Timeline of Sao Tome and Principe

Chronology

9 events spanning the history of Sao Tome and Principe. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1501 – 1600

   Sao Tome colonized by the Portuguese.

   Sao Tome colonized by the Portuguese, who bring in slaves to work sugar plantations. Becomes important staging post for slave trade.

2. 1800

   Cocoa introduced. Sao Tome develops into one of world’s main cocoa producers.

   Cocoa introduced. Sao Tome develops into one of world’s main cocoa producers.

3. 1951

   Becomes overseas province of Portugal.

   Becomes overseas province of Portugal.

4. 1975

   Independence

   Independence, with Manuel Pinto da Costa (MLSTP) as president and Miguel Trovoada as prime minister. Plantations nationalized, strong ties built up with communist countries.

5. 1980

   Government scales down links with communist world as economy deteriorates.

   Government scales down links with communist world as economy deteriorates. Declares itself nonaligned, seeks Western support for recovery plans.

6. 1988

   Coup attempt.

   Coup attempt.

7. 1997

   Unrest over economic conditions.

   Unrest over economic conditions.

8. 2003

   Military coup topples the government.

   Military coup topples the government.

9. 2005

   With Nigeria signs its first offshore oil exploration and production-sharing agreement

   Sao Tome jointly with Nigeria signs its first offshore oil exploration and production-sharing agreement with international oil firms.