Overview of São Tomé and Príncipe

Profile

An equatorial paradise with rich tropical rainforests, majestic volcanic mountains, and beaches with mixed black and white sand. The Creole culture is deeply infused with Portuguese colonial influence and African traditions, and the islands are renowned for their fragrant cacao and coffee production. Though the economy is small-scale, recent expectations focus on ecotourism and offshore oil development. Security is relatively stable, and the people are gentle and hospitable.

Official name: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
Common name: São Tomé and Príncipe
Numeric code: 678
Alpha-3 code: STP
Alpha-2 code: ST
Population: approximately 231,000 (2023)
Population density: approximately 240 people/km²
Primary languages: Portuguese
Major religions: Christianity (predominantly Catholic)
National anthem: Independência Total
Calling code: +239
Internet TLD: .st

History

Portuguese discovered the uninhabited islands in the 15th century and colonized them, producing sugar and cacao through slave labor before gaining independence in 1975.

Following Portuguese arrival in 1471, the islands became a node for Atlantic slave trade and plantation economy. After the decline of sugar industry, they shifted to coffee and cacao, becoming the world's largest cacao exporter in the early 20th century. The 1974 democratization of Portugal enabled independence, and the republic was born on July 12, 1975. Initially following one-party socialist policies, it transitioned to a multi-party system in 1990, and now conducts relatively peaceful elections under a semi-presidential system. Recent initiatives promote joint offshore oil field development with Nigeria and tourism diversification.

Geography & climate

Steep volcanic peaks and deep gorges, with black sand coves and mangroves along coastlines, and pristine tropical rainforest inland.

Tropical rainforest climate on the equator

Area: Africa / 964 km²
Capital: São Tomé
Largest city: São Tomé
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

cacao, coffee, palm, fishery resources, potential crude oil deposits, freshwater streams, timber, volcanic fertile soil, tourism resources, biodiversity

Politics

Government: Republic, Semi-presidential system

Economy

Currency: Dobra (STN)

GDP (nominal): 0.53 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 1.04 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Portuguese

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Forro, Angolares, Servicais, Cabo Verdean, Mulattos, small Portuguese minority

Life expectancy

69.5 years (2021 estimate)

Literacy rate

92.8% (2018)

National sports

football/soccer, athletics, basketball, futsal, canoeing, beach volleyball