The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is located off
the west coast of Africa.
The island state in the Gulf of
Guinea attracts with beautiful beaches and rich flora and fauna.
Hiking enthusiasts explore jungles, waterfalls and the Pico Cão
Grande. However, the tourist infrastructure is limited, so careful
planning is advisable.
In addition to the economy, tourism is
also underdeveloped. There are no cinemas, newspapers or bus
services. Although there is a lot of talk about “paradisiacal
beaches” in advertising, the small, often pebbly or rocky strips of
sand isolated in small bays do not stand up to comparison with
islands in the Indian Ocean. Near the city there is also the problem
of pollution. It is common to wash clothes and cars in the rivers;
due to the lack of a sewer system, they also serve as public
toilets.
To this day, the country is considered desperately
poor - the country's practically only source of income is the export
of cocoa, which is naturally heavily dependent on world market
prices. All other things - food, machinery and so on have to be
imported from abroad, which is why the country is heavily indebted
and on the verge of bankruptcy. In 2017, $9 million in revenue from
cocoa, pepper and vanilla exports compared to $100 million in
imports. The country's only other source of income, apart from
tourism, has been the oil exploration in the sea, which has been
attempted together with Nigeria since 2012. The enthusiasm about
this has now subsided because it has been recognized that the
government is cheating itself when it comes to contracts for
concessions from American companies let it go. In 2016, around
13,000 foreign visitors came.
The history of this country
is marked by colonization, slavery and political changes.
Discovery and Colonization: The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe
were discovered by the Portuguese in 1470. They were the first
European colonists to settle on the islands. The Portuguese used the
islands to grow sugar cane and later coffee and cocoa. The
plantation economy depended heavily on African slave labor, which
was kept in cruel conditions.
Slavery and the plantation
economy: The colonization of São Tomé and Príncipe led to the
enslavement of many Africans who had to work on the plantations.
Conditions were often inhumane, and many slaves died due to hard
work and disease.
Independence movement: Independence
movements emerged in São Tomé and Príncipe over the course of the
20th century. The nationalists fought against Portuguese colonial
rule and gained independence in 1975.
Political Developments:
After independence, São Tomé and Príncipe experienced various
political changes, including coups and political instability. The
country alternated between different governments and political
systems.
Democratic era: From the 1990s onwards, a democratic
form of government was established in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Elections were held and the country developed into a multiple party
democracy.
Economic challenges: Despite rich natural
resources, including oil and cocoa, São Tomé and Príncipe remains
one of the poorest countries in the world. The country's economy was
affected by fluctuations in the world price of raw materials and
political instability.
The islands:
1 Príncipe and neighboring islands (Ilha do Príncipe)
. Príncipe is the second largest island in the country and is located
about 150 kilometers northeast of São Tomé. It is also of volcanic
origin and has impressive natural beauty. Príncipe is less populated
than São Tomé and offers a quiet and relaxed environment. In addition to
São Tomé and Príncipe, there are also some smaller islands and islets
that belong to the national territory. These include, for example,
Rolas, Caroço and many others.
2 São Tomé (Ilha de São Tomé) . São
Tomé is the largest island in the country and also the main island. The
country's capital, São Tomé City, is located on this island. São Tomé is
known for its lush vegetation, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful
beaches.
1 Sao Tome. The country's capital and largest city, São Tomé, is the
cultural and economic center of São Tomé and Príncipe. Here you will
find historic buildings, museums, markets and charming colonial
architecture.
2 Santo Antonio. Santo António is the capital of the
island of Príncipe and the second largest city in the country. The town
offers a picturesque harbor, a relaxed atmosphere and access to the
island's beautiful beaches and rainforests.
3 Neves. This is a city
on the northwest coast of São Tomé known for its beaches. It is a great
place to enjoy the island's untouched nature.
4 Trindade . Trindade
is a historic city on the east coast of São Tomé and was once an
important trading port. Here you can visit old churches and colonial
buildings.
5 Guadalupe. Guadalupe is a coastal town on São Tomé known
for its plantations and cocoa production. Here you can experience the
country's traditional culture and agricultural activities.
6 Santana.
Santana is a town on the north coast of São Tomé and a good base for
trips to Obo National Park, where you can explore native wildlife and
lush tropical forests.
1 Obo National Park (Parque Natural Ôbo) . This national park on São
Tomé is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers a rich biodiversity,
including rare endemic birds and plants. There are hiking trails and
bird watching opportunities.
1 Roca Agostinho Neto (Agostinho Neto,
Sao Tome and Principe) . This historic cocoa plantation in São Tomé
offers insights into the country's colonial past and the production of
cocoa, one of the country's most important exports.
2 Pico Cao
Grande. An impressive, isolated monolith on São Tomé that is a climber's
paradise and offers fantastic views.
Entry requirements
EU, Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens do not
need a visa to enter for a stay of up to 15 days. This relief also
applies to all third-country nationals who have a valid permanent
residence permit for the Schengen area or the USA. Proof of yellow fever
vaccination is required.
Customs
Tobacco products and perfume
in “appropriate quantities” for personal use. There are import bans on
alcohol and lottery tickets.
The ban on the import and export of
the national currency has been lifted. Larger amounts of foreign
currency must be declared and re-exported up to the specified amount.
By plane
São Tomé Airport is the only international airport in
the country. Details in the city article.
Rental cars are available on site. With weekly prices of €400 for a Suzuki (2018), you might expect vehicles that are in perfect condition. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
The country's official language is Portuguese, and various creole
languages based on Portuguese are also spoken in the country.
French is also spoken as a foreign language by many people.
English is rarely understood and German is not understood at all.
Without at least a rudimentary knowledge of Portuguese or alternatively
French, it will be very difficult to communicate.
Exchange rate (fixed since 2010): € 1 = 24500 Dobra (STD) = 24.5 new
Dobra (STN or nDb).
Import and export of Dobra banknotes is no
longer prohibited. The euro is accepted as a method of payment in some
shops, but in general you should change your money in the country. The
fixed exchange rate, in conjunction with the higher inflation in the
country, leads to an overvaluation in which quality and price are no
longer in an appropriate relationship.
The notes from the new
2018 series, shortened by three zeros (1000:1), with denominations of 5,
10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Dobra focus on the local wildlife. The old notes
featured the portrait of Rei Amador, remained valid until Dec. 31, 2018
and can no longer be exchanged at the central bank.
Coins were also
produced again: 10, 20, 50 centimos as well as 1 and 2 nDb.
A large part of the food has to be imported. At most, they keep
chickens on site, and there is also a lot of fish. Filling side dishes
are mainly beans, corn, rice and plantains. The latter two together as
pap. Coffee is also used as a spice or in sauces. Many snacks are based
on dried or fried bananas. Tropical fruits are grown for home
production. A very simple snack is fire-roasted breadfruit, the seeds of
which are then eaten sprinkled with coconut.
If you don't eat the
leftovers from the day before for breakfast, there is arroz doce: rice
with corn and coconut. Cachupa is a bean stew adopted from Cape Verde
with more or less (meat) side dishes. Pork stew is cooked with various
vegetables. Estufa de morcego, bat stew, is more of a dish for special
occasions. Boca de Inferno, “Hell's Mouth,” is not only a “blowhole” on
the East Coast, but also the name of a spicy sauce that its name
adequately describes.
For dessert there are, in addition to
chocolate variations, e.g. B. Açucarinhas, a fried coconut and sugar
mixture. Canjica is a sweet corn porridge cooked in milk/coconut milk,
similar to the mugunzá common in Brazil.
Coconut water is drunk,
possibly fermented into palm wine. The local beer is Nacional, brewed in
Neves. Otherwise you get Portuguese imports, which also applies to
wines. Sugar cane schnapps is Aquardente, mixed with honey to make a
cocktail it is called Ponche.
For stays of less than 15 days a tourist tax of €3 per night is
charged. Hotels tend to “forget” to mention this when booking.
There are no simple accommodations because such services are not in
demand by the natives due to the small size of the islands.
Jan 1 New Year; Jan 4th King Amador Memorial Day; February 3rd Dia
dos Mártires, commemoration of the Batepá massacre in 1953; May 1, Labor
Day; July 12, Independence Day; Sept. 6 Armed Forces Day; September 30th
Dia da Reforma Agrária, commemoration of the nationalization of the
Roças (plantations); December 25th Christmas.
In mid-August is
the Auto das Floripes festival. An important component is traditional
theater (Tchiloli). It depicts the legend of how Charlemagne snatched
Christian relics from the Moors, a story that is based on a novel by
Baltasar Dias, who lived on Madeira in the 16th century. The
performances with colorful costumes last up to six hours.
Compared to other countries in Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is an
absolutely safe country, you can move around freely without any major
problems. However, there are crooks and fraudsters who specifically
target tourists and their supposedly fat wallets. Valuables should
always be kept out of sight in the rental car, even for short breaks.
The minimum age for sex is 16. Homosexual acts have no longer been
punishable since 2012.
Medical care in the country is completely inadequate. You should
definitely take out international travel health insurance that will
provide transport back to Germany (or at least to a country with
sufficient medical infrastructure) if the worst comes to the worst.
There have been several attempts by development workers to eradicate
tropical diseases in the country, which appears more promising than on
the African mainland due to its island location. These attempts were
initially successful, but they didn't last long. Therefore, as elsewhere
in Africa, you should carry malaria prophylaxis and take safety
precautions such as mosquito nets.
Tap water is not drinkable, so
you should use bottled water from the supermarket.
Emergency call: ☎ 112
Since 2010, all telephone numbers have had 7
digits. Landline numbers have a 2 as the first digit, mobile numbers
have a 9.
Numerous unusual species of mussels can be found along
the coast. If you are unable to identify them, you should avoid such
souvenirs, as imports into the EU are often subject to species
protection.
Friendly scrounging is widespread, which can become
annoying in the long run, especially when it turns into aggressive
begging in children.
Economically and culturally, the island is even less developed than
São Tomé. The residents are descendants of workers who came from Angola
or Cape Verde. Children beg every European for candy and money because
they learned early that “white skin” equals wealth. The entire island
and the surrounding sea have been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2012.
Three levels of protection are defined. Only the transition area,
especially in the north of the island, is inhabited. The buffer zone,
which is followed by a core zone, is more strictly protected. 85 km² are
considered part of the Parque Natural Ôbo with the area on São Tomé. The
islands of Bela Vista, Bombom, Futuro, Neves Ferreira, Paciência, Ponta
Fonte, Ribeira Ize, Santo António de Ureca and Vila Rosa are
uninhabited.
Bays with sandy beaches are mainly in the north of the
island.
Electricity is available outside the resorts until
midnight in the evening and briefly in the morning. This also means that
food is usually freshly prepared because it simply does not last due to
a lack of refrigeration.
In the north of the island is Príncipe
Airport (Aeroporto Príncipe, IATA: PCP)
Arrival is usually via São
Tomé airport. One flight every day - the price for the 40-50 minute
event is well over € 200 return - with STP Airways.
To get around
the island you have to rent a car - very expensive - possibly with a
driver. Guided 3-hour quad excursions are available in 2016 for € 40,
equally long boat trips (max. 6 participants) in the Baía das Agulhas
cost from € 150. Around Porto Real is the island's only designated
hiking trail, six kilometers long.
Only ruins remain of the
Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina.
With 1200
inhabitants, Santo António is the only larger settlement on the 136 km²
Príncipe. Right next to the market is the Afriland First Bank. There are
plenty of food options and a few corner shops scattered around the town.
Prices are much higher here than in São Tomé, as freight costs apply on
the ferry, which takes 8-12 hours. There are no souvenirs, you simply
can't buy anything.
Post Office, Marcelo da Veiga Sq. (the only).
Capitania (port office; directly at the jetty). The hospital is less
than a hundred meters away.
Residential Palhota. Tel.: +239 2251060. Painted in a striking light
blue.
Pensão Arca de Noé. Tel: +239 991 0813.
Residencial
Apresentacao, 14 rua Oua 23. Tel.: +239 996 4860. last changed: Aug.
2018 (information may be out of date) edit info
Mira Rio is a
restaurant with an attached four-room guesthouse (Rua Martires da
Liberdade).
The Mission Santa Casa da Misericórdia also accepts
paying guests for little money. But you don't need to expect electricity
or running water on a regular basis.
Luxury resorts
Mark
Shuttleworth, the operator of the Omali Resort in São Tomé, also owns
the resorts here, although the “sustainable development” that is talked
about in a very promotional way is certainly not pure charity,
especially when you look at the prices:
Sandy Beach Resort.
Price: € 400+ p.p.
Roca Sundy Hotel. With the Discoteca Catacumba.
Price: €200+ p.p.
Bom Bom Island Resort. 19 bungalows on a secluded
beach connected to a small island via a wooden bridge. Price: € 400+
p.p.
The islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1471-1472 and were named after the names of the respective saints. So, the island, discovered on December 21, 1471, on the day of St. Thomas the Apostle, was called the "island of St. Thomas" (port. São Tomé, in the domestic literature the name "island of St. Thomas" was previously used, since the 1920s the name "island Sao Tome). A few weeks later, on January 17, 1472, on the day of St. Anthony, a neighboring island was discovered, originally called the "Isle of St. Anthony" (port. Santo Antão). In 1502, the island was renamed "Prince's Island" (port. Ilha do Principe), in honor of the Portuguese heir to the throne, in whose favor duties were levied on sugar produced on the island. In domestic literature, the name “Princes Island” was previously used, since the 1920s the name “Principe Island” has been used.
The Portuguese seafarer João de Santarém is considered to have
discovered the islands. This was in the service of the merchant Fernão
Gomes, who had acquired the right from the Portuguese King Alfonso V to
explore 100 Léguas of the African coast annually at his own expense in
the name of the Portuguese crown. On December 21, 1471 he discovered São
Tomé and on January 17, 1472 Santo António (or Antão); the latter was
renamed Príncipe in 1502.
The first Portuguese branch was founded
in 1485. On the one hand, the islands served as a transshipment point
for the slave trade between Africa, Portugal, Brazil and the Caribbean
islands, and on the other hand, Portugal resettled Portuguese Jews and
prisoners expelled by the Inquisition here. In 1572, São Tomé and the
following year Príncipe were placed directly under the Portuguese crown.
In the period that followed, a plantation economy developed with
changing monocultures, first sugar cane in the 16th to 18th centuries,
then coffee in the first half of the 19th century and finally cocoa
since around 1850; At the beginning of the 20th century, the islands
were even the largest cocoa producer in the world.
On August 13,
1913, a treaty was signed by Germany and England, according to which the
two islands were to be incorporated into the German colonial empire as
compensation for Germany in the event of Portugal's insolvency. Due to
the loss of the German colonies in the Peace Treaty of Versailles in
1919, the Anglo-German treaty of 1913 also became invalid.
On May
29, 1919, the solar eclipse expedition led by Arthur Stanley Eddington
on the volcanic island of Príncipe experimentally confirmed the
correctness of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.
The end of the colonial period began with the founding of various
liberation movements outside the country. In Ghana, the Comité de
Libertaçao de São Tomé e Príncipe (CLSTP) was founded in 1960 as a
forerunner of the Movimento de Libertação de São Tomé e Príncipe (MLSTP)
(from 1972). In 1974, after the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, the
MLSTP was recognized as a legitimate representative body, which
ultimately led to its independence on July 12, 1975. The MLSTP dominated
the country as a single party for the first 15 years after the end of
the colonial era.
In 1991, Miguel Trovoada was elected president
of the country. There was a coup in 1995; the following governments
proved relatively unstable.
On January 5, 1999, Guilherme Posser
da Costa was appointed Prime Minister. However, corruption scandals
involving counterfeit Treasury bonds worth $500 million quickly put the
government in trouble. In March 1999, the finance minister and the
central bank president resigned.
In August 2001, Fradique de
Menezes was elected president.
On July 16, 2003 there was a
military coup led by Major Fernando Pereira. President Fradique de
Menezes was on a state visit to Nigeria at the time, so only the prime
minister and a few other ministers were arrested by the coup plotters.
The very next day, the putschists announced a transitional government
and new elections. The reason given for the coup was the uncertain
political situation on the island, which had arisen as a result of oil
discoveries a few years earlier and the resulting disputes. After eight
days, the military coup was bloodlessly ended under pressure from the
international community. In a “Memorandum of Understanding” greater
participation of the population in important government decisions was
granted. There was a government reshuffle with the Prime Minister
remaining but seven ministers being replaced.
In September 2004
there was another government reshuffle following a bribery scandal
involving Prime Minister Maria das Neves and other ministers. In July
2006, President de Menezes was re-elected.
Manuel Pinto da Costa
won the 2011 presidential election in the runoff election on August 7,
2011. He took up his new office on September 3, 2011. Pinto da Costa
previously served as President. He did not appear in the runoff of the
next election on August 7, 2016, which meant that Evaristo Carvalho won
as the remaining candidate. Carvalho was replaced by Carlos Vila Nova in
2021.
On November 25, 2022, there was an attempted coup that was
suppressed, and in this context the President of the National Assembly,
Delfim Neves, was arrested.
Position
São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest country in
Africa after the Seychelles. The two eponymous islands lie between the
islands of Bioko and Annobón, which belong to Equatorial Guinea.
Over 90 percent of the residents live on the southern, larger island of
São Tomé, which is 48 kilometers long and 32 kilometers wide. It is the
more mountainous of the two islands. The highest elevation is 2024
meters. The capital of the same name is located on São Tomé. The
northern, smaller island of Príncipe is about 16 kilometers long and six
kilometers wide; its highest point is 927 meters.
Course of
the Cameroon Line
Both islands are part of a mountain chain formed by
volcanic activity along the Cameroon line, which continues on the
African continent in Cameroon. The volcanoes in São Tomé and Príncipe
are no longer active. The Pico Cão Grande is the natural landmark of the
island, it is a volcano with a height of 663 m.
The southern tip
of São Tomé is only two kilometers north of the equator, and the
associated island of Rolas is directly crossed by the equator.
Climate
São Tomé and Príncipe has a hot and humid tropical climate
with rainy and dry seasons, influenced by the mountainous topography.
The temperature shows hardly any seasonal fluctuations; The average
annual temperature is 28 °C on the coast and 20 °C inland. Annual
precipitation ranges from 1000 mm in the northern lowlands to 5000 mm on
the southwestern mountain slopes. The rainy season lasts from October to
May.
fauna
Large sea creatures are:
Blue and white dolphin
Clymene dolphin
Slim dolphin
Chinstrap dolphin
Bryde whale
Humpback whale
blue whale
Orca
Bottlenose dolphin
The
islands are home to a variety of bird species, as well as frogs, snakes
and chameleons. There are also large populations of African gray parrots
in the Obo National Park on Príncipe.