao Tome and Principe, located in the Gulf of Guinea, was uninhabited until the arrival of Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century. Early History: The islands were initially used as a base for the Atlantic slave trade until sugar cultivation began in the early 16th century, relying on enslaved Africans as laborers. Colonial Period: The islands remained a Portuguese colony for over 500 years, gaining independence in 1975. Independence and Modern Era: After a brief period of unrest following independence, the country transitioned to a multi-party democratic system in the early 1990s. However, political instability and economic challenges have persisted.
Current Situation
Political Situation: Sao Tome and Principe is a semi-presidential republic with a democratically elected president and prime minister. The most recent elections were held in 2022. International Relations: The country maintains close ties with Portugal and has friendly relations with other African nations and the European Union. Economy and Development: The economy heavily relies on agriculture, particularly cocoa production, and tourism. Poverty and unemployment remain significant challenges. Cultural Highlights: The islands have a blend of African and Portuguese cultural influences, with Creole as the primary language. Traditional music and dance are integral to the local culture.
Challenges and Opportunities
Sao Tome and Principe faces challenges in diversifying its economy, reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, and addressing environmental concerns like deforestation. However, the country’s natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and potential for sustainable tourism present opportunities for economic growth and development.
Travel Tips for Sao Tome and Principe
• Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to September offers ideal weather for exploring the islands.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and greet elders with respect.
• Safety: Exercise caution, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas.
• Must-See Landmarks: Explore the colonial architecture in Sao Tome city, visit the Pico Cao Grande for stunning views, and trek through the lush Obo National Park.
• Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like calulu (a vegetable stew), grilled fish, and the signature chocolate and coffee.
Living in Sao Tome and Principe
• Cost of Living: The cost of living is relatively low compared to Western standards, but imported goods can be expensive.
• Housing: Expats often rent furnished apartments or houses, but options may be limited.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare facilities are basic, and many expats opt for private clinics or travel abroad for specialized treatment.
• Education: International schools are limited, and many expat families homeschool or send their children to schools abroad.
• Cultural Norms: Respect local customs, dress conservatively, and learn basic Portuguese or Creole.
Doing Business in Sao Tome and Principe
• Business Culture: Maintain punctuality and establish personal relationships, as business is often based on trust and connections.
• Economic Climate: The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, tourism, and foreign aid, with limited opportunities in other sectors.
• Key Industries: Cocoa production, tourism, fishing, and light manufacturing.
• Legal Framework: Understand local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and navigate bureaucratic processes.
• Building Relationships: Network actively, cultivate long-term partnerships, and be patient in negotiations.
Studying in Sao Tome and Principe
• Educational System: The education system follows the Portuguese model, with primary and secondary levels culminating in national exams.
• Top Universities: The University of Sao Tome and Principe is the main tertiary institution, offering a limited range of degree programs.
• Student Life: Campus life is relatively modest, with limited extracurricular activities and housing options.
• Visa Requirements: International students may need to obtain a student visa and meet specific requirements.
• Opportunities: Study programs focused on agriculture, tourism, and environmental sciences may be available, leveraging the country’s natural resources.
Main facts
1. Location
Sao Tome and Principe is an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two main islands: Sao Tome and Principe, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 300 kilometers (190 miles) west of Gabon.
2. Map References
Sao Tome and Principe is located in the Central Africa region.
3. Area – Comparative
Sao Tome and Principe has a total area of 964 square kilometers (372 square miles), which is slightly larger than the District of Columbia.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Sao Tome and Principe has no land borders with any other countries.
5. Coastline
Sao Tome and Principe has a total coastline of 209 kilometers (130 miles). The islands are surrounded by sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and bays.
6. Maritime Claims
Sao Tome and Principe claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
7. Climate
Sao Tome and Principe has a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round. The islands experience a rainy season from October to May, and a drier season from June to September.
8. Terrain
The terrain of Sao Tome and Principe is primarily mountainous, with several volcanic peaks. The islands feature dense rainforests, valleys, and coastal lowlands.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Sao Tome and Principe is Pico de Sao Tome, a volcanic peak reaching 2,024 meters (6,640 feet) above sea level, located on the island of Sao Tome. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.
10. Natural Resources
The main natural resources of Sao Tome and Principe include fish, hydropower potential, and arable land.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The two largest bodies of water in Sao Tome and Principe are the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, which surrounds the islands.
12. Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards faced by Sao Tome and Principe include volcanic activity, with the islands being volcanic in origin, and potential for destructive windstorms and flooding from seasonal rains.
13. Geography – Notes
Sao Tome and Principe is known for its diverse and rich biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. However, deforestation and habitat loss pose significant threats to the islands’ unique ecosystems.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 55.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 121. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 50.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: .
- Capital: The capital of Sao Tome and Principe is São Tomé
- Major Cities:
- Sao Tome – Population: 71,868
- Santo Antonio – Population: 1,814
- Neves – Population: 4,500
- Population: 215,056
- Area(Km2): 964
- Population Density( P/Km²):228. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:239
- Official Language(s):Sāo Tomé and Príncipe is Portuguese (official) 98.4%.
- Currency: STN
Main Economic Indicators
Sao Tome and Principe has a small, developing economy that relies heavily on foreign aid and exports of cocoa and other agricultural products. The economy faces challenges such as a high public debt burden, limited economic diversification, and infrastructure constraints. The government’s economic policies aim to promote private sector growth, attract foreign investment, and reduce dependence on external assistance.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 7.9% (Source: Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe)
2020: 7.4% (Source: Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: No rating available
Moody’s: No rating available
Standard & Poor’s: No rating available
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 18.4%
Industry: 14.4%
Services: 67.2% (Source: World Bank, 2021 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans, poultry, fish
Industrial Products: Processed agricultural products, construction materials, beverages, wood products, light manufactured goods
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 76,800 (2021 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Current Account Balance
2021: -$62.1 million (Source: Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe)
2020: -$46.2 million (Source: Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Exports and Imports
Exports (2021): $15.4 million (primarily cocoa, copra, coffee, fish)
Major Export Partners: Spain, Belgium, Portugal, United States
Imports (2021): $156.4 million (primarily machinery, foodstuffs, petroleum products, consumer goods)
Major Import Partners: Portugal, Angola, China, Netherlands
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (2021): $93.8 million (Source: Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe)
Gold Reserves: Not available
- GDP (Current US$):$429,016,605. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 13.37%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Sao Tomeans
Adjective: Sao Tomean
2. Ethnic Groups
- Mestico (mixed Portuguese and African descent) – 86.1%
- Angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves) – 6.2%
- Forros (descendants of freed slaves) – 3.6%
- Portuguese – 1%
- Others (including immigrants from Mozambique, Cape Verde, and other African countries) – 3.1%
3. Religions
- Catholic – 83.9%
- Evangelical Protestant – 5.7%
- Other Protestant – 2.7%
- Islamic – 2.1%
- Other/None – 5.6%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 41.14%
- 15-64 years: 54.62%
- 65 years and over: 4.24%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 84.1 (youth dependency ratio: 77.9; elderly dependency ratio: 6.2)
6. Median Age
Total: 19.8 years
Male: 19.2 years
Female: 20.3 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 13.6% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: 6.9 liters of pure alcohol consumed per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 11.4% of adults (aged 15+) are current smokers
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 70.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 89.8 %. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:31.54. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 4.32. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 27.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 158,277. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):11.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Sao Tome and Principe’s military forces consist of the Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe, which includes a small Army and Coast Guard. The country does not have a navy or air force. The military’s primary role is to maintain internal security and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
The National Police is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the country.
Military Expenditures
Sao Tome and Principe’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years is as follows:
- 2017: 0.9%
- 2018: 0.9%
- 2019: 0.9%
- 2020: 0.9%
- 2021: 0.8%
Sao Tome and Principe has one of the lowest military expenditures globally, ranking near the bottom among countries for which data is available.
Personnel Strengths
The total number of active-duty military personnel in Sao Tome and Principe is approximately 600, with the Army being the largest branch.
The National Police has a strength of around 300 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Sao Tome and Principe’s military equipment inventory is limited and consists primarily of small arms and light weapons. The country does not have any major combat vehicles, aircraft, or naval vessels.
There are no significant ongoing or planned military acquisitions or development programs.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Sao Tome and Principe is voluntary, with the age range for recruitment being 18 to 30 years old.
There is no mandatory military service obligation in the country.
Military Deployments
Sao Tome and Principe does not currently have any overseas military deployments or participate in international peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Military Notes
Given its small size and limited resources, Sao Tome and Principe’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security and protecting its territorial waters from maritime threats such as illegal fishing and piracy.
The country’s military does not play a significant role in regional or global security frameworks, and it does not belong to any major military alliances.
- Armed Forces Size: 1. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.05
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 57.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.