Sao Tome and Principe flag

Sao Tome and Principe

History

Portuguese navigators found the islands uninhabited.
Sugar plantations worked by enslaved Africans made the islands briefly the world's largest producer.
Cocoa and coffee replaced sugar under the roca estate system.
Independence came on 12 July.
The first multi-party elections were held.
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CapitalSao Tome
Population240k
Area964 km2
CurrencySao Tome and Principe dobra

Short facts

RegionCentral Africa
LanguagePortuguese
Time zoneGMT (UTC+0)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Pico Cao Grande: A volcanic plug rising some 300 m from the forest.
  • Obo National Park: Rainforest covering much of both islands, rich in endemic birds.
  • Roca Agua Ize: A colonial-era plantation estate with its hospital and rail remains.

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Planning questions

What is Sao Tome and Principe known for?Pico Cao Grande, Obo National Park, Roca Agua Ize.
What is the capital?Sao Tome.
Which language is useful?Portuguese.
When is the national day?12 July.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Use Sao Tome as the first planning anchor for Sao Tome and Principe, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

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Known for

Pico Cao GrandeObo National ParkRoca Agua IzeSao TomeStreet foodCoffee
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