São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe, republic in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa, comprising 2 main islands and several islets; total area is 372 sq mi (964 sq km). The capital, São Tomé, lies 190 mi (306 km) west of Libreville, Gabon.

Land and climate

São Tomé Island accounts for almost 90% of the country's area and holds about 90% of its population. The land (volcanic rock) slopes downward to fertile volcanic soil on the east coast. Forests grow near the west shore. Príncipe is similar in land pattern. The islands have a tropical climate.

People and economy

The country depends heavily on cocoa for its income. Copra, coconuts, palm kernels, bananas, and coffee are also important exports. Most of the inhabitants are of mixed African and Portuguese ancestry.

History

Discovered in the 1400s by the Portuguese, the islands achieved independence in 1975. The withdrawal of skilled Europeans after independence seriously disrupted the former plantation economy. In 1991 a multi-party system was introduced. In 1995 a group of army officers attempted a coup. After the US and France had terminated their aid and the EU had threatened to do the same, the old government returned within a week.