Sao Tome and Principe Facts and Culture

What is Sao Tome and Principe famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa,... More
• Personal Apperance: In São Tomé and Príncipe, the traditional attire varies depending on the occasion, cultural background, and personal preferences of individuals.... More
• Recreation: Recreational activities are often centered around the islands' natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community gatherings. Beach Activities: With its pristine... More
• Diet: Creole Cuisine: São Toméan cuisine is a fusion of African, Portuguese, and Creole culinary traditions, reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.... More
• Food and Recipes: Mealtimes are typically relaxed and sociable affairs, often centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cuisine. While specific mealtime... More

What is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe?

Capital	Sao Tome
Government Type	semi-presidential republic
Currency	Dobra (STD)
Total Area	372 Square Miles 964 Square Kilometers
Location	Central Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon
Language	Portuguese (official)
GDP - real growth rate	5%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$3,400.00 (USD)

What is the population of Sao Tome and Principe?

Ethnic Groups	mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)
Nationality Noun	Sao Tomean(s)
Population	211,122
Population Growth Rate	1.94%
Population in Major Urban Areas	SAO TOME (capital) 64,000
Urban Population	62.700000

What type of government does Sao Tome and Principe have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Patrice TROVOADA (since 11 November 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 18 July 2021 with a runoff on 5 September 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president election results: 2021: Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote in the first round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (IDA) 39.5%; Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 20.8%; Delfim NEVES (PCD-GR) 16.9%; Abel BOM JESUS (independent) 3.6%; Maria DAS NEVES (independent) 3.3%; other 15.9%; percent of the vote in second round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA 57.5%, Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA 42.5% 2016: Evaristo CARVALHO elected president; percent of vote - Evaristo CARVALHO (ADI) 49.8%, Manuel Pinto DA COSTA (independent) 24.8%, Maria DAS NEVES (MLSTP-PSD) 24.1%; note - first round results for CARVALHO were revised downward from just over 50%, prompting the 7 August runoff; however, on 1 August 2016 DA COSTA withdrew from the runoff, citing voting irregularities, and Evaristo CARVALHO was declared the winner
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National Holiday	Independence Day, 12 July (1975)
Constitution	history: approved 5 November 1975 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; the Assembly can propose to the president of the republic that an amendment be submitted to a referendum; revised several times, last in 2006
Independence	12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

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What environmental issues does Sao Tome and Principe have?

Climate	tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
Environment - Current Issues	deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	volcanic, mountainous

How big is the Sao Tome and Principe economy?

Economic Overview	São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation with an economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture, fisheries, and international aid. Here's an overview of the economy of São Tomé and Príncipe: Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of São Tomé and Príncipe's economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to both domestic food supply and export revenue. The main agricultural products include cocoa, coffee, palm oil, coconuts, and bananas. Cocoa is the country's primary export crop, with São Tomé and Príncipe being known for producing high-quality cocoa beans. Fisheries: The fisheries sector plays an essential role in São Tomé and Príncipe's economy, providing employment opportunities and a vital source of protein for the population. The country's waters are rich in fish and other marine resources, making fisheries a significant contributor to both domestic consumption and export earnings. Tourism: Tourism has the potential to become a significant driver of economic growth in São Tomé and Príncipe due to the country's natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique biodiversity. However, the tourism industry is still relatively underdeveloped compared to other tropical destinations. Efforts are underway to promote tourism and attract investment in infrastructure and hospitality services to capitalize on the sector's potential. International Aid: São Tomé and Príncipe relies heavily on international aid and assistance to support its development efforts, address socio-economic challenges, and finance public projects. Development partners, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, provide financial aid, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to the government in various sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and governance. Challenges: Despite its potential, São Tomé and Príncipe faces several economic challenges, including limited infrastructure, high unemployment rates, poverty, and vulnerability to external shocks. The country's small size, isolation, and susceptibility to natural disasters further exacerbate these challenges. Efforts to Diversify the Economy: São Tomé and Príncipe's government has recognized the need to diversify the economy away from its heavy dependence on agriculture and fisheries. Efforts are underway to promote economic diversification, attract foreign investment, improve infrastructure, enhance human capital development, and create a more conducive business environment to stimulate private sector growth and reduce reliance on external aid.
Industries	light construction, textiles, soap, beer; fish processing; timber
Currency Name and Code	Dobra (STD)
Export Partners	Netherlands 37.5%, Belgium 12.5%, Canada 12.5%, Germany 12.5%, Spain 12.5%
Import Partners	Portugal 50.8%, Germany 10.2%, UK 8.5%, Belgium 6.8%

What current events are happening in Sao Tome and Principe?
Source: Google News

What makes Sao Tome and Principe a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

São Tomé and Príncipe is a developing nation, comprised of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located off the western coast of central Africa. Portuguese is the official language; few São Toméans speak English. Facilities for tourism exist on both islands and are adequate.

Crime

Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing, and armed home invasions do occur on the islands, particularly around the winter holidays. Pick-pocketing can occur anywhere but is more prevalent in public places, such as in markets, on the streets, or near hotels. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Store valuables and extra cash in your hotel safe while sightseeing or visiting the beach. When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, carry a minimal amount of cash and avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry. If you are the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking, you are encouraged to comply with the attacker to avoid injury, and to report all incidents to the police and the U.S. Embassy in Libreville. Police response time to reports of crime can be slow.

While scams and confidence schemes are not common, travelers should exercise caution. For general information on scams, see the Department of State’s Financial Scams web page.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in São Tomé and Príncipe, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own and criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in São Tomé and Príncipe, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating the laws of São Tomé and Príncipe, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in São Tomé and Príncipe are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical facilities in São Tomé and Príncipe are extremely limited. There is one hospital in the country on the island of São Tomé, Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes, phone number 239 2-221-222. A few clinics also exist, but the service provided is very basic. For all but minor medical needs, it is necessary to travel to Libreville (Gabon), Lisbon (Portugal), or elsewhere. You should carry an ample supply of properly-labeled prescription drugs and other medications with you; an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies is generally not available.

Cerebral malaria is endemic in all areas of São Tomé and Príncipe. Travelers should discuss prophylaxis with a physician well before planned travel as some prophylactic medications must be started two weeks before arriving in a malarial zone. Even with prophylaxis you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of malaria and seek medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms.

Tap water may not be potable and you should drink and cook with bottled water only. Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe. Schistosomiasisis a parasite that can penetrate intact skin of those swimming or bathing in fresh water from lakes, rivers and streams. It is recommended to avoid contact with untreated fresh water to prevent schistosomiasis infection.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Safety and Security

You should maintain security awareness at all times. There have been isolated incidents of civil unrest in the capital city. There were minor demonstrations during the presidential election on July 16, 2011. You should avoid large gatherings or any other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.

In the event of a fire, dial 112.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in São Tomé and Príncipe, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Streets in the city of São Tomé are paved, but large potholes are common. Major roads outside of town are also paved. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and animals on the roads can be a major hazard. Outside of the city of São Tomé, there are no sidewalks or shoulders along the sides of roads. In rural areas outside of the capital city, drivers are expected to honk the car’s horn periodically as a warning signal of their approach. There is no street lighting outside of the capital. Some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Only a few miles of improved roads exist on the island of Príncipe; the conditions are similar to those found on São Tomé.

Although taking taxis is fairly safe, it is advisable to rent a car instead. If you must take a taxi, make sure that the taxi has seat-belts and negotiate the rate before entering the taxi.