São Tomé is covered by dense mountainous jungle where large plantations have now been carved. Principe consists of jagged mountains.

The island of São Tomé was the world’s largest producer of cocoa in 1908 and the crop is still important.

São Tomé gained independence in 1975. Principe became autonomous in 1995.

The climate is tropical –hot and humid and the yearly temperatures average at about 27°C. The rainy season is from October to May. The dry months are from June to September.

Imports to São Tomé and Príncipe from the EU include machinery, manufactured articles, transportation equipment and food. They export cocoa, copra, coffee and palm oil.

Agriculture includes cocoanuts, palm kernels, cocoa, copra, cinnamon, pepper, bananas, papayas, beans, poultry and fish. The natural resources are hydropower and fish.

They have four national languages which include Portuguese, Portuguese-based creoles Forro, Angolar and Principense. French is also taught in the schools.

The various activities for tourists include diving, snorkelling in unchartered waters, endless treks in the bio diverse jungles and exploring fishermen’s villages. Plenty of seafood, fresh fruits and chocolate are available here.

São Tomé is the capital and largest city. Nearly 70.3% are Catholics while 3.4% are Evangelical. New Apoltiolic make up 2% and the Adventists are 1.8%.
The monetary unit used in São Tomé and Príncipe is dobra.