Flag of STP Introduction Sao Tome and Principe (STP), is a developing nation located off the coast of Gabon, in west central Africa. STP is roughly five times the size of Washington, D.C. in the United States. STP is the smallest country in Africa; the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are fairly mountainous. The capital is Sao Tome.

Political System
Discovered and claimed by Portugal since the late 15th century, STP became independent in 1975. Fifteen years of single-party Marxist rule ensued. The first free elections were held in 1991. Elections in Sao Tome and Principe have been generally free and fair with a high rate of voter participation.

Economy
In the 19th century, the islands' traditional sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. The island's economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. Sao Tome is also optimistic that significant petroleum discoveries are forthcoming in its territorial waters in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

People and Culture
The total population of STP is less than 150,000, over 40% of which is under the age of 14. The majority of Sao Tomeans are descended from either slaves imported to the island to work the cocoa plantations, their Portuguese masters, or a mix of both. There is also a sizable community of contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and their descendants.

The official language is Portuguese, and the literacy rate is estimated at over 70%. Christianity is the major religion in STP.

Some information for this page is from the CIA Factbook on STP

For More Information
If you plan to live or travel in STP, please see the latest State Department Consular Information Sheet on Gabon. You can also visit our Community Liaison Office Page.

Below is a list of websites that provide more detailed information on STP.

Note: The US Embassy, Libreville assumes no responsibility for the content on these websites.
CIA Factbook on STP	DofS Consular Information Sheet
Index of Websites on STP	Lonely Planet Guide
Official STP Home Page	United Nations STP Page

For information on Gabon, see the About Gabon page.

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