São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island country in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. It has two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, and a population of about 201,800 people. The islands were first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1470 and later became important for growing sugar, coffee, and cocoa.

The islands were once part of the Atlantic slave trade, and their rich soil helped them become a center for farming. After many years of change, São Tomé and Príncipe became independent in 1975. Today, it is known for being stable and democratic.

Most people in São Tomé and Príncipe have African and mixed European-African ancestry and practice Christianity. The country's culture mixes European and African traditions, showing its history under Portuguese rule. São Tomé and Príncipe is also a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.

History

Main article: History of São Tomé and Príncipe

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were formed about 30 million years ago from volcanic activity underwater along the Cameroon Line. Over time, water and eruptions created many different types of rocks and minerals on the islands.

Arrival of Europeans

The islands were empty when Portuguese explorers arrived on December 21, 1470. The first Europeans to land were João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar. They thought the islands would be good places for trading with nearby lands.

São Tomé was first settled in 1493 by Álvaro Caminha, who was given the land by the king. Príncipe was settled in 1500. At first, it was hard to find people to live there, so many early settlers were people sent from Portugal who had been in trouble. Some were Sephardic Jews. About 2,000 Jewish children were brought from Spain and Portugal to work on sugar farms. The volcanic soil was perfect for growing sugar.

Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe

Main article: Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe

By 1515, São Tomé and Príncipe became places where ships could stop to pick up or drop off people on their way across the ocean.

Growing sugar needed a lot of workers, so many Africans were brought from nearby lands and forced to work on the farms. In the beginning, sugar farms were not very valuable, and life was a bit easier for the workers. But as sugar became more important, life got much harder for them.

In the 1500s, sugar farms began to grow a lot, and São Tomé became one of the main places for growing sugar in Africa. Many enslaved people were brought from places like the Slave Coast of West Africa, the Niger Delta, and later from Kongo and Angola. Between 1519 and 1540, São Tomé was a main center for trading people across the ocean. From 1532 to 1536, about 342 people each year were sent to the Antilles. Before 1580, most of the people Portugal sent to Brazil were from São Tomé. The trade in people stayed very important for São Tomé’s economy until after 1600.

Even though some mixed-race people were allowed to take part in government, there were often fights and arguments among leaders.

Economic development in the 16th century

São Tomé grew a lot after a machine that used water to make sugar was introduced in 1515. This led to many more sugar farms being built. Sugar farms used forced labor, and by the middle of the 16th century, Portuguese settlers had made the islands a top place for growing sugar in Africa.

People forced to work on the farms came from many places in Africa. In 1510, between 10,000 and 12,000 people were brought in by Portugal. In 1516, 4,072 people were brought to São Tomé to be sent elsewhere. From 1519 to 1540, the island was a main center for this trade between Elmina and the Niger Delta. From 1525 to the mid-1500s, São Tomé traded people with Angola and the Kingdom of Kongo. In 1525, São Tomé began sending people to places like the Caribbean and Brazil. From 1532 to 1536, São Tomé sent about 342 people each year to the Antilles. Before 1580, the island was responsible for 75 percent of the people Portugal sent to Brazil, mostly to work on farms. The trade in people stayed a big part of São Tomé’s economy until after 1600.

Even though some mixed-race people were allowed to take part in government, there were often fights among leaders.

At first, conditions for enslaved people were less strict. In the middle of the 16th century, a Portuguese sailor noted that enslaved people worked in couples, built their own homes, and had one day a week to grow their own food. But this easier time didn’t last long after farms became bigger. Many enslaved people ran away to hide in the difficult mountain forests of the island’s center. Between 1514 and 1527, about five percent of enslaved people who came to São Tomé ran away, often with little food. From 1531 to 1535, there were big food shortages even on the farms. Eventually, groups of people who had run away created hidden settlements in the interior known as macambos.

Slave rebellions

The first signs of resistance began in the 1530s when groups of runaways started attacking farms, and some farms were left empty. In 1531, local leaders complained that too many settlers and mixed-race people were being hurt in these attacks, and they said the island would be lost if the problem wasn’t fixed. In 1533, a ‘bush war’ happened where militia units tried to catch the runaways. A big moment happened in 1549 when two men who said they were born free were taken from the macambos by a wealthy mixed-race woman named Ana de Chaves. With her help, they asked the king to be declared free, and he agreed. The largest group of runaways happened during the sugar boom in the mid-1500s when farms were full of enslaved people. Between 1587 and 1590, many runaways were caught in another bush war. By 1593, the leader said the groups of runaways were almost gone. But their numbers kept settlers away from the southern and western parts of the island.

The biggest rebellion happened in July 1595 when the government was weak because of fights between the bishop and the governor. A person named Amador gathered 5,000 enslaved people to attack and destroy farms, sugar mills, and homes of settlers. Amador’s group attacked the town three times and destroyed 60 of the island’s 85 sugar mills, but they were stopped by militia after three weeks. About 200 people were hurt in the fighting, and Amador and the other leaders were killed. The rest were allowed to go back to the farms.

Smaller rebellions happened in the 17th and 18th centuries.

18th, 19th and 20th centuries

Over time, competition from other places that grew sugar began to hurt São Tomé. It also became hard to control the large number of enslaved people, and Portugal didn’t want to spend much to keep them under control.^{[citation needed]} So, sugar farming slowly stopped, and by the mid-17th century, São Tomé became mostly a place for ships to stop on their way across the ocean.^{[citation needed]}

In the early 1800s, two new crops, coffee and cocoa, were introduced.^: 2  By 1905, São Tomé had become the world’s biggest grower of cocoa, which is still the most important crop today.

Even though Portugal said it ended slavery in 1876, workers were still forced to work for little or no pay. In 1897, a magazine called Scientific American showed pictures and stories about this.

In 1919, scientists visited Príncipe to study a special event when the sun’s light passed through the moon. Their work helped prove a theory by a famous scientist named Albert Einstein.

In the early 1900s, there were problems with workers being treated badly and not being paid fairly. In 1953, fights broke out where many workers were hurt in a clash with their rulers. The day this happened is remembered each year by the government.

Independence

In the late 1950s, as other African countries were becoming independent, a group of people from São Tomé formed the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP), which later based itself in nearby Gabon. Things moved quickly after Portugal changed its government in April 1974.

The new leaders in Portugal agreed to let go of their faraway lands. In November 1974, they met with the MLSTP in Algiers and made an agreement. After some time with a mixed government, São Tomé and Príncipe became independent on July 12, 1975, and Manuel Pinto da Costa became the first president.

In 1990, São Tomé became one of the first African countries to change its government to a democratic system, and new laws allowed people to form opposition parties. Elections in 1991 were peaceful and fair. Miguel Trovoada, a former leader who had been away since 1986, came back and was elected president. He was elected again in 1996.

The Party of Democratic Convergence won most seats in the National Assembly, with the MLSTP becoming an important group with many voices. Local elections followed in late 1992, where the MLSTP won most seats on five of seven local councils. In early elections in October 1994, the MLSTP won the most seats in the assembly. It won an outright majority in the November 1998 elections.

21st century

In the 2001 presidential elections, the candidate supported by the Independent Democratic Action party, Fradique de Menezes, was elected in the first round and began his term on September 3. Parliamentary elections were held in March 2002. For the next four years, many different opposition-led governments were formed.^{[citation needed]}

In July 2003, the army took control of the government for one week, saying they were unhappy with corruption and how oil money would be shared. An agreement was made, and President de Menezes was returned to office. In March 2006, a new group won enough seats in elections to form a new government.

In the July 30, 2006 presidential election, Fradique de Menezes was easily elected for a second five-year term, beating two other candidates, Patrice Trovoada (son of former president Miguel Trovoada) and independent Nilo Guimarães. Local elections, the first since 1992, were held on August 27, 2006 and were mostly won by members of the ruling group. On February 12, 2009, there was an attempt to remove President Fradique de Menezes from power. The people who tried were put in prison, but later were forgiven by President de Menezes.

Evaristo Carvalho became the President of São Tomé and Príncipe in the 2016 elections, after winning against the current President Manuel Pinto da Costa. President Carvalho is also vice president of the Independent Democratic Action party (ADI). Patrice Emery Trovoada became prime minister in 2014; he is also the leader of the Independent Democratic Action party (ADI). In December 2018, Jorge Bom Jesus, the leader of the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD), became the new prime minister.

In September 2021, the candidate from the center-right opposition Independent Democratic Action (ADI), Carlos Vila Nova, won the presidential election.

In September 2022, the opposition Independent Democratic Action (ADI), led by former prime minister Patrice Trovoada, won the election against the ruling Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD) of Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus. In November of the same year, the government and military stopped an attempted coup d'état, after Patrice Trovoada was named prime minister by Carlos Vila Nova. Ilza Amado Vaz briefly served as Trovoada’s successor from January 9, 2025 until Américo Ramos was appointed on January 12.

Geography

Main article: Geography of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island country in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Africa. It has two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, which are part of a volcanic mountain line. São Tomé is larger and more mountainous, with its highest point reaching over 2,000 meters. Príncipe is smaller, with its highest point at about 950 meters.

The weather there is warm and wet, with a rainy season from October to May. The islands are home to many special plants and animals, including some birds and turtles that live only on these islands. In 2025, the whole country was recognized for its important natural areas.

Main article: Wildlife of São Tomé and Príncipe

Politics

Main articles: Politics of São Tomé and Príncipe and Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe

The president of São Tomé and Príncipe is chosen by voters for a five-year term and can serve up to two terms in a row. The president picks the prime minister, who then selects 14 members for the cabinet.

The National Assembly is the main law-making group and has 55 members who are elected for four years. The highest court is the Supreme Court, and the courts work independently.

São Tomé and Príncipe has many political parties and allows free speech and opposition parties. The country is considered free with strong rights for people to speak and take part in politics.

Foreign relations

Further information: Foreign relations of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has embassies in several countries, including Angola, Belgium, Gabon, Portugal, and the United States. It recognized the People's Republic of China in 2016 and has a mission at the United Nations in New York City. It is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, a group of nations where Portuguese is spoken.

The closest ties are with Portugal and Angola. Portugal is the biggest investor and helps with education and security. Angola supplies oil and natural gas and many tourists visit from there.

Portugal

Main article: Portugal–São Tomé and Príncipe relations

Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe have long-standing ties from history. Portugal invests heavily and helps with education, including building the Public University of São Tomé and Príncipe. They also work together on coastal security and defense.

Angola

Angola is a major business partner, especially for oil and natural gas. Many Angolan tourists visit São Tomé and Príncipe each year.

United States

The United States has supported São Tomé and Príncipe since 1975 with financial aid to build infrastructure and improve government services. The Voice of America has a broadcasting station there, and there have been plans for military training and a small base, though some plans changed over time.

Others

Thousands of tourists from Cape Verde visit each year. Brazil helps with health and education. Neighboring countries like Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo have businesses there. French is also important in business along with Portuguese. China has invested in roads and seaports but these projects have slowed down.

Military

Further information: Military of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has a small military with four parts: the Army, Coast Guard, Presidential Guard, and National Guard. In 2017, the country signed a United Nations treaty against nuclear weapons.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Districts of São Tomé and Príncipe and Autonomous Region of Príncipe

The country has six districts on São Tomé Island and one on Príncipe Island, which is an autonomous region.

São Tomé Island

• Água Grande
• Cantagalo
• Caué
• Lembá
• Lobata
• Mé-Zóchi

Príncipe Island

• Pagué

Economy

Main article: Economy of São Tomé and Príncipe

See also: Climate finance in São Tomé and Príncipe

Agriculture

See also: Cocoa production in São Tomé and Príncipe

Since the 1800s, São Tomé and Príncipe has relied on farming on large estates. At first, these farms were owned by people from Portugal. After the country became independent, the farms were taken over by the government. The most important crop is cocoa, which makes up about half of the things the country sells to other countries. Long ago, São Tomé and Príncipe was the biggest seller of cocoa in the world and was called the "Chocolate Islands". Other crops sold to other countries include copra, palm kernels, and coffee.

The country does not grow enough food to feed everyone, so it buys most of its food from other places. The government has been trying to grow more food, with help from other countries.

Besides farming, people in São Tomé and Príncipe also catch fish and make a few goods from local crops. The beautiful islands could attract many visitors, and the government is working to improve facilities for tourists. The government provides jobs for about one in ten workers.

Government measures

In the 1980s and 1990s, São Tomé and Príncipe had big money problems. The value of cocoa dropped, and the government took over farms, which stopped cocoa production. To fix these problems, the government made big changes. They asked for help from the International Monetary Fund and let more private businesses help run things. They also sold some government-run farms and factories to private buyers.

The government gets help from many places, like the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, Portugal, Taiwan, and the African Development Bank. In 2000, they got help to reduce prices and improve the economy. Later, they were allowed to reduce their debts, but this is being checked again after some problems.

Economic challenges

In recent years, the economy has grown because of farming, tourism, and money from other countries, but mostly because the government spent more money borrowed from others. The economy grew by about 5.5% each year from 2009 to 2017 but slowed down after 2014 because the government could not borrow as much money and collected less taxes.

The biggest problems for São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy are not having enough workers, being islands with small markets, changes in weather, and poverty.

Positive aspects

São Tomé and Príncipe does better than most countries in Africa in terms of health and education. All children go to school, people live longer, fewer babies die, and most people have clean water and electricity.

The government has made laws to help people start businesses and attract money from other countries. Since 2015, there have been more businesses, which has helped reduce unemployment and increase exports.

Tourism

Tourism could help the country grow. More foreign money is coming in, and big resorts are being built on the beaches.

Transport

The main ports are in São Tomé and Neves, and they were improved in 2014. The international airport was also expanded. The telephone system and roads are good, and many people use cell phones. The Internet is available in cities.

Petroleum exploration

In 2001, São Tomé and Nigeria agreed to look for oil together. In 2003, they opened an area for oil companies to bid on, and some big companies won the first bid.

Banking

The Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe controls money and watches over banks. There are six banks, and the biggest one is owned by Portugal’s government.

Business partners

In 2018, São Tomé and Príncipe sold goods worth 24 million euros to other countries, half of which was cocoa. Other things sold include electrical machines, airplane parts, cars, iron, plastics, and farm products.

Most of these goods go to Europe, especially the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, France, and Germany. Other buyers include Singapore, Japan, Brazil, and the United States.

In 2018, the country bought goods worth 161 million dollars from other countries. Most of these come from Portugal, Angola, China, the United States, Brazil, Gabon, and France. The biggest things bought are refined oil, cars, rice, cereals, wine, electronic equipment, chemicals, clothing, meat, medical equipment, and wood.

São Tomé and Príncipe buys many machines, like electric generators and computers, and food, like wine, wheat, rice, milk, and soy oil, from Portugal. They also buy cars, soap, and iron from Portugal. Portugal mainly buys scrap material, copper, cocoa, and clothing from São Tomé and Príncipe.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of São Tomé and Príncipe

The population of São Tomé and Príncipe was about 201,800 in 2018. Most people live on the island of São Tomé, with fewer on Príncipe. The population grows by about 4,000 people each year.

People on these islands come from many places. Many are descendants of people brought from Africa by Portuguese settlers long ago. There are also groups like the Luso-Africans, who have mixed Portuguese and African ancestry, and Angolares, whose ancestors survived a shipwreck long ago. Other groups include Forros, who are descendants of freed slaves, and Serviçais, temporary workers from nearby countries.

Portuguese is the main language spoken, and most people learn it in school. There are also several local creole languages used daily. The majority of people practice Catholicism, though there are also Protestant and Muslim communities.

Education

Main article: Religion in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has high rates of reading and writing among its people. School is required for six years, but the system faces challenges like not enough classrooms and teachers who are not always well trained. The country has one main university and a few other schools for higher learning.

Culture

São Toméan culture is a mix of African and Portuguese traditions.

Media

Main article: Media of São Tomé and Príncipe

Music

Further information: Music of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Toméans enjoy rhythms like ússua and socopé, while Príncipe has the dêxa beat. Portuguese ballroom styles helped shape these rhythms and dances.

Tchiloli is a musical dance that tells a story, and danço-Congo blends music, dance, and theatre.

Literature

Main article: Literature of São Tomé and Príncipe

Further information: List of writers from São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has rich literature and poetry in Portuguese, one of the best in Lusophone Africa. Writers also use Forro Creole, English, and Caué Creole. Francisco José Tenreiro is one of the country's most important writers. Other well-known authors include Manuela Margarido, Alda Espírito Santo, Olinda Beja, and Conceição Lima.

Cuisine

Further information: Cuisine of São Tomé and Príncipe

Common foods include fish, seafood, beans, maize, bread fruit, and cooked banana. Tropical fruits like pineapple and avocado are also important. Hot spices and coffee are often used in cooking. Breakfast might be leftovers from dinner, and omelettes are a favorite.

Sports

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. The São Tomé and Príncipe national football team represents the country and is managed by the São Toméan Football Federation. The team is part of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.