Moving to Sao Tome and Principe from Swaziland

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What to Expect

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

If you moved from Swaziland to Sao Tome and Principe, and you’d need to navigate life in Portuguese. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Key Indicator Comparison

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

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

SZ
12.7
ST
3.2
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

SZ
24.7
ST
11.7

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

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

SZ
$922
ST
$355
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

SZ
15.9
ST
4.9

Sao Tome and Principe generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Swaziland leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

SZ
66.0
ST
85.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

SZ
0.9t
ST
0.6t

Swaziland 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

SZ
2.3
ST
2.0
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

SZ
77.6%
ST
1.9%

Swaziland generally does better on infrastructure, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

SZ
37.6%
ST
14.2%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

SZ
$10,600
ST
$5,500

Swaziland 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

SZ
59.7 yrs
ST
67.1 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

SZ
39.6
ST
44.4

Swaziland generally does better on family life, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in life expectancy.

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

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Swaziland 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.

Swaziland passport

Swaziland passport holder visiting Sao Tome and Principe

Visa Online (e-Visa)
Swaziland 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 Swaziland

Visa Required
Sao Tome and Principe passport holders need a visa to enter Swaziland.

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 Swaziland across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Sao Tome and Principe is 3.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 12.7 in Swaziland.

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

Sao Tome and Principe generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Swaziland leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 4.9 doctors per 10,000 people in Sao Tome and Principe, compared to 15.9 in Swaziland. Sao Tome and Principe scores 59 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Swaziland: 56).

What language do they speak in Sao Tome and Principe?

The official language in Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese. In Swaziland, the official languages are English and Swazi.

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At a Glance

SZ ST
Population 1,121,761 217,164
Currency Swazi Lilangeni (SZL) São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD)
Languages English, Swazi Portuguese
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +268 +239
Time zones 1 1