Topic 01 of 18 · Country Index 2026
São Tomé and Príncipe: Governance & Institutions
How well is the state actually run?
São Tomé and Príncipe is placed joint 127th of 194 countries on governance & institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Government Effectiveness -0.766 (2025); Statistical Performance Indicators 52.97 (2024).
Share
Governance & Institutions
joint127th
of 194 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- -0.766Government Effectiveness, 2025Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
- 52.97Statistical Performance Indicators, 2024SPI overall score (0–100)
- 45Corruption Perceptions Index, 2025CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
- 0.725Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index, 2025Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place São Tomé and Príncipe on governance & institutions — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
-0.766
Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Higher is better
São Tomé and Príncipe: -0.766. Across the 209 countries in this edition, values run from -2.251 (South Sudan) to 2.092 (Singapore); the world median is 0.101.
- World median
- 0.101
- Best in Middle Africa
- -0.551 Gabon
Key 2 of 4
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
52.97
SPI overall score (0–100)
Higher is better
São Tomé and Príncipe: 52.97. Across the 188 countries in this edition, values run from 27.12 (South Sudan) to 94.14 (Norway); the world median is 69.3.
- World median
- 69.3
- Best in Middle Africa
- 66.05 Cameroon
Key 3 of 4
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)
45
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Higher is better
Ranked 70th of 181 by Transparency International
São Tomé and Príncipe: 45. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 9 (Somalia) to 89 (Denmark); the world median is 39.
- World median
- 39
- Best in Middle Africa
- 45 São Tomé and Príncipe
Key 4 of 4
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0
0.725
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Higher is better
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.725. Across the 176 countries in this edition, values run from 0.003 (Nicaragua) to 0.988 (Australia); the world median is 0.676.
- World median
- 0.676
- Best in Middle Africa
- 0.725 São Tomé and Príncipe
02Over time
Which way São Tomé and Príncipe is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Government Effectiveness
Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong) · higher is better
São Tomé and PríncipeWorld median
São Tomé and Príncipe rose from -0.847 in 2000 to -0.766 in 2025; the world median went from -0.397 to 0.101.
Every year’s figures
Year São Tomé and Príncipe World median 2025 -0.766 0.1006 2024 -0.735 0.0098 2023 -0.697 -0.0408 2022 -0.673 -0.0305 2021 -0.632 -0.0158 2020 -0.519 -0.0171 2019 -0.487 0.0150 2018 -0.405 0.0159 2017 -0.571 0.0158 2016 -0.609 0.0225 2015 -0.676 0.0038 2014 -0.772 0.0194 2013 -0.875 -0.0758 2012 -0.823 -0.0839 2011 -0.785 -0.1221 2010 -0.854 -0.1145 2009 -0.811 -0.1609 2008 -0.812 -0.2134 2007 -0.955 -0.3260 2006 -1.123 -0.3310 2005 -0.916 -0.3706 2004 -0.819 -0.3140 2003 -0.844 -0.4369 2002 -0.840 -0.3366 2000 -0.847 -0.3969 Statistical Performance Indicators
SPI overall score (0–100) · higher is better
São Tomé and PríncipeWorld median
São Tomé and Príncipe rose from 45.59 in 2016 to 52.97 in 2024; the world median went from 56.25 to 69.3.
Every year’s figures
Year São Tomé and Príncipe World median 2024 53.0 69.30 2023 53.4 68.86 2022 55.8 67.99 2021 57.3 69.96 2020 54.4 62.91 2019 42.6 61.19 2018 51.1 61.17 2017 50.9 59.55 2016 45.6 56.25 Corruption Perceptions Index
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean) · higher is better
São Tomé and PríncipeWorld median
São Tomé and Príncipe rose from 42 in 2012 to 45 in 2025; the world median went from 37 to 39.
Every year’s figures
Year São Tomé and Príncipe World median 2025 45 39.0 2024 45 40.0 2023 45 40.0 2022 45 39.5 2021 45 39.0 2020 47 40.0 2019 46 39.5 2018 46 38.0 2017 46 38.5 2016 46 38.0 2015 42 37.0 2014 42 38.0 2013 42 38.0 2012 42 37.0 Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1) · higher is better
São Tomé and PríncipeWorld median
São Tomé and Príncipe fell from 0.738 in 2000 to 0.725 in 2025; the world median went from 0.647 to 0.676.
Every year’s figures
Year São Tomé and Príncipe World median 2025 0.725 0.6760 2024 0.725 0.6645 2023 0.745 0.6590 2022 0.731 0.6600 2021 0.746 0.6580 2020 0.746 0.6645 2019 0.732 0.6560 2018 0.685 0.6485 2017 0.723 0.6550 2016 0.745 0.6520 2015 0.745 0.6700 2014 0.745 0.6515 2013 0.745 0.6550 2012 0.735 0.6750 2011 0.735 0.6680 2010 0.735 0.6640 2009 0.738 0.6580 2008 0.738 0.6590 2007 0.738 0.6630 2006 0.738 0.6590 2005 0.738 0.6580 2004 0.738 0.6480 2003 0.738 0.6480 2002 0.738 0.6470 2001 0.738 0.6530 2000 0.738 0.6465
03In context
São Tomé and Príncipe beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 194 countries on governance & institutions, never a place within the region.
São Tomé and Príncipe and Middle Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe has no land border, so the table compares it with its sub-region. Standing among all 194; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Government EffectivenessGovernance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong) | Statistical Performance IndicatorsSPI overall score (0–100) | Corruption Perceptions IndexCPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean) | Judicial Constraints on the Executive IndexJudicial constraints on the executive index (0–1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé and Príncipe | =127th | -0.766 | 52.97 | 45 | 0.725 |
 Angola | 154th | -0.709 | 58.15 | 32 | 0.234 |
 Cameroon | =160th | -0.795 | 66.05 | 26 | 0.111 |
 Gabon | =160th | -0.551 | 45.48 | 29 | 0.266 |
 Republic of the Congo | 175th | -1.171 | 38.87 | 23 | 0.223 |
 Central African Republic | 176th | -1.614 | 46.84 | 24 | 0.188 |
 Chad | 178th | -1.055 | 53.57 | 22 | 0.009 |
 DR Congo | 182nd | -1.675 | 46.28 | 20 | 0.146 |
 Equatorial Guinea | 193rd | -1.225 | 32.15 | 15 | 0.008 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Middle Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 194.
Placed either side on governance & institutions
The countries immediately above and below São Tomé and Príncipe in the topic’s list.
China125th
Paraguay126th
Saint Kitts and Nevis=127th- São Tomé and Príncipe=127th
Honduras129th
Nepal130th
Niger=131st
04Context, no vote
Where São Tomé and Príncipe is ahead of the world, and behind
35 more statistics filed under governance & institutions, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median14
Statistics on which São Tomé and Príncipe does better than the middle country measured.
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 95.310095.3▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 100 · world median 95.3 · Territory under effective state control (% of official territory). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 47.56 to 100; higher is better.
Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 12.933.46712.93▲ Improved since 2014
São Tomé and Príncipe: 3.467 · world median 12.93 · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.285 to 96.2; lower is better.
Position 101st of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.
Civic Space RatingsCIVICUS · 2025 · world median 50.4688.250.46No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 88.2 · world median 50.46 · Civic space score (0–100). CIVICUS, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.17 to 100; higher is better.
Position 17th of 198 · derived.
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3331.8160.333No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 1.816 · world median 0.333 · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.6 to +4.0); higher = a more rigorous and impartial administration. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.552 to 3.99; higher is better.
Position 31st of 176 · derived.
Government Spending on EducationUIS · 2023 · world median 3.7095.0293.709▼ Worsened since 2013
São Tomé and Príncipe: 5.029 · world median 3.709 · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 16.39; higher is better.
Position 29th of 123 · derived.
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6510.7460.651▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.746 · world median 0.651 · Equal protection index (0–1); higher = rights and freedoms protected more equally across social groups and classes. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.027 to 0.986; higher is better.
Position 55th of 176 · derived.
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.5180.2890.518No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.289 · world median 0.518 · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.004 to 0.968; lower is better.
Position 119th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3530.5190.353No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.519 · world median 0.353 · Liberal democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.009 to 0.884; higher is better.
Position 60th of 176 · derived.
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4450.3040.445No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.304 · world median 0.445 · Neopatrimonial rule index (0–1; higher = more personalised rule). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.008 to 0.989; lower is better.
Position 115th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
V-Dem Electoral Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4970.6320.497▼ Worsened since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.632 · world median 0.497 · Electoral democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.016 to 0.913; higher is better.
Position 67th of 176 · derived.
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1970.128-0.197▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.128 · world median -0.197 · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.259; higher is better.
Position 88th of 211 · derived.
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0220.195-0.022No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.195 · world median -0.022 · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.348 to 1.825; higher is better.
Position 91st of 206 · derived.
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 43.9442.7543.94▲ Improved since 2014
São Tomé and Príncipe: 42.75 · world median 43.94 · External debt stocks (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 2.213 to 350.57; lower is better.
Position 57th of 110 · derived, 1st = worst.
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.498.698.4No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 98.6 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.
Behind the world median16
Statistics on which São Tomé and Príncipe does worse than the middle country measured.
Women, Business and the LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 81.2580.6381.25▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 80.63 · world median 81.25 · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.125 to 100; higher is better.
Position 100th of 190 · derived.
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 23.7517.223.75No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 17.2 · world median 23.75 · Children or households with children receiving child or family cash benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.854.880.8No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 54.8 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.3870.3590.387No real change since 2014
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.359 · world median 0.387 · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.137 to 0.749; higher is better.
Ranked 119th of 192 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Rule of LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.102-0.454-0.102▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: -0.454 · world median -0.102 · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.199 to 2.012; higher is better.
Position 132nd of 211 · derived.
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 7.26913.637.269No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 13.63 · world median 7.269 · Firms asked for a bribe at least once in six dealings with officials (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 64.26; lower is better.
Position 61st of 175 · derived, 1st = worst.
Social Protection CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 52.122.152.1No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 22.1 · world median 52.1 · Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Country Policy and Institutional AssessmentWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.2462.9423.246▼ Worsened since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 2.942 · world median 3.246 · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.617 to 4.225; higher is better.
Position 56th of 78 · derived.
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.910.943.9No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 10.9 · world median 43.9 · People with severe disabilities receiving disability benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.309-0.4310.309▲ Improved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: -0.431 · world median 0.309 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.6); higher = more appointments on merit. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.442 to 3.584; higher is better.
Position 128th of 176 · derived.
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.40316.126.403No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 16.12 · world median 6.403 · Firms saying firms like theirs pay officials informally to get things done (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 55.03; lower is better.
Position 48th of 178 · derived, 1st = worst.
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 1.179-0.1341.179No real change since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: -0.134 · world median 1.179 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.1); higher = broader taxation. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -1.716 to 3.135; higher is better.
Position 142nd of 176 · derived.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.093-0.939-0.093▼ Worsened since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: -0.939 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.
Position 178th of 209 · derived.
GovTech Maturity IndexWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 0.630.1870.63No real change since 2022
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.187 · world median 0.63 · GTMI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.01 to 0.997; higher is better.
Position 175th of 196 · derived.
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · world median 2.250.52.25No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.5 · world median 2.25 · Regulatory governance score (0–5, where 5 is the most transparent rule-making). World Bank Group, 2018 edition, data for 2018.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; higher is better.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1918.3740.19▼ Worsened since 2022
São Tomé and Príncipe: 18.37 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.
Ranked 180th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
No better end5
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.79510.516.795No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 10.51 · world median 6.795 · Senior management time spent dealing with government regulation (% of a typical week). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 31.33.
Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 7.97510.487.975Moved since 2012
São Tomé and Príncipe: 10.48 · world median 7.975 · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0.977 to 42.65.
Position 50th of 168 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0117.3415.01No earlier reading
São Tomé and Príncipe: 17.34 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 61st of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · world median 0.6080.4490.608Moved since 2013
São Tomé and Príncipe: 0.449 · world median 0.608 · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence). Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 0.974.
General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2110.316.21Moved since 2015
São Tomé and Príncipe: 10.3 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.
Position 111th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for São Tomé and Príncipe
Agriculture Orientation Index (last 2023), Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Foundational ID Ownership, Government Funding per Primary Student (last 2014), Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons, Open Data Inventory, State Capacity Index and Trade Union Density. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Governance & Institutions among São Tomé and Príncipe’s 15 topics
Governance & Institutions is São Tomé and Príncipe’s 8th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Environment & Sustainability2nd of 1863/4 keys
- Peace & Security37th of 1773/4 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 59th of 1933/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 62nd of 1984/4 keys
- Gender & Equality61st of 1833/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeingjoint 110th of 2003/4 keys
- Education & Knowledgejoint 114th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 127th of 1944/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture121st of 1843/4 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 136th of 1963/3 keys
- Poverty & Inequalityjoint 125th of 1593/3 keys
- Economy & Innovation149th of 1762/4 keys
- Work & Labour165th of 1824/4 keys
- Digital & Technology181st of 1983/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade174th of 1772/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on governance & institutions
The three countries placed highest of 194, and the leaders São Tomé and Príncipe can most readily be measured against.
1
DenmarkNorthern Europe
1st of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
New ZealandAustralia and New Zealand
2nd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Karora derivative work: Inkey · Public domain, greyscale
3
SwedenNorthern Europe
3rd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: User:Pieter Kuiper · Public domain, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Africa
Seychelles38th4/4 keysHighest in Middle Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe=127th4/4 keys
Positions out of 194 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about São Tomé and Príncipe and governance & institutions
08Questions
São Tomé and Príncipe on governance & institutions: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does São Tomé and Príncipe rank on governance & institutions?
São Tomé and Príncipe is placed joint 127th of 194 countries on Governance & Institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Government Effectiveness, Statistical Performance Indicators, Corruption Perceptions Index and Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Government Effectiveness figure for São Tomé and Príncipe?
-0.766 in 2025 (governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 0.101.
What is the latest Statistical Performance Indicators figure for São Tomé and Príncipe?
52.97 in 2024 (sPI overall score (0–100)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 69.3.
How have São Tomé and Príncipe’s governance & institutions figures changed?
Government Effectiveness rose from -0.847 in 2000 to -0.766 in 2025; Statistical Performance Indicators rose from 45.59 in 2016 to 52.97 in 2024; Corruption Perceptions Index rose from 42 in 2012 to 45 in 2025; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index fell from 0.738 in 2000 to 0.725 in 2025.
Which governance & institutions statistics are missing for São Tomé and Príncipe?
No current reading is published for São Tomé and Príncipe on Agriculture Orientation Index, Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Foundational ID Ownership, Government Funding per Primary Student, Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons, Open Data Inventory, State Capacity Index and Trade Union Density. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Governance is not democracy. Free elections, civil liberties and press freedom belong to the Democracy & Civil Liberties topic, and a country can place well on one and poorly on the other. How openly official data is published sits here as context, beside the statistical capacity that is a key. Nor does this topic measure the size of government or how much it spends — the share of the economy run by the state is published on this page as context, with no better end.
How the Governance & Institutions standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The governance & institutions method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Government Effectiveness — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Statistical Performance Indicators — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Corruption Perceptions Index — Transparency International, CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)
- Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index — V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0
The other 35 statistics on this page come from 9 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
São Tomé and Príncipe’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Denmark — User:Aconcagua, CC BY-SA 3.0
- New Zealand — Karora derivative work: Inkey, Public domain
- Sweden — User:Pieter Kuiper, Public domain
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). São Tomé and Príncipe: Governance & Institutions — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/sao-tome-and-principe/governance