On 13 December, Sao Tome and Principe became the eighth country to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category. There are now 44 countries remaining on the list of LDCs.

Sao Tome and Principe was recommended for graduation from the LDC category by the CDP at the 2018 triennial review, having met the graduation thresholds for the Human Assets Index (HAI) and income (GNI per capita) in 2015 and 2018. The CDP recommendation was approved by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN General Assembly in 2018. The country was granted, on an exceptional basis, a preparatory period of six years to align its transition strategy with its national development plan.

More information:
Sao Tome and Principe Profile
List of LDCs
LDCs at a glance
LDC Portal - Sao Tome and Principe
Link to the Press release on OHRLLS