São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in Central Africa, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the western equatorial coast. It consists of two principal volcanic islands—São Tomé and Príncipe—and several smaller islets. A former Portuguese colony, the country’s history spans phases of sugar, cocoa, and coffee cultivation based on enslaved and contract labour. Since gaining independence in 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe has evolved from one-party rule to a multi-party democratic republic, maintaining regular competitive elections since 1991.

Historical Background

The islands were uninhabited before their discovery by Portuguese navigators in the late fifteenth century, during the era of Atlantic exploration. Portuguese settlers established the first permanent European settlement on São Tomé in 1493 and on Príncipe in 1500, transforming the islands into centres for sugar production using enslaved Africans. By the seventeenth century, declining sugar prices and competition from the Americas led to economic stagnation.
The nineteenth century witnessed renewed prosperity through coffee and especially cocoa cultivation, for which São Tomé became one of the world’s leading producers. The plantations, or roças, depended on the forced importation of contract labourers—serviçais—from Angola, Mozambique, and Cabo Verde. Harsh working conditions persisted well into the twentieth century.
Following the 25 April 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal, independence was proclaimed on 12 July 1975 under the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP). The post-independence era initially featured a single-party socialist system. Economic difficulties and growing demands for participation prompted political liberalisation during the late 1980s. The first multi-party elections in 1991 inaugurated a democratic phase marked by frequent government reshuffles, coalition politics, and intermittent instability.
Notable events include attempted coups in 1995, 1998, 2003, and 2009—largely non-violent—and an armed assault on military headquarters in 2022 described as an attempted coup. Carlos Vila Nova was elected president in 2021, while parliamentary elections in 2022 brought victory to the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party. Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos became prime minister in January 2025, succeeding Patrice Trovoada.

Geography and Environment

The archipelago lies close to the Equator at roughly 1°N latitude and 7°E longitude. São Tomé, the larger island, covers 854 square kilometres, and Príncipe spans 110 square kilometres, for a combined area of 964 square kilometres and a coastline of 209 kilometres. The islands form part of the Cameroon volcanic line—a chain of extinct volcanoes extending from continental Africa into the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point, Pico de São Tomé, reaches 2,024 metres.
The climate is tropical and humid, with a major rainy season from October to May and a short dry period (gravana) between June and September. Average temperatures range between 24°C and 27°C. Fertile volcanic soils support dense vegetation, while numerous rivers provide hydropower potential.
Land use remains heavily agricultural: forests cover around 53% of the total area, and 45% is agricultural land, dominated by permanent crops such as cocoa and oil palm. Environmental concerns include deforestation, soil erosion, waste management, and biodiversity loss. The country participates in global environmental treaties, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Population and Society

The population was estimated at 223,561 in 2024, with near gender parity and a high urbanisation rate of 76%. The capital, São Tomé, hosts most of the population, followed by Santo António on Príncipe. The demographic structure is young—36% under 15 years—reflected in a median age of 20.8 years and a fertility rate of 3.3 children per woman. Life expectancy averages 67.7 years.
The islands’ multi-ethnic composition mirrors their colonial history. Groups include the Forros (descendants of freed slaves), Angolares (descendants of shipwrecked Africans), Serviçais (contract workers from other Lusophone colonies), Tongas (their island-born descendants), Mestiços (mixed heritage communities), and small European and Asian minorities. Portuguese is the official language and spoken by nearly all inhabitants; local creoles such as Forro, Angolar, and Principense are widely used.
Roman Catholicism predominates (55.7%), alongside Protestant denominations, indigenous churches, and a growing secular minority. Literacy stands at 87.4%, and school life expectancy averages 13 years. The education system is tuition-free at primary level, with secondary expansion ongoing.
Health indicators show continuing improvement, though challenges persist in maternal and infant mortality. Access to improved water and sanitation remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. Health expenditure accounts for about 7.8% of GDP, and major health issues include malaria, respiratory infections, and non-communicable diseases linked to nutrition and lifestyle.

Government and Politics

São Tomé and Príncipe operates as a semi-presidential republic under the 1975 Constitution. The president serves as head of state, directly elected for up to two five-year terms, while the prime minister, appointed by the president, leads the government and must command parliamentary support.
The unicameral National Assembly comprises 55 members elected by proportional representation for four years. Following the 2022 elections, ADI held a parliamentary majority with 30 seats, followed by MLSTP-PSD (18), MCI-PS/PUN (5), and smaller parties (2). Women occupy about 15% of seats. The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and lower courts applying mixed civil and customary law traditions.
The political scene is competitive yet fluid, with frequent coalition changes. Despite occasional instability, São Tomé and Príncipe is regarded as one of Africa’s more enduring democracies, with consistent constitutional transfers of power since 1991.

Economy

The economy is classified as lower middle-income, small, and service-based, reflecting the limited resource endowment and geographic constraints of an island system. Services account for roughly 77% of GDP, agriculture 13%, and industry under 3%. GDP (PPP) is estimated at $1.29 billion in 2024, with growth below 1% in recent years due to inflationary pressures, external imbalances, and logistical constraints.
Cocoa remains the principal export, though production has declined because of drought, plant disease, and ageing plantations. Other crops include bananas, oil palm, coconuts, cassava, yams, and vegetables. Efforts to diversify agriculture focus on food security and high-value niche products such as organic cocoa.
Imports vastly exceed exports, resulting in persistent current account deficits. Main export partners include Pakistan, Germany, and the Netherlands; key imports originate from Portugal, Angola, Gabon, Japan, and China. The currency, the dobra (STD), is pegged to the euro through an arrangement with Portugal. Inflation was 14.4% in 2024.
Tourism offers untapped potential, especially eco- and cultural tourism, but growth is limited by small infrastructure capacity and transport costs. Foreign debt remains high, at about $327 million in 2023, while remittances contribute modestly to household incomes.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Electricity coverage reaches around 78% of the population. Total generation capacity (29 MW, 2023) relies mainly on imported fossil fuels (93%) with small hydroelectric contributions (7%). Energy losses from outdated grids are considerable. Expansion of renewable energy and regional interconnection projects are central to government strategy.
Telecommunications continue to expand: mobile subscriptions exceed 150,000, and internet usage covers over 60% of the population. Fixed broadband remains limited but growing. Media outlets include one state television channel, state and private radio, and multiple foreign relays. The national domain code is .st.
Waste management, air quality, and coastal resilience are growing public policy concerns. The islands generate about 25,600 tonnes of waste annually, of which roughly 17% is recycled. Despite low absolute carbon emissions, urban air pollution and deforestation contribute to local environmental stress.

Transportation and Ports

São Tomé and Príncipe operates two airports: São Tomé International Airport and Príncipe Airport, providing regional and limited international services. Maritime trade is handled primarily at the ports of São Tomé and Santo António, both constrained by shallow depths and limited infrastructure. The registered merchant fleet totals about 25 vessels, mainly general cargo carriers.

Defence and Security

The Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe (FASTP) are small, numbering around 500 personnel across the Army, Coast Guard, and Presidential Guard. Their focus is maritime patrol, border security, and disaster response. Internal security is maintained by national and judicial police forces. Given its location near key Gulf of Guinea shipping routes, the state receives international assistance, including bilateral cooperation with Portugal, Angola, and, since 2024, Russia, for military training and maritime surveillance.

Culture, Identity, and National Symbols

São Toméan culture reflects the fusion of African and Portuguese influences visible in language, cuisine, dance, and communal traditions. Creole music styles such as ússua and socopé are integral to festivals and local identity. Traditional crafts, storytelling, and cuisine featuring plantains, fish, and tropical fruits embody the islands’ rich cultural heritage.