Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe, officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, is a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. It consists of two islands: So Tom and Prncipe, located about 140 kilometres apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres, respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. Sao Tome, the sizable southern island, is situated just north of the equator.

Official Name: República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe

Short Form: S. Tomé e Príncipe

Country Calling Code: +239

Capital City: Sao Tome

Other Cities: Trinidade, Santana, Angolares, Neves, Santo Antonio (capital of Principe).

Government Type: Republic.

Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal).

Nationality: Sao Tomean(s).

Population: 160 000

Ethnic Groups: Mixed African, Portuguese-African.

Religions: Christian 96%, Muslim 3%

Languages: Portuguese (official).

Natural Resources: Fish, hydropower, petroleum (not yet exploited).

Agriculture Products: Cocoa, coconuts, copra, palm kernels, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, beans, poultry.

Industries: light construction, shirts, soap, beer, fisheries, shrimp processing, palm oil.

Currency: Dobra (STD).

Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Sao Tome and Principe Profile; other.