Introduction to São Tomé and Príncipe

Quick Overview

With its two main islands, São Tomé (the larger one; 854 km²) and Príncipe (136 km²), the archipelago forms one of Africa's smallest countries. It is located in the South Atlantic, specifically in the Gulf of Guinea, 350 km off the coasts of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Key Facts

Type of place: country.

Location: on the equator, facing the Gabonese coast.

Latitude/longitude: 0°20' N, 6°43' E.

Local time: Heure : 12705

Capital: São Tomé.

Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.

Official language: Portuguese.

Currency: dobra.

Population: 204,454 inhabitants (2014).

Area: 1,001 km².

Density: 204 inhabitants/km².

Highest point: Pico de São Tomé (2,024 m).

Lowest point: sea level.

Coastline:

Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Completely off the beaten tourist track (though it’s starting to get some attention), with barely 29,000 visitors in 2016, this small archipelago still boasts lovely beaches, lush nature, and a few historical remnants from the Portuguese colonial era.

Travel Essentials

Destination: for beginner travelers.

By air: France–São Tomé.

Entry requirements: passport (no visa required for stays under 15 days).

Currency to bring: euros.

Exchange rate:

Daily backpacker budget:

Best for accommodation:

Best for getting around:

Risks:

Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays /

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

"Quality of life": 143/188 (2018 ranking)

GDP per capita: $3,200 (2017)

Average monthly income: ()

Inflation: +5.7% (2017)

"Official" unemployment: 12.2% (2017)

Population below poverty line: 66.2% (2011)

Life expectancy: 65.7 years (2018)

Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -8.3 (2017)

Population growth: +1.66% (2018)

Literacy rate: 74.9% (2016)

Urban population: 72.8% (2018)

Press freedom:

Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook