São Tomé and Príncipe vs Brazil
São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of 210K, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 1018.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 2658.7 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 8833.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 6.1 years higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 69.7 years.
| Population | -99.9%210K | +101719.6%213.4M |
| Area | -100.0%964 km² | +883278.3%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -100.0%$822M | +265765.0%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -66.1%$3,490.569 | +195.4%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.1%69.7 yrs | +8.8%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -24.8%9.4 | +33.0%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +53.0%9.1% | -34.6%6.0% |
| Capital | São Tomé | Brasília |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Portuguese | Portuguese |
| Currencies | STN (Db) | BRL (R$) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 1018.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe, with 213.4M residents compared to 210K. São Tomé and Príncipe is a nation of 210K people, while Brazil 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 Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While São Tomé and Príncipe has grown at 1.80% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 2658.7 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 3.0 times wealthier than those in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.7 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 6.1 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while São Tomé and Príncipe (69.7 years) is 2.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 33% higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 9.4.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 8833.8 times larger by land area than São Tomé and Príncipe (964 km²). São Tomé and Príncipe shares borders with 0 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. São Tomé and Príncipe lies in Africa, while Brazil is located in South America. São Tomé and Príncipe is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil is in land area: São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil is in GDP: São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil is in population: São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 100% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between São Tomé and Príncipe's lower-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 3.0x that of São Tomé and Príncipe ($3,490.569). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
São Tomé and Príncipe is 8.7x more densely populated than Brazil (217 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 6.1 years longer than those of São Tomé and Príncipe (75.8 vs 69.7 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil 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 Brazil for Budget Travelers
São Tomé and Príncipe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,490.569 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in São Tomé and Príncipe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. São Tomé and Príncipe 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of São Tomé and Príncipe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while São Tomé and Príncipe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in São Tomé and Príncipe can approach or exceed average costs in Brazil's smaller cities.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. São Tomé and Príncipe'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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K. Brazil is 1018.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe.
Which country has a higher GDP, São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M. Brazil's economy is 2658.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 69.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.1 years. São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy is 2.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Brazil is 8833.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe.
What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil?
São Tomé and Príncipe recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil?
Brazil has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 14.4%. Brazil's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while São Tomé and Príncipe's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.1 times the global median.
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have fami...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil cheaper to visit?
São Tomé and Príncipe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,490.569 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in São Tomé and Príncipe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Bra...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. São Tomé and Príncipe 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 Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of São Tomé and Príncipe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while São Tomé and Príncipe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of l...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. São Tomé and Príncipe's lower cost of living makes ...