🇸🇹
São Tomé and Príncipe
Africa
One of Africa's smallest nations, São Tomé and Príncipe is an island country in the Gulf of Guinea, known for cocoa production and biodiversity.
240,000
Population
964
Area (km²)
São Tomé
Capital
18
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
18 Events
July 31, 2025 - IMF completes the first review under the Extended Credit Facility, noting 1.1% GDP growth in 2024 and projecting 2.5% for 2025, with emphasis on fiscal consolidation.
July 11, 2025 - July 11–August 3: Participation in the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, showcasing athletic talent internationally.
July 04, 2025 - The country expresses readiness to host an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) targeted review field mission in August, focusing on governance and development.
June 29, 2025 - The São Tomé and Príncipe Marathon, the first 100% solidarity event, raises funds for socio-sports projects.
June 27, 2025 - UNESCO hands over tools and training for protecting cultural and natural heritage from climate risks, enhancing resilience in vulnerable sites.
April 01, 2025 - April: India provides humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and six school buses, to support health and education sectors.
March 26, 2025 - A high-level roundtable on integrated national financing framework is hosted, aligning strategies with sustainable development goals and attracting international partners.
January 31, 2025 - January: Américo Ramos is appointed as the new prime minister, stabilizing the government transition.
January 13, 2025 - Prime Minister Ilza Amado Vaz resigns after just three days in office, citing unspecified reasons.
January 10, 2025 - Ilza Amado Vaz is appointed as the new prime minister, becoming the first woman in the role.
January 06, 2025 - President Carlos Vila Nova dismisses Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada and the entire government by decree, amid political tensions.
December 13, 2024 - The country graduates from least developed country (LDC) status by UN General Assembly resolution, marking progress in economic and human development but requiring sustained reforms to maintain gains.
July 19, 2024 - Thirty-six crew members are rescued after a collision between the São Tomé-flagged tanker Ceres I and Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile near Pedra Branca, Singapore; the remaining 26 from Ceres I continue firefighting efforts.
May 23, 2024 - May 23–June 5: An IMF team visits to assess economic policies, praising efforts to address inflation (down from 21.4% in 2023) and projecting 0.9% GDP growth for the year, driven by electricity generation and tourism rebound.
May 03, 2024 - African Vaccination Week is launched in the Mé-Zochi district, promoting immunization with community events and awareness campaigns.
December 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: A series of laws are passed to increase government revenue, spur renewable energy development, and ease investment dispute resolution, aiming to improve the investment climate.
August 29, 2023 - The World Bank approves a $15 million grant to restore macroeconomic stability and support recovery from recent shocks, focusing on fiscal reforms and public financial management.
August 21, 2023 - August 21–23: The government restricts protest gatherings for 15 days surrounding the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Summit in the capital, raising concerns over freedom of assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions About São Tomé and Príncipe
100 Questions
It is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa.
The capital is São Tomé.
Around 230,000 people as of 2025 estimates.
Portuguese is official; Forro, Angolar, and Principense (Creole languages) are also spoken.
Tropical, with high humidity, heavy rainfall, and warm temperatures year-round.
The dobra (STN).
Green, yellow, and black with a red triangle and two black stars.
São Tomé, Santo António, Neves, and Trindade.
On July 12, 1975, from Portugal.
Manuel Pinto da Costa.
Carlos Vila Nova (as of 2025).
Patrice Trovoada (as of 2025).
A semi-presidential democratic republic.
Forro, Angolar, Principense, Tongas, and some Europeans.
Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic), with some Protestant groups.
Around $800 million in 2025 estimates.
About $3,500.
Around 92%.
About 71 years.
Around 4.2 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and fish.
Machinery, fuel, food, and manufactured goods.
Fertile volcanic soil, fish, and possible offshore oil reserves.
It is one of Africa’s smallest countries, both in size and population.
Cocoa plantations, colonial architecture, and beaches.
The capital of Príncipe island, with historic colonial buildings.
A volcanic plug rising dramatically above the rainforest.
Pico de São Tomé (2,024 m).
Fish, plantains, cassava, bananas, breadfruit, and beans.
A national dish made with fish, vegetables, and palm oil.
Fried plantains, a common side dish.
Palm wine, coffee, sugarcane rum, and fruit juices.
Football, athletics, and basketball.
The Falcons and True Parrots Team.
Not yet.
Not yet.
Luís Leal and João Real.
Yes, but without winning medals yet.
Ússua, socopé, rumba, kizomba, and modern African pop.
A traditional dance music with Angolan roots.
Drums, guitars, maracas, and xylophones.
Colorful wraps and Western-style clothing.
They are active in farming, trade, and family care.
Around 91%.
Around 94%.
Moderate, with underemployment common.
Around 50%.
Cocoa, coffee, cassava, bananas, and palm oil.
Goats, pigs, and poultry.
Limited, with shortages of doctors and facilities.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and malnutrition.
Still relatively high, though improving.
Moderate but higher than global averages.
“Independência Total” (“Total Independence”).
“Unity, Discipline, Work.”
The parrot (especially endemic species).
The São Tomé green pigeon.
Hibiscus.
Many endemic bird species, monkeys, and marine life.
Protected rainforest reserves on São Tomé and Príncipe.
Extremely rich, with many endemic plants and birds.
Around 95%.
Around $3,500 annually.
Declining slowly.
Around 70%.
Mostly smallholder farmers and fishermen.
Hydropower, diesel, and solar.
High in hydro, solar, and geothermal.
Dependence on cocoa exports and limited diversification.
Corruption, weak institutions, and reliance on aid.
Former colonial power, still a cultural and economic partner.
Invests in possible offshore oil development.
Supports integration and development.
Provides aid and supports education and healthcare.
Invests in infrastructure and construction.
Strong cultural and language ties, with cooperation in trade.
Moderate, controlled by pegging the dobra to the euro.
Moderate, with most people living on São Tomé island.
Wood carving, basket weaving, and embroidery.
High-quality, organically grown beans.
Independence Day (July 12), Carnival, and local harvest festivals.
Colorful parades, music, and dances influenced by Portuguese traditions.
Small boats and canoes are widely used for coastal fishing.
Very small, about 3% difference.
Around 6 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
Malaria prevention and maternal health.
Limited resources and teacher shortages.
Around 4 people per household.
Still rising, though slowing.
Tourism and services, in addition to cocoa.
Eco-tourism, birdwatching, beaches, and rainforests.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with unique biodiversity.
It sits on the equator, with a landmark at the exact line.
Use of bananas, fish, and tropical spices.
Reliance on foreign aid and lack of specialists.
Improving, with high literacy rates compared to regional averages.
Promising if it develops tourism, education, and renewable energy.
Despite its small size, it is rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea.