Sao Tome and Principe

National name: República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe

Government
Republic.

Geography
The tiny volcanic islands of São Tomé and Príncipe lie in the Gulf of Guinea about 150 mi (240 km) off West Africa. São Tomé (about 330 sq mi; 859 sq km) is covered by a dense mountainous jungle, out of which have been carved large plantations.

Historical Background
 Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. Although independence was achieved in 1975, the first free elections were held in 1991, the political environment has been instable with frequent changes in leadership and coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea is likely to have a significant impact on the country's economy.

Name

Sao Tome and Principe

Capital

São Tomé

Language

Portuguese Recognised regional languages Forro, Angolar, Principense

Area

Total 1,001 km2 (183rd) 372 sq mi  Water (%)

Population

2009 estimate 163,000 Density 169.1/km2 (69th) 438.2/sq mi

Currency

Dobra (STD)