São Tomé and Príncipe - wikipedia São Tomé and Príncipe Coordinates : 1 ° N 7 ° E ﻿ / ﻿ 1 ° N 7 ° E ﻿ / 1 ; 7 For the islands of the sovereign state, see São Tomé and Príncipe. For other uses, see São Tomé ( disambiguation ) and Principe ( disambiguation ). Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe ( Portuguese ) Flag Coat of arms Motto : `` Unidade, Disciplina, Trabalho '' ( Portuguese ) `` Unity, Discipline, Labour '' Anthem : Independência total Total Independence Location of São Tomé and Príncipe ( dark blue ) -- in Africa ( light blue & dark grey ) -- in the African Union ( light blue ) Capital and largest city São Tomé 0 ° 20 ′ N 6 ° 44 ′ E ﻿ / ﻿ 0.333 ° N 6.733 ° E ﻿ / 0.333 ; 6.733 Official languages Portuguese Recognised regional languages Forro Angolar Principense Demonym São Toméan ( Sao Tomean ) Santomean Government Unitary semi-presidential republic President Evaristo Carvalho Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada Legislature National Assembly Independence from Portugal 12 July 1975 Area Total 1,001 km ( 386 sq mi ) ( 171th ) Water ( % ) Negligible Population 2016 estimate 199,910 ( 178th ) 2018 census 208,818 Density 187.17 / km ( 484.8 / sq mi ) ( 69th ) GDP ( PPP ) 2017 estimate Total $685 million Per capita $3,220 GDP ( nominal ) 2017 estimate Total $355 million Per capita $1,668 Gini ( 2010 ) 33.9 medium HDI ( 2015 ) 0.574 medium 142nd Currency Dobra ( STN ) Time zone West Africa Time ( WAT ) ( UTC + 01 ) Drives on the right Calling code + 239 ISO 3166 code ST Internet TLD. st São Tomé and Príncipe ( / ˌsaʊ təˈmeɪ... ˈprɪnsɪpə, - peɪ / ; Portuguese : ( sɐ̃w̃ tuˈmɛ i ˈpɾĩsɨpɨ ) ), officially the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands : São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometres ( 87 miles ) apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres ( 155 and 140 miles ), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. The islands were uninhabited until their discovery by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Gradually colonised and settled by the Portuguese throughout the 16th century, they collectively served as a vital commercial and trade center for the Atlantic slave trade. The rich volcanic soil and close proximity to the Equator made São Tomé and Príncipe ideal for sugar cultivation, followed later by cash crops such as coffee and cocoa ; the lucrative plantation economy was heavily dependent upon imported African slaves. Cycles of social unrest and economic instability throughout the 19th and 20th centuries culminated in peaceful independence in 1975. São Tomé and Príncipe has since remained one of Africa 's most stable and democratic countries. With a population of 208,818 ( 2018 Census ), São Tomé and Príncipe is the second - smallest African country after Seychelles, as well as the smallest Portuguese - speaking country. Its people are predominantly of African and mestiço descent, with most practising Roman Catholicism. The legacy of Portuguese rule is also visible in the country 's culture, customs, and music, which fuse European and African influences. Contents 1 History 1.1 Independence ( 1975 ) 2 Politics 2.1 Political culture 2.2 Foreign relations 2.3 Military 2.4 Administrative divisions 3 Geography 3.1 Climate 3.2 Wildlife 4 Economy 4.1 Petroleum exploration 4.2 Banking 5 Society 5.1 Demographics 5.2 Ethnic groups 5.3 Languages 5.4 Religion 5.5 Health 5.6 Education 6 Culture 6.1 Music 6.2 Cuisine 6.3 Sports 7 See also 8 References 9 External links History This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( July 2017 ) Main article : History of São Tomé and Príncipe Map of São Tomé by Johannes Vingboons ( 1665 ). The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived sometime around 1470. The islands were discovered by João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar. Portuguese navigators explored the islands and decided that they would be good locations for bases to trade with the mainland. The dates of discovery are sometimes given as 21 December ( St Thomas 's Day ) 1471, for São Tomé ; and 17 January ( St Anthony 's Day ) 1472, for Príncipe, though other sources cite different years around that time. Príncipe was initially named Santo Antão ( `` Saint Anthony '' ), changing its name in 1502 to Ilha do Príncipe ( `` Prince 's Island '' ), in reference to the Prince of Portugal to whom duties on the island 's sugar crop were paid. The first successful settlement of São Tomé was established in 1493 by Álvaro Caminha, who received the land as a grant from the crown. Príncipe was settled in 1500 under a similar arrangement. Attracting settlers proved difficult, however, and most of the earliest inhabitants were `` undesirables '' sent from Portugal, mostly Jews. In time these settlers found the volcanic soil of the region suitable for agriculture, especially the growing of sugar. By 1515, São Tomé and Príncipe had become slave depots for the coastal slave trade centered at Elmina. São Sebastião Museum in São Tomé The cultivation of sugar was a labour - intensive process and the Portuguese began to enslave large numbers of Africans from the mainland. By the mid-16th century the Portuguese settlers had turned the islands into Africa 's foremost exporter of sugar. São Tomé and Príncipe were taken over and administered by the Portuguese crown in 1522 and 1573, respectively. However, competition from sugar - producing colonies in the Western Hemisphere began to hurt the islands. The large enslaved population also proved difficult to oppress, with Portugal unable to invest many resources in the effort. Sugar cultivation thus declined over the next 100 years, and by the mid-17th century, the economy of São Tomé had changed. It was now primarily a transit point for ships engaged in the slave trade between the West and continental Africa. In the early 19th century, two new cash crops, coffee and cocoa, were introduced. The rich volcanic soils proved well suited to the new cash crop industry, and soon extensive plantations ( known as `` roças '' ), owned by Portuguese companies or absentee landlords, occupied almost all of the good farmland. By 1908, São Tomé had become the world 's largest producer of cocoa, which remains the country 's most important crop. The roças system, which gave the plantation managers a high degree of authority, led to abuses against the African farm workers. Although Portugal officially abolished slavery in 1876, the practice of forced paid labour continued. Scientific American magazine documented in words and pictures the continued use of slaves in São Tomé in its 13 March 1897 issue. In the early 20th century, an internationally publicized controversy arose over charges that Angolan contract workers were being subjected to forced labour and unsatisfactory working conditions. Sporadic labor unrest and dissatisfaction continued well into the 20th century, culminating in an outbreak of riots in 1953 in which several hundred African laborers were killed in a clash with their Portuguese rulers. This `` Batepá Massacre '' remains a major event in the colonial history of the islands, and its anniversary is officially observed by the government. Independence ( 1975 ) The cathedral of São Tomé By the late 1950s, when other emerging nations across the African Continent demanded their independence, a small group of São Toméans had formed the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe ( MLSTP ), which eventually established its base in nearby Gabon. Picking up momentum in the 1960s, events moved quickly after the overthrow of the Caetano dictatorship in Portugal in April 1974. The new Portuguese regime was committed to the dissolution of its overseas colonies. In November 1974, their representatives met with the MLSTP in Algiers and worked out an agreement for the transfer of sovereignty. After a period of transitional government, São Tomé and Príncipe achieved independence on 12 July 1975, choosing as the first president the MLSTP Secretary General Manuel Pinto da Costa. In 1990, São Tomé became one of the first African countries to undergo democratic reform, and changes to the constitution -- the legalization of opposition political parties -- led to elections in 1991 that were nonviolent, free, and transparent. Miguel Trovoada, a former prime minister who had been in exile since 1986, returned as an independent candidate and was elected president. Trovoada was re-elected in São Tomé 's second multi-party presidential election in 1996. The Party of Democratic Convergence ( PCD ) won a majority of seats in the National Assembly, with the MLSTP becoming an important and vocal minority party. Municipal elections followed in late 1992, in which the MLSTP won a majority of seats on five of seven regional councils. In early legislative elections in October 1994, the MLSTP won a plurality of seats in the Assembly. It regained an outright majority of seats in the November 1998 elections. Presidential elections were held in July 2001. The candidate backed by the Independent Democratic Action party, Fradique de Menezes, was elected in the first round and inaugurated on 3 September. Parliamentary elections were held in March 2002. For the next four years, a series of short - lived opposition - led governments were formed. The army seized power for one week in July 2003, complaining of corruption and that forthcoming oil revenues would not be divided fairly. An accord was negotiated under which President de Menezes was returned to office. The cohabitation period ended in March 2006, when a pro-presidential coalition won enough seats in National Assembly elections to form a new government. In the 30 July 2006 presidential election, Fradique de Menezes easily won a second five - year term in office, defeating two other candidates Patrice Trovoada ( son of former President Miguel Trovoada ) and independent Nilo Guimarães. Local elections, the first since 1992, took place on 27 August 2006 and were dominated by members of the ruling coalition. On 12 February 2009, there was an attempted coup d'état to overthrow President Fradique de Menezes. The coup plotters were imprisoned, but later received a pardon from President de Menezes. Politics Main article : Politics of São Tomé and Príncipe Presidential Palace of São Tomé and Príncipe Santomean personnel undergo medical training with US Naval corpsmen The president of the republic is elected to a five - year term by direct universal suffrage and a secret ballot, and must gain an outright majority to be elected. The president may hold up to two consecutive terms. The prime minister is appointed by the president, and the fourteen members of cabinet are chosen by the prime minister. The National Assembly, the supreme organ of the state and the highest legislative body, is made up of 55 members, who are elected for a four - year term and meet semiannually. Justice is administered at the highest level by the Supreme Court. The judiciary is independent under the current constitution. Political culture São Tomé has functioned under a multiparty system since 1990. With regards to human rights in São Tomé, there are freedom of speech and the freedom to form opposition political parties. São Tomé and Príncipe finished 11th out of the African countries measured by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance in 2010, a comprehensive reflection of the levels of governance in Africa. Foreign relations Further information : Foreign relations of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe has embassies in Angola, Belgium, Gabon, Portugal and the United States. It recognized the People 's Republic of China in 2016. It also has a permanent mission to the UN in New York City and an International Diplomatic Correspondent Office. Military Further information : Military of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe 's military is small and consists of four branches : the Army ( Exército ), Coast Guard ( Guarda Costeira also called `` Navy '' ), Presidential Guard ( Guarda Presidencial ), and the National Guard. Administrative divisions Main articles : Provinces of São Tomé and Príncipe and Districts of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into two provinces : Príncipe and São Tomé. The provinces are further divided into seven districts, six on São Tomé and one on Príncipe ( with Príncipe having self - government since 29 April 1995 ). Geography Main article : Geography of São Tomé and Príncipe Ilhéu das Rolas The Pico Cão Grande The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, situated in the equatorial Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea about 300 and 250 kilometres ( 190 and 160 mi ), respectively, off the northwest coast of Gabon, constitute Africa 's second - smallest country. Both are part of the Cameroon volcanic mountain line, which also includes the islands of Annobón to the southwest, Bioko to the northeast ( both part of Equatorial Guinea ), and Mount Cameroon on the coast of Gulf of Guinea. São Tomé is 50 km ( 30 mi ) long and 30 km ( 20 mi ) wide and the more mountainous of the two islands. Its peaks reach 2,024 m ( 6,640 ft ) -- Pico de São Tomé. Príncipe is about 30 km ( 20 mi ) long and 6 km ( 4 mi ) wide. Its peaks reach 948 m ( 3,110 ft ) -- Pico de Príncipe. Swift streams radiating down the mountains through lush forest and cropland to the sea cross both islands. The Equator lies immediately south of São Tomé Island, passing through the islet Ilhéu das Rolas. The Pico Cão Grande ( Great Dog Peak ) is a landmark volcanic plug peak, located at 0 ° 7 ′ 0 '' N 6 ° 34 ′ 00 '' E ﻿ / ﻿ 0.11667 ° N 6.56667 ° E ﻿ / 0.11667 ; 6.56667 in southern São Tomé. It rises over 300 m ( 1,000 ft ) above the surrounding terrain and the summit is 663 m ( 2,175 ft ) above sea level. Climate At sea level, the climate is tropical -- hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27 ° C ( 80.6 ° F ) and little daily variation. The temperature rarely rises beyond 32 ° C ( 89.6 ° F ). At the interior 's higher elevations, the average yearly temperature is 20 ° C ( 68 ° F ), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 5,000 mm ( 196.9 in ) on the southwestern slopes to 1,000 mm ( 39.4 in ) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season is from October to May. Wildlife Main article : Wildlife of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe does not have a large number of native mammals ( although the São Tomé shrew and several bat species are endemic ). The islands are home to a larger number of endemic birds and plants, including the world 's smallest ibis ( the São Tomé ibis ), the world 's largest sunbird ( the giant sunbird ), the rare São Tomé fiscal, and several giant species of Begonia. São Tomé and Principe is an important marine turtle nesting site, including the hawksbill turtles ( Eretmochelys imbricata ). Economy Main article : Economy of São Tomé and Príncipe Cocoa in São Tomé Ossame fruit ( pepper ) in São Tomé and Príncipe Since the 19th century, the economy of São Tomé and Príncipe has been based on plantation agriculture. At the time of independence, Portuguese - owned plantations occupied 90 % of the cultivated area. After independence, control of these plantations passed to various state - owned agricultural enterprises. The main crop on São Tomé is cocoa, representing about 95 % of agricultural exports. Other export crops include copra, palm kernels, and coffee. Domestic food - crop production is inadequate to meet local consumption, so the country imports most of its food. In 1997 it was estimated that approximately 90 % of the country 's food needs are met through imports. Efforts have been made by the government in recent years to expand food production, and several projects have been undertaken, largely financed by foreign donors. A market place located in the city of São Tomé Other than agriculture, the main economic activities are fishing and a small industrial sector engaged in processing local agricultural products and producing a few basic consumer goods. The scenic islands have potential for tourism, and the government is attempting to improve its rudimentary tourist industry infrastructure. The government sector accounts for about 11 % of employment. Following independence, the country had a centrally directed economy with most means of production owned and controlled by the state. The original constitution guaranteed a mixed economy, with privately owned cooperatives combined with publicly owned property and means of production. In the 1980s and 1990s, the economy of São Tomé encountered major difficulties. Economic growth stagnated, and cocoa exports dropped in both value and volume, creating large balance - of - payments deficits. Plantation land was seized, resulting in the complete collapse of cocoa production. At the same time, the international price of cocoa slumped. In response to its economic downturn, the government undertook a series of far - reaching economic reforms. In 1987, the government implemented an International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) structural adjustment program, and invited greater private participation in management of the parastatals, as well as in the agricultural, commercial, banking, and tourism sectors. The focus of economic reform since the early 1990s has been widespread privatization, especially of the state - run agricultural and industrial sectors. The São Toméan Government has traditionally obtained foreign assistance from various donors, including the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, the European Union ( EU ), Portugal, Taiwan, and the African Development Bank. In April 2000, in association with the Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe, the IMF approved a poverty reduction and growth facility for São Tomé aimed at reducing inflation to 3 % for 2001, raising ideal growth to 4 %, and reducing the fiscal deficit. In late 2000, São Tomé qualified for significant debt reduction under the IMF -- World Bank 's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries ( HIPC ) initiative. The reduction is being reevaluated by the IMF, due to the attempted coup d'état in July 2003 and subsequent emergency spending. Following the truce, the IMF decided to send a mission to São Tomé to evaluate the macroeconomic state of the country. This evaluation is ongoing, reportedly pending oil legislation to determine how the government will manage incoming oil revenues which are still poorly defined, but in any case expected to change the economic situation dramatically. In parallel, some efforts have been made to incentivize private tourism initiatives, but their scope remains limited. São Tomé also hosts a broadcasting station of the American International Broadcasting Bureau ( IBB ) for the Voice of America located at Pinheira. Portugal remains one of São Tomé 's major trading partners, particularly as a source of imports. Food, manufactured articles, machinery, and transportation equipment are imported primarily from the EU. São Tomé and Príncipe was ranked the 174th - safest investment destination in the world in the March 2011 Euromoney Country Risk rankings. Petroleum exploration Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe In 2001, São Tomé and Nigeria reached agreement on joint exploration for petroleum in waters claimed by the two countries of the Niger Delta geologic province. After a lengthy series of negotiations, in April 2003 the joint development zone ( JDZ ) was opened for bids by international oil firms. The JDZ was divided into nine blocks ; the winning bids for block one, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, and the Norwegian firm, Equity Energy, were announced in April 2004, with São Tomé to take in 40 % of the $123 million bid, and Nigeria the other 60 %. Bids on other blocks were still under consideration in October 2004. São Tomé has received more than $2 million from the bank to develop its petroleum sector. Banking Banco Central de Sāo Tomé e Príncipe is the central bank, responsible for monetary policy and bank supervision. There are six banks in the country. The largest and oldest is Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe, which is a subsidiary of Portugal 's government - owned Caixa Geral de Depósitos. It had a monopoly on commercial banking until a change in the banking law in 2003 led to the entry of several other banks. Society Demographics Main article : Demographics of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe 's population in thousands between 1961 and 2003 The first ever census was carried out in 2011 with the help of the National Statistic Institute ( INE ) of Cape Verde. The total population is estimated at 163,784 in 2010 by the government agency. Approximately 157,000 people live on São Tomé and 6,000 on Príncipe. All are descended from people from different countries taken to the islands by the Portuguese from 1470 onwards. In the 1970s, there were two significant population movements -- the exodus of most of the 4,000 Portuguese residents and the influx of several hundred São Tomé refugees from Angola. Ethnic groups Distinct ethnic groups on São Tomé and Príncipe include : Mestiços, or mixed - blood, descendants of Portuguese colonists and African slaves brought to the islands during the early years of settlement from Benin, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola ( these people also are known as filhos da terra or `` children of the land '' ). Angolares, reputedly descendants of Angolan slaves who survived a 1540 shipwreck and now earn their livelihood fishing. Forros, descendants of freed slaves when slavery was abolished. Serviçais, contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, living temporarily on the islands. Tongas, children of serviçais born on the islands. Europeans, primarily Portuguese. Asians, mostly Chinese, including Macanese people of mixed Portuguese and Chinese descent from Macau. Languages Further information : Languages of São Tomé and Príncipe Religion in São Tomé and Príncipe Catholic Church ( 71.9 % ) Other Christian ( 10.2 % ) Other or Non Religious ( 17.9 % ) Portuguese is the official and the de facto national language of São Tomé and Príncipe, with about 98.4 % speaking it in the country, a significant share of it as their native language, and it has been spoken in the islands since the end of the 15th century. Restructured variants of Portuguese or Portuguese creoles are also spoken : Forro, a creole language ( 36.2 % ), Cape Verdean Creole ( 8.5 % ), Angolar ( 6.6 % ) and Principense ( 1 % ). French ( 6.8 % ) and English ( 4.9 % ) are foreign languages taught in schools. Religion The majority of residents belong to the local branch of the Roman Catholic Church, which in turn retains close ties with the church in Portugal. There are also sizeable Protestant minorities of Seventh - day Adventists and other Evangelical Protestants. There is a small but growing Muslim population. Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, in Santo António Health There was a resurgence of malaria in the country in 2010, but the exact cause is unknown. Female life expectancy at birth was 65.1 years in between 2005 and 2010, and male life expectancy at 62.8 for the same time period. Healthy life expectancy at birth was at 64.7 years in 2011. A Cuban medical team of seven doctors, nurses and other health workers is working on the main island, with occasional visits to Príncipe. Government health expenditure per capita was at US $90.73 ( current US $ ) in 2009. According to WHO, São Tomé and Príncipe is also home to the largest documented amount of iron - deficiency anemia amongst any country 's population. Education Education in São Tomé and Príncipe is compulsory for four years. Primary school enrollment and attendance rates were unavailable for São Tomé and Príncipe as of 2001. The educational system has a shortage of classrooms, insufficiently trained and underpaid teachers, inadequate textbooks and materials, high rates of repetition, poor educational planning and management, and a lack of community involvement in school management. Domestic financing of the school system is lacking, leaving the system highly dependent on foreign financing. Tertiary institutions are the National Lyceum ( São Tomé and Príncipe ) and the University of São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture Further information : List of writers from São Tomé and Príncipe Lagoa Azul Lighthouse São Toméan culture is a mixture of African and Portuguese influences. Music Further information : Music of São Tomé and Príncipe São Toméans are known for ússua and socopé rhythms, while Príncipe is home to the dêxa beat. Portuguese ballroom may have played an integral part in the development of these rhythms and their associated dances. Tchiloli is a musical dance performance that tells a dramatic story. The danço - Congo is similarly a combination of music, dance and theatre. Cuisine Further information : Cuisine of São Tomé and Príncipe Staple foods include fish, seafood, beans, maize and cooked banana. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, avocado and bananas are a significant component of the cuisine. The use of hot spices is prominent in São Tomése cuisine. Coffee is utilized in various dishes as a spice or seasoning. Breakfast dishes are often reheated leftovers from the previous evening 's meal, and omelettes are popular. Sports Football is the most famous sport in São Tomé and Principe, the São Tomé and Príncipe national football team is the national association football team of São Tomé and Príncipe and is controlled by the Federação Santomense de Futebol. It is a member of the Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) and FIFA. See also São Tomé and Príncipe portal Islands portal Africa portal Outline of São Tomé and Príncipe Bight of Bonny References Jump up ^ `` Nationality ''. The World Factbook. Retrieved July 17, 2012. Jump up ^ Octávio Amorim Neto ; Marina Costa Lobo ( 2010 ). `` Between Constitutional Diffusion and Local Politics : Semi-Presidentialism in Portuguese - Speaking Countries ''. Social Science Research Network. SSRN 1644026. Missing or empty url = ( help ) ; access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ `` Ministério Dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Comunidades da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe ''. Jump up ^ `` World Population Prospects : The 2017 Revision ''. ESA.UN.org ( custom data acquired via website ). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved 10 September 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` São Tomé and Príncipe ''. International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2013 - 04 - 17. Jump up ^ `` GINI index ''. World Bank. Retrieved 26 July 2013. 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Jump up ^ File : Iron - deficiency_anaemia_world_map_ - _DALY_ - _WHO2002. svg ^ Jump up to : `` São Tomé and Príncipe ''. 2001 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor ( 2002 ). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. ^ Jump up to : The Recipes of Africa. Dyfed Lloyd Evans. pp. 174 -- 176. ^ Jump up to : Kathleen Becker ( 23 July 2008 ). Sao Tome and Principe. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 74 -- 79. ISBN 978 - 1 - 84162 - 216 - 3. Jump up ^ `` BBC Sport -- Sao Tome e Principe rocket up Fifa rankings ''. Bbc.co.uk. 2012 - 03 - 07. Retrieved 2013 - 12 - 03. External links Wikivoyage has a travel guide for São Tomé and Príncipe. Wikimedia Commons has media related to São Tomé and Príncipe. Look up são tomé and príncipe in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Country Profile from BBC News `` São Tomé and Príncipe ''. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. São Tomé and Príncipe at Curlie ( based on DMOZ ) Wikimedia Atlas of São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé e Príncipe -- Tourist information Key Development Forecasts for São Tomé and Príncipe from International Futures Government Página Oficial do Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe -- Official Page of the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe ( in Portuguese ) Presidência da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe -- President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe ( official site ) ( in Portuguese ) Assembleia Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe -- National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe ( official site ) ( in Portuguese ) Instituto Nacional de Estatística -- National statistics institute ( in Portuguese ) Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe Chief of State and Cabinet Members São Tomé and Príncipe articles History Colonial era governors Batepá massacre Geography Cities and towns Districts Gulf of Guinea Islands Lowland forests Príncipe Provinces Rivers São Tomé Island Obo Natural Park Pico de São Tomé ( mountain ) São Tomé ( city ) Wildlife birds mammals Politics Elections Foreign relations Human rights LGBT Military Law Ministers National Assembly Political parties Presidents Prime Ministers Economy Banks Central Bank Companies Dobra ( currency ) Telecommunications Internet domain Transport airports Society Anthem Coat of arms Culture Demographics languages Beti - Pahuin peoples Flag Music Public holidays Religion Islam Roman Catholicism Scouting Sport football Outline Index Category Portal Countries and territories of Africa Sovereign states entirely / mostly in Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea - Bissau Ivory Coast ( Côte d'Ivoire ) Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe partly in Africa France Mayotte Réunion Italy Pantelleria Pelagie Islands Portugal Madeira Spain Canary Islands Ceuta Melilla Plazas de soberanía Yemen Socotra Territories and dependencies Îles Éparses France Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha UK Southern Provinces ( Western Sahara ) States with limited recognition Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Somaliland Unclear sovereignty. International membership and history African Union ( AU ) History Pan-Africanism Casablanca Group Monrovia Group Abuja Treaty Sirte Declaration Lome Summit Organisation of African Unity Chairperson Secretary General Geography Borders Extreme points Member states Regions Organs Executive Council Permanent Representatives ' Committee Specialized Technical Committees Assembly Chairperson Commission Chairperson Deputy Chairperson AUCC Pan-African Parliament Bureau Secretariat Gallagher Estate African Court of Justice African Court on Human and Peoples ' Rights ECOSOCC Committees Peace and Security Political Affairs Infrastructure and Energy Social Affairs and Health HR, Sciences and Technology Trade and Industry Rural Economy and Agriculture Economic Affairs Women and Gender Cross-Cutting Programs Financial Institutions AFRA Commission African Central Bank African Monetary Fund African Investment Bank Peace and Security Council ACIRC African Standby Force Panel of the Wise UNAMID AMIB AMIS AMISOM MISCA Politics APRM Foreign relations African Charter on Human and Peoples ' Rights African Commission on Human and Peoples ' Rights Enlargement Symbols Anthem Emblem Flag Economy Currencies Development Bank African Economic Community NEPAD African Continental Free Trade Area Single African Air Transport Market Culture Africa Day Languages Theory Afro United States of Africa United States of Latin Africa Category Community of Portuguese Language Countries ( CPLP ) Category Membership Members Angola Brazil Cape Verde East Timor Equatorial Guinea Guinea - Bissau Mozambique Portugal São Tomé and Príncipe Observers Czech Republic Georgia Hungary Japan Mauritius Namibia Senegal Slovakia Turkey Uruguay Organization CPLP Games Flag TV CPLP ACOLOP Lusophony Games Portuguese - using countries La Francophonie Membership Members Albania Andorra Armenia Belgium French Community Benin Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada New Brunswick Quebec Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Cyprus Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominica Egypt Equatorial Guinea France French Guiana Guadeloupe Martinique St. Pierre and Miquelon Gabon Ghana Greece Guinea Guinea - Bissau Haiti Ivory Coast Laos Luxembourg Lebanon Macedonia Madagascar Mali Mauritania Mauritius Moldova Monaco Morocco Niger Qatar Romania Rwanda St. Lucia São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Switzerland Togo Tunisia Vanuatu Vietnam Observers Argentina Austria Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia Czech Republic Dominican Republic Georgia Hungary Kosovo Latvia Lithuania Montenegro Mozambique Ontario Poland Serbia Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Thailand Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Associate member. Provisionally referred to by the Francophonie as the `` former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia '' ; see Macedonia naming dispute. Organization Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique Agence universitaire de la Francophonie Secretaries - General Boutros Boutros - Ghali Abdou Diouf Michaëlle Jean Culture French language UN French Language Day International Francophonie Day Jeux de la Francophonie Prix des cinq continents de la francophonie Senghor University AFFOI TV5Monde LGBT rights Category Portuguese overseas empire North Africa 15th century 1415 -- 1640 Ceuta 1458 -- 1550 Alcácer Ceguer ( El Qsar es Seghir ) 1471 -- 1550 Arzila ( Asilah ) 1471 -- 1662 Tangier 1485 -- 1550 Mazagan ( El Jadida ) 1487 -- 16th century Ouadane 1488 -- 1541 Safim ( Safi ) 1489 Graciosa 16th century 1505 -- 1541 Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué ( Agadir ) 1506 -- 1525 Mogador ( Essaouira ) 1506 -- 1525 Aguz ( Souira Guedima ) 1506 -- 1769 Mazagan ( El Jadida ) 1513 -- 1541 Azamor ( Azemmour ) 1515 -- 1541 São João da Mamora ( Mehdya ) 1577 -- 1589 Arzila ( Asilah ) Sub-Saharan Africa 15th century 1455 -- 1633 Anguim 1462 -- 1975 Cape Verde 1470 -- 1975 São Tomé 1471 -- 1975 Príncipe 1474 -- 1778 Annobón 1478 -- 1778 Fernando Poo ( Bioko ) 1482 -- 1637 Elmina ( São Jorge da Mina ) 1482 -- 1642 Portuguese Gold Coast 1508 -- 1547 Madagascar 1498 -- 1540 Mascarene Islands 16th century 1500 -- 1630 Malindi 1501 -- 1975 Portuguese Mozambique 1502 -- 1659 Saint Helena 1503 -- 1698 Zanzibar 1505 -- 1512 Quíloa ( Kilwa ) 1506 -- 1511 Socotra 1557 -- 1578 Accra 1575 -- 1975 Portuguese Angola 1588 -- 1974 Cacheu 1593 -- 1698 Mombassa ( Mombasa ) 17th century 1645 -- 1888 Ziguinchor 1680 -- 1961 São João Baptista de Ajudá 1687 -- 1974 Bissau 18th century 1728 -- 1729 Mombassa ( Mombasa ) 1753 -- 1975 Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe 19th century 1879 -- 1974 Portuguese Guinea 1885 -- 1974 Portuguese Congo Part of São Tomé and Príncipe from 1753. Or 1600. A factory ( Anosy Region ) and small temporary coastal bases. Part of Portuguese Guinea from 1879. Part of Portuguese Angola from the 1920s. Middle East ( Persian Gulf ) 16th century 1506 -- 1615 Gamru ( Bandar Abbas ) 1507 -- 1643 Sohar 1515 -- 1622 Hormuz ( Ormus ) 1515 -- 1648 Quriyat 1515 -- ? Qalhat 1515 -- 1650 Muscat 1515 ? -- ? Barka 1515 -- 1633 ? Julfar ( Ras al - Khaimah ) 1521 -- 1602 Bahrain ( Muharraq Manama ) 1521 -- 1529 ? Qatif 1521 ? -- 1551 ? Tarut Island 1550 -- 1551 Qatif 1588 -- 1648 Matrah 17th century 1620 -- ? Khor Fakkan 1621 ? -- ? As Sib 1621 -- 1622 Qeshm 1623 -- ? Khasab 1623 -- ? Libedia 1624 -- ? Kalba 1624 -- ? Madha 1624 -- 1648 Dibba Al - Hisn 1624 ? -- ? Bandar - e Kong Indian subcontinent 15th century 1498 -- 1545 Laccadive Islands ( Lakshadweep ) 16th century Portuguese India 1500 -- 1663 Cochim ( Kochi ) 1501 -- 1663 Cannanore ( Kannur ) 1502 -- 1658 1659 -- 1661 Quilon ( Coulão / Kollam ) 1502 -- 1661 Pallipuram ( Cochin de Cima ) 1507 -- 1657 Negapatam ( Nagapatnam ) 1510 -- 1961 Goa 1512 -- 1525 1750 Calicut ( Kozhikode ) 1518 -- 1619 Portuguese Paliacate outpost ( Pulicat ) 1521 -- 1740 Chaul ( Portuguese India ) 1523 -- 1662 Mylapore 1528 -- 1666 Chittagong ( Porto Grande De Bengala ) 1531 -- 1571 Chaul 1531 -- 1571 Chalé 1534 -- 1601 Salsette Island 1534 -- 1661 Bombay ( Mumbai ) 1535 Ponnani 1535 -- 1739 Baçaím ( Vasai - Virar ) 1536 -- 1662 Cranganore ( Kodungallur ) 1540 -- 1612 Surat 1548 -- 1658 Tuticorin ( Thoothukudi ) 1559 -- 1961 Daman and Diu 1568 -- 1659 Mangalore ( Portuguese India ) 1579 -- 1632 Hugli 1598 -- 1610 Masulipatnam ( Machilipatnam ) 1518 -- 1521 Maldives 1518 -- 1658 Portuguese Ceylon ( Sri Lanka ) 1558 -- 1573 Maldives 17th century Portuguese India 1687 -- 1749 Mylapore 18th century Portuguese India 1779 -- 1954 Dadra and Nagar Haveli East Asia and Oceania 16th century 1511 -- 1641 Portuguese Malacca ( Malaysia ) 1512 -- 1621 Maluku ( Indonesia ) 1522 -- 1575 Ternate 1576 -- 1605 Ambon 1578 -- 1650 Tidore 1512 -- 1665 Makassar 1557 -- 1999 Macau ( China ) 1580 -- 1586 Nagasaki ( Japan ) 17th century 1642 -- 1975 Portuguese Timor ( East Timor ) 19th century Portuguese Macau 1864 -- 1999 Coloane 1851 -- 1999 Taipa 1890 -- 1999 Ilha Verde 20th century Portuguese Macau 1938 -- 1941 Lapa and Montanha ( Hengqin ) 1975 is the year of East Timor 's Declaration of Independence and subsequent invasion by Indonesia. In 2002, East Timor 's independence was fully recognized. North America & North Atlantic 15th century ( Atlantic islands ) 1420 Madeira 1432 Azores 16th century ( Canada ) 1500 -- 1579 ? Terra Nova ( Newfoundland ) 1500 -- 1579 ? Labrador 1516 -- 1579 ? Nova Scotia South America & Antilles 16th century 1500 -- 1822 Brazil 1534 -- 1549 Captaincy Colonies of Brazil 1549 -- 1572 Brazil 1572 -- 1578 Bahia 1572 -- 1578 Rio de Janeiro 1578 -- 1607 Brazil 1621 -- 1815 Brazil 1536 -- 1620 Barbados 17th century 1621 -- 1751 Maranhão 1680 -- 1777 Nova Colónia do Sacramento 18th century 1751 -- 1772 Grão - Pará and Maranhão 1772 -- 1775 Grão - Pará and Rio Negro 1772 -- 1775 Maranhão and Piauí 19th century 1808 -- 1822 Cisplatina ( Uruguay ) 1809 -- 1817 Portuguese Guiana ( Amapá ) 1822 Upper Peru ( Bolivia ) Coats of arms of Portuguese colonies Evolution of the Portuguese Empire Portuguese colonial architecture Portuguese colonialism in Indonesia Portuguese colonization of the Americas Theory of the Portuguese discovery of Australia BNF : cb12023180b ( data ) GND : 4118426 - 9 ISNI : 0000 0001 2343 0458 LCCN : n50071938 NARA : 10035804 NDL : 00575888 NKC : ge445392 SUDOC : 027436403 VIAF : 140101415 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title= São_Tomé_and_Príncipe&oldid = 854739057 '' Categories : São Tomé and Príncipe Central African countries West African countries Gulf of Guinea Island countries Least developed countries Member states of the African Union Member states of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries Member states of the United Nations Former colonies in Africa Former Portuguese colonies Portuguese colonisation in Africa Portuguese - speaking countries and territories Republics States and territories established in 1975 Small Island Developing States 1975 establishments in São Tomé and Príncipe Countries in Africa Hidden categories : Pages using web citations with no URL Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL Articles with Portuguese - language external links Webarchive template wayback links Coordinates on Wikidata Articles containing Portuguese - language text Articles needing additional references from July 2017 All articles needing additional references All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from December 2016 Articles with unsourced statements from November 2012 Articles with Curlie links Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with NARA identifiers Wikipedia articles with NDL identifiers Wikipedia articles with NKC identifiers Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikinews Wikivoyage Languages Afrikaans Alemannisch አማርኛ Aragonés Arpetan Asturianu Avañe'ẽ Azərbaycanca تۆرکجه বাংলা Bân - lâm - gú Башҡортса Беларуская Беларуская ( тарашкевіца ) ‎ भोजपुरी Bikol Central Български བོད ་ ཡིག Bosanski Brezhoneg Буряад Català Cebuano Čeština Chavacano de Zamboanga ChiShona Corsu Cymraeg Dansk Davvisámegiella Deutsch ދިވެހިބަސް Dolnoserbski Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Estremeñu Euskara Eʋegbe فارسی Fiji Hindi Føroyskt Français Frysk Gaeilge Gaelg Gagauz Gàidhlig Galego Gĩkũyũ ગુજરાતી 客家 語 / Hak - kâ - ngî Хальмг 한국어 Հայերեն हिन्दी Hornjoserbsce Hrvatski Ido Igbo Ilokano বিষ্ণুপ্রিয়া মণিপুরী Bahasa Indonesia Interlingua Interlingue Ирон IsiZulu Íslenska Italiano עברית Basa Jawa ಕನ್ನಡ Kapampangan ქართული Қазақша Kernowek Kinyarwanda Kiswahili Kongo Kreyòl ayisyen Kurdî Кыргызча Кырык мары Ladino لۊری شومالی Latina Latviešu Lëtzebuergesch Lietuvių Ligure Limburgs Lingála Livvinkarjala Luganda Lumbaart Magyar Македонски Malagasy മലയാളം Malti Māori मराठी მარგალური مصرى مازِرونی Bahasa Melayu Mìng - dĕ̤ng - ngṳ̄ Mirandés မြန်မာဘာသာ Nāhuatl Nederlands नेपाली 日本 語 Нохчийн Nordfriisk Norfuk / Pitkern Norsk Norsk nynorsk Novial Occitan Олык марий ଓଡ଼ିଆ Oromoo Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча ਪੰਜਾਬੀ پنجابی Papiamentu Patois Piemontèis Plattdüütsch Polski Português Qaraqalpaqsha Qırımtatarca Română Runa Simi Русский Саха тыла Sängö Sardu Scots Seeltersk Sesotho Sesotho sa Leboa Shqip Sicilianu Simple English SiSwati Slovenčina Slovenščina Soomaaliga کوردی Српски / srpski Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Basa Sunda Suomi Svenska Tagalog தமிழ் Татарча / tatarça Tetun ไทย Türkçe Türkmençe Українська اردو ئۇيغۇرچە / Uyghurche Vèneto Vepsän kel ' Tiếng Việt Volapük Võro 文言 Winaray Wolof 吴语 ייִדיש Yorùbá 粵語 Zazaki Žemaitėška 中文 डोटेली Lingua Franca Nova 177 more Edit links This page was last edited on 13 August 2018, at 13 : 04 ( UTC ). 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Question: what islands off the coast of northern gabon were uninhabited until the portuguese arrived in 1470
Answer: São Tomé and Príncipe