The two islands of São Tomé and Principé are
a small independent republic close to the coast of W. Africa located
in the Gulf of Guinea, W. of Gabon and right on the Equator.
Travel Insurance for São Tomé and Principé:
Area: World Wide exc. USA / Canada *
Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for São Tomé and Principé
São Tomé and Principé
are not a well travelled tourist destination and so make a great
spot for those seeking to get away from the more crowded places.
São Tomé is a volcanic island and very beautiful with
its volcanoes reaching through the clouds, its jungles and beautiful
beaches. The island of Principé is not as mountainous but
has even better and more deserted beaches. Other significant towns
are Santo Antonio and Neves.
Portugal discovered and claimed the islands in the late fifteenth
century. The economy was originally sugar-based which was then overtaken
by production of coffee and cocoa, mostly using slave labour. It
has been independent since 1975 but did not become democratic until
about a decade later. There has been political instability with changes
in leadership, and discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea may have
future impact.
The official language is Portuguese and the majority of the population
is Catholic. Most of the population comprises Africans with some
Agolares – descendants of the Angolan slaves, and Portuguese.
There are two Provinces, namely São Tomé and Principé .
Be sure to check on health requirements and vaccinations needed before
visiting.
São Tomé is one of the few tropical paradise places
in the world not taken over by tourists. It boasts white sand, palm
fringed beaches and clear water. The downside of the lack of tourists
is the consequent lack of facilities and arranged activities for
tourists, plus it is expensive. There are, however, a few less expensive
hotels on the islands for those on a budget. Car and boat rentals
can be arranged through some of the larger hotels.
Because of the present scarcity of tourists to these islands, the
facilities for scuba diving are somewhat limited but can be arranged.
Snorkelling fans will love it. For those wishing to explore the jungle
areas, guides can be arranged for viewing the amazing array of orchids
and other flora. It is also a great spot for birdwatchers. |
