São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra flag

São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra

Dobra

Currency Code

STN

ISO 930

Symbol

STN

Native: Db

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

ST

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: dobra

Symbol: Db

Minor Unit

Name: cêntimo

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

Db5Db10Db20Db50Db100Db200

Coins

Frequently Used

10 cêntimos20 cêntimos50 cêntimosDb1Db2

Plural Forms

English Plural

São Tomé and Príncipe dobras

Native Plural

Dobras

Overview

The São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra is the currency of São Tomé and Príncipe, managed by the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe. The currency was redenominated in 2018 and the economy relies heavily on cocoa production and foreign aid.

Economy

  • São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of AU, CPLP, ECCAS.
  • Main industries include: Light construction, Textiles, Soap, Beer, Fish processing, Timber.
  • São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are machinery, electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products.
  • Major exports include cocoa, copra, coffee, palm oil.
  • GDP: $0.5 billion (2023 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $2,292 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 13.7% (2014 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 18.2% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: Germany, Portugal, Angola, Belgium, Turkey, Poland.
  • Trade agreements: EU Economic Partnership Agreement, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Old dobra (STD), Portuguese escudo.
  • The current dobra (STN) was introduced in 2018, replacing the old dobra (STD) at a rate of 1000:1. The dobra has been the country's currency since independence.
  • 1975: First dobra introduced after independence
  • 1997: Redenomination (1000:1)
  • 2009: Pegged to euro briefly
  • 2018: Second redenomination, STN introduced (1000:1)
  • 2020: COVID-19 pandemic impact
  • Exchange rate peg: EUR (2009-2015).
  • Exchange rate peg: Free floating (2015-present).

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: STN
  • Symbols: STN/Db
  • Currency Subunits: 100 cêntimos
  • Central Bank: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Monetary Policy: Managed floating exchange rate. Focus on price stability in small island developing economy heavily dependent on imports.
  • Bills: 5 STN, 10 STN, 20 STN, 50 STN, 100 STN, 200 STN
  • Coins: 10 cêntimos, 20 cêntimos, 50 cêntimos, 1 dobra, 2 dobras
  • USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 23-24 STN per USD)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: São Tomé
  • Population: 227,679 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 964 km²
  • Languages: Portuguese (official), Forro, Cabo Verdian, French, Angolar, English
  • Time Zones: UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
  • Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
  • Head of Government: President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government)
  • Independence: July 12, 1975 (from Portugal)
  • Ethnic Groups: Mixed 69.5%, Black 28.8%, White 1.6%
  • Religions: Catholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, New Apostolic 2.9%, Mana 2.3%, Universal Kingdom of God 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.2%, Other 6.2%, None 21.2%, Unspecified 1%
  • Literacy Rate: 92.8% (2018 est.)
  • Transport: São Tomé International Airport, limited road network, port facilities
  • Communications: Basic telecommunications, 33% internet penetration, mobile coverage
  • Energy: Hydroelectric 59%, Fossil fuels 41%
  • Countries Using This Currency: São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe (bcstp.st), Economic Data: National Institute of Statistics São Tomé and Príncipe, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Customs Service São Tomé and Príncipe, Demographic Data: National Institute of Statistics São Tomé and Príncipe, Geographic Data: National Meteorological Service, Historical Data: Central Bank archives
  • Last Updated: 2025