São Tomé and PríncipeNigeria
São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of 210K, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 1067.7 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 306.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 958.3 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe stands at 69.7 years, 15.3 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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São Tomé and Príncipe wins
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Nigeria wins
Metric
São Tomé and PríncipeNigeria| Population | 210K | 223.8M |
| Area | 964 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $822M | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,490.569 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 69.7 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 9.4 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 9.1% | 3.1% |
| Capital | São Tomé | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English |
| Currencies | STN (Db) | NGN (₦) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 1067.7 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe, with 223.8M residents compared to 210K. São Tomé and Príncipe is a nation of 210K people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, São Tomé and Príncipe averages 217 people per km² (dense), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While São Tomé and Príncipe has grown at 1.80% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 306.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita of $3,490.569 is 59% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of São Tomé and Príncipe are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.7 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 15.3 years. São Tomé and Príncipe (69.7 years) is 2.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 539% higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 9.4.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 958.3 times larger by land area than São Tomé and Príncipe (964 km²). São Tomé and Príncipe shares borders with 0 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria is in population: São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria is in land area: São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria is in GDP: São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 100% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between São Tomé and Príncipe's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
São Tomé and Príncipe has a GDP per capita of $3,490.569, which is 3.2x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in São Tomé and Príncipe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 1.1x more densely populated than São Tomé and Príncipe (242 vs 217 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. São Tomé and Príncipe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe live an average of 15.3 years longer than those of Nigeria (69.7 vs 54.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though São Tomé and Príncipe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé and Príncipe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria for Retirees
São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy of 69.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria Cost of Living
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in São Tomé and Príncipe's smaller cities.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K. Nigeria is 1067.7 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe.
Which country has a higher GDP, São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M. Nigeria's economy is 306.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria?
São Tomé and Príncipe has a higher life expectancy at 69.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.3 years. São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy is 2.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Nigeria is 958.3 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe.
What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria?
São Tomé and Príncipe recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria?
São Tomé and Príncipe has lower inflation at 14.4%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. São Tomé and Príncipe's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 4.1 times the global median, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have fam...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé and Prín...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria better for retirement?
São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy of 69.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractiv...
Population Growth
São Tomé and Príncipe, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023