Legal information, not legal advice. Every jurisdiction page carries its verification status and sources.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Civil law (Portuguese tradition)Unitary semi-presidential republicIndexed· 2026-08-03
Capital
São Tomé
Population
230,000
Languages
Portuguese
Currency
STN

São Tomé and Príncipe · Government

Government and administration in São Tomé and Príncipe

How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.

The three branches

Head of State — President of the Republic
Five-year term, renewable once; may veto legislation.
Executive — Prime Minister and Government
Accountable to the National Assembly.
Legislative — National Assembly
Unicameral, 55 members.
Regional — Autonomous Region of Príncipe
Regional government and assembly.

How legislation is made

Bills are debated and voted by the National Assembly and sent to the President for promulgation; the President may veto, returning the text with a message.

Enforcement institutions

National Police
Civilian policing.
Public Prosecution Service
Ministério Público directs criminal investigation.
Court of Auditors
Audits public accounts.

Government bodies and regulators

Found something out of date on São Tomé and Príncipe · Government?

Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.

Report a correction