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Economy of Sao Tome and Principe vs Ukraine compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Sao Tome and Principe has a GDP of $822M compared to $191B for Ukraine, ranking 189/197 and 57/197 by economy size, respectively.

Sao Tome and Principe has $533M in government debt (64.8% of GDP), compared to $171B (89.7% of GDP) in Ukraine.

Sao Tome and Principe vs Ukraine GDP by year

Sao Tome and Principe
Ukraine
1x
Year GDP, current $
Sao Tome Ukraine
2024 $822,154,621 $190,741,262,415
2023 $690,456,807 $181,221,517,869
2022 $540,809,499 $161,989,520,721
2021 $524,402,456 $199,765,859,571
2020 $471,229,485 $156,617,722,013
2019 $412,976,083 $153,883,047,510
2018 $383,717,328 $130,891,088,294
2017 $322,002,845 $112,090,505,082
2016 $292,267,272 $93,355,869,404
2015 $259,999,643 $91,030,967,789
2014 $293,119,143 $133,503,871,862
2013 $267,041,748 $190,498,811,460
2012 $225,815,132 $182,591,753,828
2011 $226,455,001 $169,333,835,202
2010 $190,021,192 $141,209,170,427
2009 $200,668,065 $121,552,153,444
2008 $188,021,165 $188,110,390,660
2007 $149,146,919 $148,733,861,386
2006 $142,775,104 $111,884,752,475
2005 $136,450,662 $89,238,865,119
2004 $114,582,284 $67,220,154,164
2003 $102,085,769 $52,010,355,753
2002 $85,171,074 $43,956,163,612
2001 $75,951,133 $39,309,580,983
2000 $76,198,395 $32,375,083,935
1999 $77,302,212 $31,580,639,554
1998 $72,285,404 $41,882,523,345
1997 $91,920,274 $50,151,531,592
1996 $135,188,166 $44,558,831,005
1995 $103,695,237 $48,213,856,469
1994 $131,338,415 $52,549,580,265
1993 $125,742,229 $65,648,559,903
1992 $94,861,781 $73,945,908,384
1991 $107,484,143 $77,350,733,982
1990 $119,297,933 $81,393,558,423
1989 $98,545,367 $82,709,161,099
1988 $99,000,764 $74,703,517,903
1987 $115,952,925 $64,087,694,038
1986 $115,928,907 -
1985 $82,733,069 -
1984 $78,213,796 -
1983 $75,110,289 -
1982 $80,307,763 -
1981 $83,499,264 -
1980 $81,662,231 -
1979 $65,755,928 -
1978 $55,044,563 -
1977 $49,207,692 -
1976 $52,039,421 -
1975 $60,101,710 -
1974 $57,817,591 -
1973 $56,011,245 -
1972 $41,430,257 -
1971 $37,288,845 -
1970 $37,211,826 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

GDP per capita in Sao Tome and Principe vs Ukraine by year

Sao Tome and Principe
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Ukraine
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Sao Tome Ukraine
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 $3,491 $6,242 $5,038 $18,550
2023 $2,991 $6,150 $4,803 $17,665
2022 $2,390 $6,034 $3,946 $14,770
2021 $2,363 $5,733 $4,510 $17,846
2020 $2,167 $5,145 $3,505 $15,541
2019 $1,935 $4,655 $3,423 $14,217
2018 $1,826 $3,941 $2,895 $12,555
2017 $1,556 $3,436 $2,467 $11,536
2016 $1,435 $3,320 $2,047 $10,865
2015 $1,298 $3,172 $1,988 $9,922
2014 $1,490 $3,233 $2,904 $10,494
2013 $1,383 $2,946 $4,130 $10,904
2012 $1,192 $2,653 $3,951 $9,552
2011 $1,220 $2,914 $3,657 $9,127
2010 $1,045 $2,859 $3,040 $8,453
2009 $1,128 $2,846 $2,607 $7,995
2008 $1,082 $2,802 $4,018 $9,324
2007 $879 $2,650 $3,160 $8,900
2006 $862 $2,551 $2,366 $7,971
2005 $844 $2,329 $1,875 $7,142
2004 $727 $2,171 $1,401 $6,663
2003 $664 $2,094 $1,076 $5,764
2002 $568 $1,945 $903 $5,123
2001 $519 $1,898 $800 $4,747
2000 $529 $1,830 $653 $4,228
1999 $543 $1,802 $632 $3,871
1998 $514 $1,754 $831 $3,794
1997 $662 $1,714 $987 $3,794
1996 $987 $1,693 $870 $3,812
1995 $769 $1,663 $933 $4,124
1994 $990 $1,623 $1,009 $4,565
1993 $964 $1,581 $1,254 $5,766
1992 $740 $1,556 $1,413 $6,568
1991 $855 $1,540 $1,483 $7,148
1990 $970 $1,504 $1,564 $7,591
1989 $821 - $1,593 -
1988 $847 - $1,444 -
1987 $1,018 - $1,244 -
1986 $1,043 - - -
1985 $761 - - -
1984 $735 - - -
1983 $720 - - -
1982 $783 - - -
1981 $830 - - -
1980 $829 - - -
1979 $683 - - -
1978 $587 - - -
1977 $539 - - -
1976 $585 - - -
1975 $693 - - -
1974 $683 - - -
1973 $676 - - -
1972 $511 - - -
1971 $470 - - -
1970 $479 - - -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

Sao Tome and Principe's GDP per capita is $3,491, ranking 134/197, compared to $5,038 in Ukraine, ranking 120/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Sao Tome and Principe ranks 151st at $6,242, while Ukraine ranks 101st at $18,550.

Economic indicators

Sao Tome Ukraine
Gross domestic product
$822M
2024
$191B
2024
GDP rank
189/197
2024
57/197
2024
GDP growth
1.1%
2023-2024
2.91%
2023-2024
GDP per capita
$3,491
2024
$5,038
2024
GDP per capita rank
134/197
2024
120/197
2024
GDP per capita, PPP
$6,242
2024
$18,550
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
151/197
2024
101/197
2024
Government debt
$533M
2024
$171B
2024
Debt-to-GDP ratio
64.8%
2024
89.7%
2024
Government debt per person
$2,262
2024
$4,520
2024
Government debt per person rank
116/185
2024
86/185
2024
Average annual personal income after taxes
$3,111
2026
$5,370
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies n/a
$4.42B
2018
Number of billionaires n/a
7
2025
Income share by richest 10%
32.8%
2017
21.7%
2020
Income share by poorest 10%
2.6%
2017
4.3%
2020
Government expenditure, % of GDP
24.7%
2024
71.3%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
14.4%
2023-2024
6.5%
2023-2024
Central bank interest rate n/a
15.5%
2025
Unemployment rate
6.66%
2017
9.83%
2021
Population
246362
40125599

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Sao Tome and Principe
Spending

Debt
Ukraine
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Sao Tome Ukraine
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 24.7% 64.8% 71.3% 89.7%
2023 23.9% 73.2% 73.4% 81.2%
2022 27.7% 86.8% 65.4% 77.7%
2021 25.6% 85.1% 40.5% 48.9%
2020 23.2% 91% 45.6% 60.5%
2019 22.8% 98.6% 41.5% 50.5%
2018 28% 95.9% 41.9% 60.4%
2017 31.9% 92.3% 41.7% 71.6%
2016 38.3% 104.6% 40.8% 79.5%
2015 41.6% 101.1% 43% 79.3%
2014 36% 92.5% 44.8% 70.3%
2013 35.5% 76.8% 48.1% 40.5%
2012 50.5% 59.6% 49% 37.5%
2011 53.4% 86% 45.7% 36.9%
2010 51.7% 83% 49.2% 40.6%
2009 48.6% 70.3% 48.6% 35.4%
2008 30.4% 60.7% 47.1% 20.4%
2007 38.9% 110.1% 43.7% 12.3%
2006 32.5% 283.2% 44.6% 14.8%
2005 43.7% 334% 44.2% 17.7%
2004 60.6% 354% 41.6% 24.8%
2003 51.9% 329% 38.9% 29.4%
2002 44.3% 367% 37.9% 33.6%
2001 52.8% 418% 36.7% 36.7%
2000 10.7% - 35.5% 43.8%
1999 - - 25.8% 59%
1998 - - 37.1% 46.5%
1997 - - 40.8% 28.9%
1996 - - 36.9% 24.4%
1995 - - 41.3% 30.2%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1995–1996, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

In 2024, Sao Tome and Principe's government spending was $203M, accounting for 24.7% of its GDP, while Ukraine spent $136B, or 71.3% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 64.8% in Sao Tome and Principe and 89.7% in Ukraine, ranking 69/185 and 33/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Sao Tome and Principe

Ukraine
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Sao Tome Ukraine
2024 0.92% -17.2%
2023 -2.13% -19.3%
2022 -2.24% -15.6%
2021 -1.52% -3.97%
2020 2.94% -5.92%
2019 -0.07% -2.08%
2018 -2.02% -2.12%
2017 -3.11% -2.36%
2016 -5.01% -2.46%
2015 -7.6% -1.16%
2014 -6.27% -4.46%
2013 2.13% -4.78%
2012 -12.3% -4.31%
2011 -13% -2.76%
2010 -12.1% -5.77%
2009 -18% -6.27%
2008 13.6% -3.14%
2007 125.1% -1.97%
2006 18% -1.36%
2005 26.8% -2.28%
2004 -25.1% -4.41%
2003 -15.9% -0.89%
2002 -10.4% -1.84%
2001 -13.5% -3.03%
2000 51.5% -3.19%
1999 - 4.95%
1998 - -2.69%
1997 - -5.37%
1996 - -3.09%
1995 - -4.72%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

In 2024, Sao Tome and Principe's government surplus, the difference between spending and revenue, was $7.57M, equivalent to 0.92% of GDP. This compares to Ukraine's deficit of $32.8B, or 17.2% of GDP.

Over the past 25 years, Sao Tome and Principe recorded a fiscal deficit in 17 of those years, while Ukraine ran a deficit in 25 years. On average, Sao Tome and Principe posted an annual surplus equal to 3.63% of GDP, compared to deficit of 4.91% of GDP for Ukraine.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Sao Tome and Principe

Ukraine
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Sao Tome Ukraine
2024 14.4% 6.5%
2023 21.2% 12.9%
2022 18% 20.2%
2021 8.1% 9.4%
2020 9.8% 2.7%
2019 7.7% 7.9%
2018 7.9% 10.9%
2017 5.7% 14.4%
2016 5.4% 13.9%
2015 6.1% 48.7%
2014 7% 12.1%
2013 8.1% -0.3%
2012 10.6% 0.6%
2011 14.3% 8%
2010 13.3% 9.4%
2009 17% 15.9%
2008 32% 25.2%
2007 18.6% 12.8%
2006 23.1% 9.1%
2005 17.2% 13.5%
2004 13.3% 9%
2003 9.8% 5.2%
2002 10.1% 0.8%
2001 9.2% 12%
2000 11% 28.2%
1999 11% 22.7%
1998 42.1% 10.6%
1997 69% 15.9%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

Over the past 28 years, Sao Tome and Principe has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 15.8%, compared with 12.8% in Ukraine. In 2024, inflation was 14.4% in Sao Tome and Principe and 6.5% in Ukraine.

Top exports between countries

Sao Tome
Export category Export value
Ukraine
Export category Export value
Raw agricultural goods $11K

Balance of trade

Sao Tome Ukraine
Current account balance
$41.5M
2024
-$15.1B
2024
Current account balance ranking
74/190
2024
179/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
+5.05%
2024
-7.94%
2024
Goods imports
$153M
2024
$72.3B
2024
Goods exports
$29.3M
2024
$39.3B
2024
Service imports
$83M
2024
$22.9B
2024
Service exports
$88.2M
2024
$17.3B
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP n/a
48.3%
2024
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
10%
2025
29.4%
2024

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Sao Tome Ukraine
Economic freedom 60.6 54.1
Economic freedom ranking 93/197 135/197
Property rights 55.2 21.6
Government integrity 47.2 35
Judicial effectiveness 60.8 28.2
Tax burden 88.6 83.7
Government spending 80.6 0
Fiscal health 89.5 3.9
Business freedom 59.9 57.4
Labor freedom 40.8 46.9
Monetary freedom 59.4 65.7
Trade freedom 65 73
Investment freedom 50 35
Financial freedom 30 30

Economic freedom comparison by year

Sao Tome and Principe
Ukraine
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Sao Tome Ukraine
2026 60.6 -
2025 60.4 -
2024 60.5 -
2023 61.5 -
2022 60.3 54.1
2021 55.9 56.2
2020 56.2 54.9
2019 54 52.3
2018 53.6 51.9
2017 55.4 48.1
2016 56.7 46.8
2015 53.3 46.9
2014 48.8 49.3
2013 48 46.3
2012 50.2 46.1
2011 49.5 45.8
2010 48.8 46.4
2009 43.8 48.8
2008 - 51
2007 - 51.5
2006 - 54.4
2005 - 55.8
2004 - 53.7
2003 - 51.1
2002 - 48.2
2001 - 48.5
2000 - 47.8
1999 - 43.7
1998 - 40.4
1997 - 43.5
1996 - 40.6
1995 - 39.9

Data sources: The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

The Economic Freedom Index for Sao Tome and Principe is 60.6, ranking 93/197, compared to 54.1 for Ukraine, ranking 135/197. The chart above displays a comparison of annual changes in economic freedom indexes.

Other economic metrics

Sao Tome Ukraine
Services, % of GDP
80.3%
2024
60.6%
2024
Industry, % of GDP
2.83%
2024
19%
2024
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
12.5%
2024
7.11%
2024
GNI, Atlas method
$671M
2024
$184B
2024
GNI per capita, PPP
$6,240
2024
$18,560
2024
Total reserves including gold
$46.2M
2023
$43.8B
2024
Total reserves ranking
176/177
2023
46/177
2024
Net foreign direct investment
$20.5M
2024
-$3.71B
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
-$16.7M
2024
$4.02B
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$3.83M
2024
$305M
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI
0.64%
2024
5.42%
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
66.2%
2020
23.2%
2020
Gross capital formation, % of GDP n/a
18.6%
2024

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/sao-tome-and-principe/ukraine | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  4. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  5. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1995–1996, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  7. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)
  8. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (2020, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  9. TradeMap (2020, retrieved 2026-02-08)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.