São Tomé and Príncipe is not rated by the RSF index; Freedom House classifies it as Free with a total score of 84/100.
2023 Press Freedom Scorecard
Overall score and global position
São Tomé and Príncipe is not currently rated by Reporters Without Borders. The closest available press-freedom indicator is the V-Dem Freedom of Expression index, which scores São Tomé and Príncipe at 0.79 out of 1.0 for 2025 — a comparative signal drawn from the Varieties of Democracy academic dataset. Of the 25 Freedom House indicators, São Tomé and Príncipe earns 12 at the maximum 4/4 and 0 at 0/4; its strongest category is Political Pluralism (15/16) and its weakest is Personal Autonomy (11/16).
Composite index comparison
Elections, political pluralism, government functioning.
Freedom of expression, association, rule of law, personal autonomy.
Academic press-freedom index from the Varieties of Democracy project (0–1 rescaled to 0–100).
Democratic Rights & Civil Liberties
Freedom status explained
Freedom House classifies São Tomé and Príncipe as Free with a 2024 aggregate score of 84/100 — meaning national institutions reliably protect political rights and civil liberties.
Within Freedom House's Africa region (56 countries), São Tomé and Príncipe ranks #3 on the latest aggregate score — the 96th percentile. The region leaders are Cape Verde, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Political Rights vs Civil Liberties
Rating 2 of 7 (1 = best)
Rating 2 of 7 (1 = best)
Political rights are rated noticeably higher than civil liberties — the formal political framework is more open than the day-to-day environment for expression, association, and personal autonomy.
Twelve-year Freedom House trend
Between 2013 and 2024, Freedom House moved São Tomé and Príncipe from Free (Free, 81/100) to Free (Free, 84/100).
Indicator trajectory (A–G over 12 years)
Of the 25 Freedom House indicators tracked for São Tomé and Príncipe, 3 moved at least one point across the available Freedom House history. The eight with the largest absolute change appear below.
| Code | Indicator | Earliest | Latest | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B4 | Minority political rights | 3/4 (2013) | 4/4 (2024) | ▲ +1 |
| E2 | NGO freedom | 3/4 (2013) | 4/4 (2024) | ▲ +1 |
| G1 | Freedom of movement | 3/4 (2013) | 4/4 (2024) | ▲ +1 |
Latest A–G indicator scorecard
Electoral Process
PR
-
A1Free and fair head-of-government elections
4/4
-
A2Free and fair legislative elections
4/4
-
A3Electoral laws and framework
3/4
Political Pluralism & Participation
PR
-
B1Right to organise in political parties
4/4
-
B2Opposition can realistically gain power
4/4
-
B3Free political choice without domination
3/4
-
B4Political rights of minorities
4/4
Functioning of Government
PR
-
C1Elected officials determine government policy
4/4
-
C2Safeguards against corruption
2/4
-
C3Transparency of government
3/4
Freedom of Expression & Belief
CL
-
D1Free and independent media
3/4
-
D2Freedom of religious expression
4/4
-
D3Academic freedom
4/4
-
D4Free private discussion
4/4
Associational & Organisational Rights
CL
-
E1Freedom of assembly
4/4
-
E2Freedom for NGOs
4/4
-
E3Free trade unions
3/4
Rule of Law
CL
-
F1Independent judiciary
3/4
-
F2Due process in civil and criminal matters
3/4
-
F3Protection from illegitimate force
3/4
-
F4Equal treatment under the law
3/4
Personal Autonomy & Individual Rights
CL
-
G1Freedom of movement
4/4
-
G2Property rights
3/4
-
G3Personal social freedoms
2/4
-
G4Equality of opportunity
2/4
Each indicator is scored 0–4 by Freedom House analysts; category subtotals combine into the Political Rights (A + B + C = 0–40) and Civil Liberties (D + E + F + G = 0–60) aggregates shown above. 2024 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Freedom House indicator moved most in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Indicator B4 (Minority political rights) changed by +1 points, moving from 3/4 to 4/4 across the available history — the biggest indicator-level movement of the 25 Freedom House sub-scores for São Tomé and Príncipe.
How does São Tomé and Príncipe rank within its Freedom House region?
São Tomé and Príncipe holds position #3 of 56 in the Africa region on the latest Freedom House aggregate score. The region's top country is Cape Verde (92/100).