Sao Tome and Principe: Property rights

The latest value from 2026 is 55 points, an increase from 53 points in 2025. In comparison, the world average is 52 points, based on data from 182 countries. Historically, the average for Sao Tome and Principe from 2009 to 2026 is 37 points. The minimum value, 20 points, was reached in 2013 while the maximum of 55 points was recorded in 2026. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The property rights index for Sao Tome and Principe from The Heritage Foundation reflects the ability of individuals to accumulate private property, secured by clear laws that are fully enforced by the state. It also measures the likelihood of expropriation in Sao Tome and Principe as well as the extent of corruption in the judiciary and the enforcement of contracts.

Definition: The property rights index measures the degree to which a country’s laws protect private property rights and the degree to which its government enforces those laws. It also assesses the likelihood that private property will be expropriated and analyzes the independence of the judiciary, the existence of corruption within the judiciary, and the ability of individuals and businesses to enforce contracts. Higher index values denote more certain legal protection of property.