Moving to Sao Tome and Principe from Djibouti

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Djibouti to Sao Tome and Principe? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Djibouti to Sao Tome and Principe, and you’d need to navigate life in Portuguese.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Sao Tome and Principe compared to Djibouti.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

DJ
23.3
ST
11.7

Sao Tome and Principe performs significantly better than Djibouti across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

DJ
$155
ST
$355
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

affects wait times and access to care

DJ
2.0
ST
4.9

Sao Tome and Principe generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Djibouti leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

DJ
59.0
ST
85.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

DJ
0.8t
ST
0.6t

Djibouti generally does better on environment, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

DJ
1.4
ST
2.0
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

DJ
6.3%
ST
1.9%

Sao Tome and Principe performs significantly better than Djibouti across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

DJ
26.3%
ST
14.2%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

DJ
$6,500
ST
$5,500

Djibouti generally does better on employment & economy, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

DJ
65.3 yrs
ST
67.1 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

DJ
46.9
ST
44.4

Sao Tome and Principe performs significantly better than Djibouti across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Djibouti and Sao Tome and Principe. To live, work, or study long-term in Sao Tome and Principe, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Sao Tome and Principe's immigration authority.

Djibouti passport

Djibouti passport holder visiting Sao Tome and Principe

Visa Online (e-Visa)
Djibouti passport holders need to apply for an e-Visa before travelling to Sao Tome and Principe.
Sao Tome and Principe passport

Sao Tome and Principe passport holder visiting Djibouti

Visa on Arrival
Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Djibouti.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Sao Tome and Principe?

Connectivity is usually fine (Sao Tome and Principe: 2.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Sao Tome and Principe offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Sao Tome and Principe safe for expats?

Sao Tome and Principe performs significantly better than Djibouti across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in Sao Tome and Principe compared to Djibouti?

Sao Tome and Principe generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Djibouti leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 4.9 doctors per 10,000 people in Sao Tome and Principe, compared to 2.0 in Djibouti. Sao Tome and Principe scores 59 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Djibouti: 44).

What language do they speak in Sao Tome and Principe?

The official language in Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese. In Djibouti, the official languages are Arabic and French.

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At a Glance

DJ ST
Population 957,273 217,164
Currency Djiboutian Franc (DJF) São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD)
Languages Arabic, French Portuguese
Driving side Right Right
Calling code +253 +239
Time zones 1 1