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Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome e Principe
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa, has a unique and diverse culture shaped by its history, geography, and the blend of African, Portuguese, and Creole influences.
Luso-African Heritage: São Tomé and Príncipe was a Portuguese colony until it gained independence in 1975. As a result, the country's culture reflects a fusion of African and Portuguese influences. Portuguese is the official language, and many cultural elements, including language, cuisine, religion, and architecture, have Portuguese origins.
Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral parts of São Toméan culture, with a rich tradition of rhythmic music and vibrant dance styles. Traditional music genres such as zouk, coladeira, socopé, and danço-congo blend African rhythms with Portuguese melodies, creating a unique musical heritage. Festivals and celebrations often feature live music performances and colorful dance displays.
Carnival: São Toméan Carnival, known as "Carnaval de São Tomé e Príncipe," is a lively annual celebration held before Lent. It features vibrant parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes, drawing participants and spectators from across the islands. Carnival is a time for revelry, creativity, and cultural expression, with communities coming together to celebrate their heritage.
Religion: The majority of the population in São Tomé and Príncipe practices Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant religion. The Catholic Church has had a significant influence on the cultural and social life of the islands, shaping traditions, customs, and rituals associated with religious holidays and ceremonies.
Community and Social Life: São Toméan society places a strong emphasis on community, family, and social cohesion. Extended families are common, and social gatherings such as family reunions, religious events, and festivals play an essential role in maintaining social bonds and traditions.
Arts and Crafts: São Tomé and Príncipe has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with artisans producing a wide range of handmade items such as ceramics, wood carvings, batik fabrics, and woven baskets. These traditional crafts often incorporate motifs and designs inspired by local flora, fauna, and cultural symbols.
Natural Heritage: The natural environment of São Tomé and Príncipe, characterized by lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches, is an integral part of the country's cultural identity. The islands' biodiversity, including unique species of flora and fauna, inspires local art, folklore, and storytelling traditions.
Chocolate Islands of the Gulf of Guinea
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3 more cultural topics for members
Social Customs & Etiquette · Dating Customs · Recreation
Holidays
Independence Day
7/12Independence Day
Dates of Interest
- January 29th
Some holidays and festivals in São Tomé and Príncipe are specific to certain plantations or regions and celebrate the cultural heritage of those areas. These events often include traditional music, dance, food, and activities that highlight the history and contributions of the local community.
How do people greet each other in Sao Tome and Principe?
Greetings are warm and respectful, ranging from a firm handshake in formal settings to cheek kisses and hugs among friends and family. Verbal greetings vary by time of day and are usually accompanied by a smile.
Do
- Offer a firm but not overly strong handshake with eye contact in formal settings
- Use 'Bom dia', 'Boa tarde', or 'Boa noite' depending on the time of day
- Exchange one or two cheek kisses with friends and family in informal settings
- Show elders extra deference, using formal language or titles
Don’t
- Don't initiate cheek kisses before gauging familiarity and comfort
Good to know
- A hand over the heart signals sincerity and affection in heartfelt greetings
- Asking about someone's family well-being is a common courtesy
Which gestures should I avoid in Sao Tome and Principe?
Norms are generally relaxed, but avoid pointing, showing the soles of your feet, and using the left hand for social interactions. Keep body language open and speak calmly.
Do
- Gesture with an open hand or nod toward what you mean
- Use the right hand for handshakes, eating, and passing objects
- Keep feet positioned away from others or tucked underneath when sitting
- Listen attentively and wait your turn to speak
Don’t
- Don't point at people or things with an extended index finger
- Don't show the sole of your foot or shoe, or point your feet at others
- Don't use the left hand for gestures, eating, or passing items
- Don't cross your arms, frown, roll your eyes, interrupt, or raise your voice
Good to know
- Be discreet with public displays of affection, especially around older generations or in conservative areas
What should I wear in Sao Tome and Principe?
Everyday dress is casual and comfortable, using lightweight fabrics suited to the tropical climate, with Western-style clothing common in urban areas. More formal or traditional attire is worn for ceremonies and celebrations.
Do
- Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen
- Choose more formal attire for weddings, festivals, and religious holidays
- Pack beachwear such as swimsuits, cover-ups, sarongs, and sun hats for the coast
Good to know
- Traditional attire features vibrant patterns, prints, and accessories like headscarves, jewelry, and beads
- Muslim women may wear modest clothing such as hijabs or abayas
What role do family and community play in Sao Tome and Principe?
Society places strong emphasis on community, family, and social cohesion, with extended families being common. Social gatherings like family reunions, religious events, and festivals help maintain bonds and traditions.
Good to know
- Locals often gather for picnics, barbecues, and beach outings with family and friends
What do people do for recreation in Sao Tome and Principe?
Recreation centers on the islands' natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community gatherings, including beach activities, hiking, birdwatching, and festivals.
Do
- Swim, snorkel, or dive to explore coral reefs and marine life
- Hike trails such as Pico de Sao Tome or through Obo National Park
- Go birdwatching for endemic species in forests, wetlands, and coastal areas
- Take cultural tours of historic plantations, colonial buildings, and museums
Good to know
- Carnival, Sao Joao (St. John's Day), and Independence Day offer festive community celebrations
- Fishing and boat tours are popular ways to explore the coastline
What should I know about Sao Tome and Principe before visiting?
This Gulf of Guinea island nation blends African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, with Portuguese as the official language and Roman Catholicism as the predominant religion. Music, dance, and lush natural landscapes are central to its cultural identity.
Good to know
- Portuguese is the official language
- Traditional music genres include zouk, coladeira, socope, and danco-congo
- Look for local arts and crafts like ceramics, wood carvings, batik fabrics, and woven baskets
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Currency
- dobra (STD)
- Time Difference
- UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
- Airports
- 2
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Portuguese Discovery & Settlement
1470 – 1522
Portuguese navigators discovered the uninhabited islands between 1469 and 1472, with the first permanent settlement established on São Tomé in 1493 under Álvaro Caminha. Príncipe was settled shortly after in 1500. The islands quickly attracted colonists and enslaved Africans, laying the groundwork for a plantation economy in one of the Atlantic's most strategically positioned archipelagos.
Sugar Colony Era
1522 – 1800
After the Portuguese Crown took direct administrative control of São Tomé in 1522 and Príncipe in 1573, the islands became Africa's foremost sugar exporter, driven entirely by enslaved labor. Sugar's dominance waned by the mid-1600s as Brazilian competition intensified, reducing São Tomé largely to a provisioning stop for transatlantic slave ships. The islands entered a prolonged period of economic stagnation and periodic attacks by Dutch and French raiders.
Cocoa & Coffee Plantation Era
1800 – 1953
The introduction of coffee and cocoa in the early 19th century revived the plantation economy, and by 1908 São Tomé was the world's largest cocoa producer. Vast estates known as roças, owned by Portuguese companies and absentee landlords, dominated the land and relied on African contract laborers under conditions widely condemned as forced labor. This era culminated in the Batepa Massacre of 1953, in which Portuguese authorities killed several hundred African workers, galvanizing nascent independence sentiment.
Late Colonial & Liberation
1953 – 1975
The Batepa Massacre spurred Santomean activists to form the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) in the late 1950s, which organized from exile in Gabon. Portugal's Carnation Revolution of April 1974 brought a new Lisbon government committed to decolonization; negotiations in Algiers between Portuguese officials and the MLSTP rapidly produced an independence agreement. São Tomé and Príncipe formally became independent on July 12, 1975, with MLSTP leader Manuel Pinto da Costa as its first President.
One-Party Socialist State
1975 – 1991
Under Pinto da Costa, the MLSTP governed as the sole legal party, nationalizing the roças and aligning the country initially with Marxist-bloc states before pragmatically distancing itself as the economy deteriorated in the 1980s. A coup attempt in 1988 underscored growing internal discontent. By 1990, facing economic crisis and continental pressure for reform, the government legalized opposition parties and amended the constitution, setting the stage for multiparty democracy.
Democratic & Modern Era
1991 – present
São Tomé held its first free elections in 1991, making it among Africa's earliest multiparty democracies, though political instability persisted through frequent government changes and coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. Miguel Trovoada and later Fradique de Menezes led the country through turbulent coalitional politics while the economy remained heavily dependent on cocoa and foreign aid. The discovery of offshore oil in the Gulf of Guinea and a production-sharing agreement signed with Nigeria in 2005 introduced significant new prospects for economic transformation.
Overview
The islands were first discovered by Portuguese navigators between 1469 and 1472. The first successful settlement of Sao Tome was established in 1493 by Alvaro Caminha, who received the land as a grant from the Portuguese crown. Principe was settled in 1500 under a similar arrangement. By the mid-1500s, with the help of slave labor, the Portuguese settlers had turned the islands into Africa’s foremost exporter of sugar.
Timeline of Key Events
1501 – 1600
Sao Tome colonized by the Portuguese.
Sao Tome colonized by the Portuguese, who bring in slaves to work sugar plantations. Becomes important staging post for slave trade.
1800
Cocoa introduced. Sao Tome develops into one of world’s main cocoa producers.
Cocoa introduced. Sao Tome develops into one of world’s main cocoa producers.
1951
Becomes overseas province of Portugal.
Becomes overseas province of Portugal.
1975
Independence
Independence, with Manuel Pinto da Costa (MLSTP) as president and Miguel Trovoada as prime minister. Plantations nationalized, strong ties built up with communist countries.
1980
Government scales down links with communist world as economy deteriorates.
Government scales down links with communist world as economy deteriorates. Declares itself nonaligned, seeks Western support for recovery plans.
1988
Coup attempt.
Coup attempt.
1997
Unrest over economic conditions.
Unrest over economic conditions.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
The chief exports are cocoa, coffee, copra, and palm products.
In the 15th century, Portuguese navigators discovered these two volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- volcanic, mountainous
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
- Natural Hazards
- NA
- Current Environmental Issues
- deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Portuguese (official)
- Spanish
Population
- Population
- 229,300
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- SAO TOME (capital) 64,000
- Nationality Noun
- Sao Tomean(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Sao Tome and Principe has shown meaningful improvement over recent decades, reflecting the island nation's gradual advances in healthcare access, disease control, and maternal and child health services. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 71 to 72 years, placing the country in a mid-range position relative to other sub-Saharan African nations. Women in Sao Tome and Principe tend to outlive men by several years, with female life expectancy reaching roughly 73 to 74 years compared to approximately 69 to 70 years for males. This gender gap is consistent with global patterns and reflects differences in occupational risks, health-seeking behavior, and biological factors. Several factors have contributed to the nation's improving longevity trends. Increased access to basic healthcare services, improvements in sanitation and clean water infrastructure, and targeted public health campaigns addressing malaria — historically one of the leading causes of mortality on the islands — have all played a role. Malaria remains a significant health concern, though sustained control efforts have reduced its death toll considerably over the years. Infant and child mortality, while still higher than in more developed nations, has declined substantially since the 1980s and 1990s. Reductions in under-five mortality have been a key driver of the overall rise in life expectancy, as childhood deaths disproportionately drag down national averages. Challenges remain, however. The country's remote island geography creates logistical difficulties in delivering consistent healthcare, particularly for residents of Príncipe island and rural communities on São Tomé. Limited medical infrastructure, a shortage of trained health professionals, and dependence on international aid and foreign medical partnerships continue to constrain further gains. Compared to global averages — where life expectancy stands at approximately 73 years — Sao Tome and Principe falls slightly below but performs notably better than many of its continental African neighbors, where averages in several countries remain in the mid-to-low 60s. Continued investment in public health systems and international partnerships will be essential for sustaining and building upon the progress achieved in recent decades.
- Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
- high
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Infant mortality in Sao Tome and Principe has declined significantly over recent decades, reflecting improvements in healthcare access, nutrition programs, and maternal health services across the island nation. As of the most recent available data, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 25 to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births, a notable reduction from rates that exceeded 60 per 1,000 live births in the early 1990s. Despite this progress, the rate remains considerably higher than the global average for upper-middle-income countries, underscoring ongoing challenges in the country's health infrastructure. Sao Tome and Principe is a small island developing state with limited resources, and geographic isolation between its two main islands can complicate timely access to medical care for mothers and newborns in rural or remote areas. The leading causes of infant death in the country include neonatal complications such as birth asphyxia and prematurity, as well as infectious diseases including malaria, diarrheal diseases, and acute respiratory infections. Malnutrition also plays a contributing role, weakening infant immune responses and increasing vulnerability to illness. International organizations including UNICEF and the World Health Organization have partnered with the Santomean government to expand immunization coverage, improve skilled birth attendance, and promote exclusive breastfeeding during the critical first six months of life. These initiatives have contributed meaningfully to the downward trend in infant deaths. Access to clean water and improved sanitation has also been identified as a key factor in reducing infant mortality, and ongoing development programs continue to address gaps in these essential services. The country has made measurable strides toward broader child health goals, though sustaining and accelerating progress will require continued investment in healthcare workers, medical facilities, and community-level health education. Compared to regional neighbors in sub-Saharan Africa, Sao Tome and Principe performs relatively well, though the country acknowledges that further reductions in infant mortality remain a public health priority.
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Sao Tome and Principe has shown meaningful improvement over recent decades, reflecting the island nation's gradual advances in healthcare access, disease control, and maternal and child health services. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 71 to 72 years, placing the country in a mid-range position relative to other sub-Saharan African nations. Women in Sao Tome and Principe tend to outlive men by several years, with female life expectancy reaching roughly 73 to 74 years compared to approximately 69 to 70 years for males. This gender gap is consistent with global patterns and reflects differences in occupational risks, health-seeking behavior, and biological factors. Several factors have contributed to the nation's improving longevity trends. Increased access to basic healthcare services, improvements in sanitation and clean water infrastructure, and targeted public health campaigns addressing malaria — historically one of the leading causes of mortality on the islands — have all played a role. Malaria remains a significant health concern, though sustained control efforts have reduced its death toll considerably over the years. Infant and child mortality, while still higher than in more developed nations, has declined substantially since the 1980s and 1990s. Reductions in under-five mortality have been a key driver of the overall rise in life expectancy, as childhood deaths disproportionately drag down national averages. Challenges remain, however. The country's remote island geography creates logistical difficulties in delivering consistent healthcare, particularly for residents of Príncipe island and rural communities on São Tomé. Limited medical infrastructure, a shortage of trained health professionals, and dependence on international aid and foreign medical partnerships continue to constrain further gains. Compared to global averages — where life expectancy stands at approximately 73 years — Sao Tome and Principe falls slightly below but performs notably better than many of its continental African neighbors, where averages in several countries remain in the mid-to-low 60s. Continued investment in public health systems and international partnerships will be essential for sustaining and building upon the progress achieved in recent decades.
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Infant mortality in Sao Tome and Principe has declined significantly over recent decades, reflecting improvements in healthcare access, nutrition programs, and maternal health services across the island nation. As of the most recent available data, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 25 to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births, a notable reduction from rates that exceeded 60 per 1,000 live births in the early 1990s. Despite this progress, the rate remains considerably higher than the global average for upper-middle-income countries, underscoring ongoing challenges in the country's health infrastructure. Sao Tome and Principe is a small island developing state with limited resources, and geographic isolation between its two main islands can complicate timely access to medical care for mothers and newborns in rural or remote areas. The leading causes of infant death in the country include neonatal complications such as birth asphyxia and prematurity, as well as infectious diseases including malaria, diarrheal diseases, and acute respiratory infections. Malnutrition also plays a contributing role, weakening infant immune responses and increasing vulnerability to illness. International organizations including UNICEF and the World Health Organization have partnered with the Santomean government to expand immunization coverage, improve skilled birth attendance, and promote exclusive breastfeeding during the critical first six months of life. These initiatives have contributed meaningfully to the downward trend in infant deaths. Access to clean water and improved sanitation has also been identified as a key factor in reducing infant mortality, and ongoing development programs continue to address gaps in these essential services. The country has made measurable strides toward broader child health goals, though sustaining and accelerating progress will require continued investment in healthcare workers, medical facilities, and community-level health education. Compared to regional neighbors in sub-Saharan Africa, Sao Tome and Principe performs relatively well, though the country acknowledges that further reductions in infant mortality remain a public health priority.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- SaoTomeandPrincipe
- Full Country Name
- Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
- Local - Long
- Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe
- Local - Short
- Sao Tome e Principe
Government Structure
- Government Type
- republic
- Legal System
- based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Carlos Vila NOVA (since 2 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Américo RAMOS (since 11 November 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2021, with a runoff on 8 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president election results: Carlos Vila NOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote in runoff - Carlos Vila NOVA (MDFM) 57.5%, Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 42.5%
- Legislative Branch
- Unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 25 September 2022 (next to be held in 2026) Election results: percent of vote by party — Action of the Independent Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe (ACIS) 43.9%, Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe–Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD) 24.8%, Independent Democratic Action (ADI) 20.8%, other 10.5%; seats by party — ACIS 30, MLSTP-PSD 18, ADI 5, other 2
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the National Assembly)
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal
- Constitution
- approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990
- Independence
- 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)
- National Holiday
- Independence Day, 12 July (1975)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Sao Tome
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 0 20 N, 6 44 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
named after Saint Thomas the Apostle
Military
Branches: Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas Armadas de Sao Tome e Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP); also called "Navy"), Presidential Guard
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
Although there is not a U.S. embassy in São Tomé and Príncipe, the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, is accredited to São Tomé and Príncipe and can provide assistance to U.S. citizens there.
U.S. Embassy Libreville
BP 4000
Sabliere Neighborhood
Libreville, Gabon
Telephone: 241-01-45-71-00
Emergency after-hours telephone: 241-07-38-01-71
Facsimile: 241-01-45-71-05
Email: LibrevilleACS@state.gov
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island economy that has historically depended on cocoa, though the sector has declined significantly due to drought, mismanagement, and falling productivity.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Dobra (STD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 4.1%
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Sao Tome and Principe President Vila Nova wins second term, preliminary results show - Reuters
Reuters · 14d ago
Amid elections, Sao Tome and Principe balances global powers - DW.com
DW.com · 16d ago
São Tomé and Príncipe heads to polls in tense presidential election | Sao Tome and Principe - The Guardian
The Guardian · 15d ago
In São Tomé and Príncipe, Nature-Based Solutions Underpin Roads, Jobs, and the Economy - World Bank Group
World Bank Group · 73d ago
AD1205: São Toméans enjoy broad electricity coverage, but connection and reliability gaps persist - Afrobarometer
Afrobarometer · 14d ago
Xi congratulates Sao Tome and Principe president - chinadaily.com.cn
chinadaily.com.cn · 4d ago
São Tomé and Príncipe’s historic plantations added to UNESCO world heritage list - africanews.com
africanews.com · 6d ago
One photographer's love letter to the twin equatorial islands of São Tomé & Príncipe - National Geographic
National Geographic · 107d ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sao Tome and Principe?
How do people greet each other in Sao Tome and Principe?
Which gestures should I avoid in Sao Tome and Principe?
What should I wear in Sao Tome and Principe?
What role do family and community play in Sao Tome and Principe?
What do people do for recreation in Sao Tome and Principe?
What should I know about Sao Tome and Principe before visiting?
What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Where is São Tomé and Príncipe located?
What bodies of water surround São Tomé and Príncipe?
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Last reviewed 2026