Introduction to Sao Tome and Principe

Book excerpt: São Tomé and Principe is a small island nation located off the coast of West Africa. The country is comprised of two main islands, São Tomé and Principe, along with several smaller islets. The nation has a population of approximately 200,000 people and the official language is Portuguese. São Tomé and Principe was colonized by the Portuguese in the late 15th century and gained independence in 1975. The country’s economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with cocoa being the primary export. São Tomé and Principe is known for its biodiversity and ecotourism, with about 30% of the total land area being designated as protected areas. The nation is also rich in cultural and historical landmarks, such as the historic city of São Tomé, which is home to many colonial-era buildings and sites. Despite being considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world, São Tomé and Principe is actively working towards economic development and has attracted significant foreign investment in recent years.