São Tomé and Príncipe

At a Glance

Official Name: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Continent: Africa

Area: 386 square miles (1,000 sq. km)

Population: 165,034

Capital City: São Tomé

Largest City: São Tomé (43,420)

Unit of Money: Dobra

Major Languages: Portuguese

Literacy: 73%

Land Use: 2% arable land, 36% permanent crops, 1% pastures, 61% other

Natural Resources: Fish

Government: Republic

Defense: N/A

The Place

São Tomé and Príncipe is an African country consisting of 2 main islands and several tiny islands. The 2 main islands—São Tomé and Príncipe—give the country its name. The islands are in the Gulf of Guinea, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) west of the African mainland. São Tomé Island makes up about 85% of the country's area of 386 square miles (1000 square kilometers). Extinct volcanoes formed São Tomé and Príncipe islands, which lie just north of the equator. The country has humid weather from September through May, and dry weather from June through August. The average annual temperature ranges from 77°F (25°C) in the lowlands to about 65°F (18°C) in the highlands. Annual rainfall averages slightly more than 100 inches (254 millimeters).

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The People

About 95% of the population lives on São Tomé Island. About 90% of the population is of black African ancestry. About 10% are Portuguese or of mixed black African and European descent, called Creoles. People of Portuguese descent from the country of Cape Verde are the second largest group. Many Creoles own small farms or businesses, or work on fishing crews or as laborers. Some Europeans own farms and others have jobs in technology or management. Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in the country. By law, children in São Tomé and Príncipe are required to complete elementary school, but many do not do so. Relatively few children go on to high school. The country's women have a higher social standing than those in most African countries, and many occupy respected professional and governmental positions. Life expectancy is 65 years.