São Tomé and Príncipe

Central Africa

São Tomé and Príncipe is a country in Central Africa, home to 235,000 people, with an area of 964 km². Its capital is São Tomé.

Capital: São Tomé
Population: 235,000
Area: 964 km²
Region: Central Africa
Density: 244 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

São Tomé and Príncipe · Central Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What São Tomé and Príncipe is known for

São Tomé and Príncipe is best known for Pico Cao Grande, Praia Piscina and Roça Agostinho Neto.

Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located off the western coast of Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea. It is made up of two main islands, Sao Tome and Principe, as well as several smaller islets. The country has a tropical climate and is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and unique flora and fauna.

São Tomé and Príncipe at a glance

Language: Portuguese is the official language, with Forro and Angolar also spoken
Currency: Sao Tome and Principe dobra (STD)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Sao Tome and Principe, with Catholicism being the largest denomination
National dish: The national dish of Sao Tome and Principe is calulu, a stew made with fish or meat, cassava leaves, and spices
Climate: Sao Tome and Principe has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year
Main industries: Agriculture, particularly cocoa and coffee production, fishing, and tourism
GDP: $415 million (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Sao Tome and Principe is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 142 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe

Some of the main tourist attractions in Sao Tome and Principe include:

Pico Cao Grande a unique volcanic peak rising up from the surrounding rainforest, located on Sao Tome island.
Praia Piscina a popular beach on Sao Tome island with crystal-clear waters and a natural pool.
Roça Agostinho Neto a historic cocoa plantation on Sao Tome island, now converted into a museum and cultural center.
Bom Bom Island a private island resort located off the coast of Principe, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Obo National Park a protected area on Sao Tome island with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Ilheu das Rolas a small island located on the equator, with a unique geographic location and beautiful beaches.
Cao Grande and Cao Pequeno waterfalls two stunning waterfalls located in the southern part of Sao Tome island.
Santana Beach a beautiful beach on Principe island, known for its clear waters and secluded location.
Lagoa Azul a stunning blue lagoon located on Sao Tome island, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Ilheu das Cabras a small islet located off the coast of Sao Tome island, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Sao Tome and Principe has to offer. The country is also known for its vibrant culture, with traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

São Tomé and Príncipe on video

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São Tomé and Príncipe compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Central African Republic	5.7 million	622,984 km²	Bangui
Gabon	2.5 million	267,668 km²	Libreville
Equatorial Guinea	1.8 million	28,051 km²	Malabo
São Tomé and Príncipe	235,000	964 km²	São Tomé