Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Sao Tome and Principe

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Sao Tome and Principe.

Natural Resources: Fish, hydropower, and potential petroleum deposits. The islands also possess fertile volcanic soils suited to agricultural cultivation, most notably for cocoa, which remains a significant export crop. Timber resources exist within the country's tropical forests, and the surrounding waters of the Gulf of Guinea offer considerable marine biodiversity supporting both artisanal and commercial fishing industries. Sao Tome and Principe's geographic position and pristine natural environment also present growing potential for ecotourism development.
Natural Hazards: NA

Current Environmental Issues: deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Detailed geography