.svg/100px-Sao_Tome_and_Principe_on_the_globe_(Africa_centered).svg.png)
Introduction
Sao Tome and Principe, officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (in Portuguese: Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe), is a country of Africa formed by several islands located in the gulf of guinea, specifically northwest of the coast of Gabon, very close to the equator. The most important islands are Saint tome Y The prince.
Understand
Trees cover almost 90% of the islands. The main crop in São Tomé is cocoa, which represents around 95% of agricultural exports. Other export crops include copra, palm kernel, and coffee. Apart from agriculture, the main economic activities are fishing and a small industrial sector that is dedicated to processing local agricultural products and producing some basic consumer goods. The picturesque islands have potential for tourism and the government is trying to upgrade their rudimentary tourism industry infrastructure.
The culture of São Tomé is a mix of African and Portuguese influences. The inhabitants of São Tomé are known for the rhythms of ússua and socopé, while Príncipe is home to the rhythm of the dêxa. The Portuguese ballroom may have played an integral role in the development of these rhythms and their associated dances. Tchiloli is a musical dance performance that tells a dramatic story. Danço-Congo is also a combination of music, dance and theater.
Soccer is the most popular sport in São Tomé and Príncipe, the national soccer team of São Tomé and Príncipe is the national soccer team of São Tomé and Príncipe.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a nation of approximately 202,000 inhabitants (2018). The two main islands are separated by about 259 km and extend over the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea, west of Gabon. The country receives few tourists: in 2016, there were an estimated 13,000 visitors to the country.
History
Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands had a sugar-based economy that gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century, all grown with slave labor on plantations, a form of which was lasted until the twentieth century. Although independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s and the first free elections were held in 1991.
| Capital | Saint tome |
| Currency | Sao Tome and Principe dobra (STN) |
| Population | 204.3 thousand (2017) |
| Electricity | 220 volts / 50 hertz (Europlug, Schuko) |
| Country code | 239 |
| Time zone | UTC ± 00: 00 |
| Emergencies | 112 |
| Driving side | straight |
| edit on Wikidata | |
This small and poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. However, cocoa production has declined substantially due to drought and poor management. The resulting shortage of cocoa for export has created a persistent balance of payments problem. São Tomé has to import all fuels, most manufactured products, consumer goods, and a substantial amount of food. Over the years, it has been unable to service its external debt and has had to rely on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. São Tomé benefited from debt relief of $ 200 million in December 2000 under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. São Tomé's success in implementing structural reforms has been rewarded by international donors, who promised increased assistance in 2001. There is considerable potential for the development of a tourism industry and the government has taken steps to expand the facilities. The government has also tried to reduce price controls and subsidies. São Tomé is also optimistic that major oil discoveries will take place in its territorial waters in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Corruption scandals continue to weaken the economy.
Regions
| Saint tome São Tomé Island, the largest of the islands, and nearby islets |
| The prince Principe Island, the smallest of the islands, and nearby islets |
Cities
- Saint tome, the capital. It is located on the northeast coast of the island of São Tomé. In 2003 it had 53,300 inhabitants.
- Santo António, the largest city on the island of Principe. It is located on the northeast coast of the Palhota River. It has about 1,150 inhabitants.
Other destinations
In Principe, relax on Banana Beach or Burra Beach, or climb Papagaio Peak in Obo do Principe National Park for majestic views of the island and the ocean beyond.
Context
Culture
Festivals
- Fan king's day - January 4.
- Feast of Santo Amaro - January 15.
- Discovery of Principe Island - January 17.
- Freedom Martyrs Day - February 3rd.
- Festival of Autonomy - April 29.
- Feast of the Holy Trinity - May 26.
- Feast of Santo António - June 13th.
- Independence party - 12th of July.
- National Heroes Day - September 6.
- Roças Nationalization Day - September 30th.
- People's Power Day - December 21.
- Discovery Day of the Island of Santo Tomé - December 21.
Weather
At sea level, the climate is tropical, hot and humid with annual mean temperatures of approximately 27 ° C (80.6 ° F) and little daily variation. The temperature rarely exceeds 32 ° C (89.6 ° F). At higher inland altitudes, the annual mean temperature is 20 ° C (68 ° F) and nights are generally cool. Annual precipitation ranges from 5,000 mm (196.85 inches) on the southwestern slopes to 1,000 mm (39.37 inches) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May.
The equator is immediately south of the island of São Tomé, passing through an islet called Ilhéu das Rolas.
Time zone
UTC ± 00: 00
Electricity
220 volts / 50 hertz (Europlug, Schuko)
Talk
Portuguese is the most widely spoken language. There are those who understand Spanish, English and French. There is a Creole from São Tomé. In the south of the island, Creole is the most widely spoken. Sao Tome and Principe has the Portuguese as an official and national language, spoken by practically the entire population. There are also restructured spoken varieties developed locally from Portuguese or Portuguese Creoles, What cover, angolar, prince Y Cape Verdean Creole. Tongan Portuguese and traces of Bantu languages are also spoken. Currently, French and English are also widely spoken and understood in the country, usually among young people. There are tour guide agencies at STP and you can always ask for a guide, or you can even get one from English or French schools.
English is practically non-existent in this country, as it is not taught in schools and there are few English-speaking tourists; However, you will have more luck with the French, who I know it teaches in schools and is therefore spoken by many.
It is essential to know Portuguese, Lining or French to get along.
To get
Visas
The entry visa is mandatory for Spanish citizens, the visa can be obtained directly at the Embassy of Santo Tomé in Lisbon or by speaking with a travel agency specialized.
Vaccines
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended
By plane
The Santo Tomé International Airport (IATA code: TMS, ICAO code: FPST) is the main airport of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is located on the island of Santo Tomé.
The Principe Airport airport (IATA: PCP, ICAO: FPPR) is located about 3 kilometers from the city of Santo António. It is the only airport on the island of Principe.
The Porto Alegre airport (IATA: PGP, ICAO: FPPA) serves the city of Porto Alegre, on the island of Santo Tomé.
From Spain, there is a weekly flight with TAP via Lisbon.
TAAG connects the country with Luanda, in Angola, and with Sal, in Cape Verde.
Boat
There are no passenger ships.
Surroundings
In taxi
On the island of São Tomé, there are many taxis, including shared ones, that leave for other cities when there are enough people. It is common for tourists to rent a car or scooter to better explore all that the island has to offer. Be aware that although the roads are paved, they are often not in good condition.
By plane
To get to Principe, the most common option for tourists are commercial flights (STP Airways) that connect São Tomé International Airport with Principe Airport. Beware that airplanes are very small. Instead, locals typically hop on a cargo ship, but the 10-hour overnight journey is not considered particularly safe. There are faster charter boats that can make the trip in 3.5 hours.
By car
In Príncipe, there are fewer roads and many are not paved. It is common to hire a driver (car or motorcycle) to explore the island, or rent a boat.
By bus
Traveling by public transport is a possible form of interaction with the inhabitants. Cars sometimes carry 12-15 people and luggage.
By train
There is currently no railroad in the country.
Cycling
it's possible rent bikes from mountain in the city of Santo Tomé, in the market in front of the Church. Several guys offer this service. Two bikes per week cost less than € 100 (2006). From the city of Santo Tomé to Santana, it can take 45 minutes, and from Santana to São João, 3 to 4 hours.
On motorcycle
it's possible rent motorcycles in the city of Santo Tomé, in the market in front of the Church. The price should be discussed on the spot. The motorcycles usually have between 125 and 250 cc, of Japanese construction, simpler than those of the European market. The state of conservation varies a lot, but it is clear that a motorcycle ride through these islands would make you breathe fresh air and contemplate the landscape of the calm nature of this country. Most of the people drive motorcycles in their daily life. There are also motorcyclists who do freight for short distances and the price usually varies from one place to another, but they are not very expensive.
To eat
The owner Tété is known in St. Thomas for serving fresh fish over charcoal. It is a cozy place with a family atmosphere, with tables in the garden. The usual procedure is to ask Doña Tété what she recommends for food. It is necessary to call in advance to make an appointment.
- The Santana Club It is an open air bar / restaurant, facing the beach. Wooden tables and floors add a touch of extra comfort. It is located about 15 kilometers from the center but it is worth the trip, not only to know the space and taste the rotation, but also for the beautiful typical landscapes and the crossing of the villages.
- The Pirate , just off São Tomé towards Santana, is an open restaurant, directly in front of a long but narrow beach. International kitchen. In the sea, in front of the restaurant, there is a large beached ship. The decor is modern, with some paintings by local artists.
- The Aunt lee in People's Park , for those who want the Calulu or Feijoada dishes in the fashion of the land, affordable (about € 5 per person).
- The Papafigos They serve burgers, pizzas, etc.
- The Filomar serves varied dishes.
The kitchen STP is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish. Jogó is made from different vegetables, palm oil, various smoked fish, previously fried shrimp, etc. It looks like a spread and is served with green banana puree or banana bread. There are many other dishes, such as Sôuô de matabala, Pirão of manioc flour, Fish rice, Angúla, Banana cooked with dried fish, Blá-Blá, Cacharamba, Calúlu, Fubá, etc.
Fruits of the region, such as cajamanga, banana-apple, breadfruit and sap. Breadfruit is often grilled, fried, or cooked to accompany almost any type of fish.
To drink
In any part of the country there are always restaurants that welcome tourists and prepare meals ... There are also more refined restaurants in the capital of Santo Tomé, in the Popular Park, in short, where to eat and drink you will always find! Beer is available everywhere, although the inhabitants of São Tomé are not known as heavy drinkers. Local brands include Creolla Y Rosema. Inside, palm wine is available very cheaply from vendors along the road. In the capital, whiskey and other spirits are popular with the elites. Wine, especially Portuguese vinho verde, is popular with fish dishes.
Sleep
There are a small handful of hotels in the capital. Near the town of Santana is an idyllic bed and breakfast with stunning views. Lavish resorts have been built in the extreme north and south of the country, on the small island of Ilheu das Rolas and on Ilha Bom Bom off the coast of Príncipe.
In Santo António, the main city of Príncipe, you can find several small posadas (B & Bs).
- Bom Bom Island Resort In addition to a private bathroom, air conditioning and other modern amenities, each bungalow has its own terrace with views of the green palm trees and the bay. Bom Bom's restaurant, bar and marina are located on a small islet, which can be reached by crossing the 230-meter wooden walkway.
- Mucumbli An amazing hostel, located a few minutes down the road from the town of Neves. It only has 5 bungalows so book well in advance! I am the owner of Titiano and Marie, an extremely kind and helpful Italian couple who came to the island in the 1980s and built this place little by little. Private and remote (in São Tomé terms), sitting on the terrace looking at the side of the island at sunset or going to the beach or walking the trails, this place is a must. There is also a corral of donkeys, which were practically saved by the owners (after the government received them as a gift from Angola and did not know what to do with them). It includes breakfast.
Security
It is a calm and safe country. The country has a weak network of public hospitals, however, in addition to the Central Hospital located in the country's capital, there are also medical posts in all districts of the country. A good repatriation medical insurance is also recommended to act in case of any very serious health problem. It is important to make a " Consult the traveler"to carry out the vaccination against yellow fever, typhoid fever, hepatitis B and malaria prophylaxis. This consultation gives the opportunity to learn how to avoid some unnecessary risks. Consult the Family Doctor to know what SOS medications to take in the suitcase. Travel (diarrhea, fever, etc.) can be helpful. Use mosquito repellants, especially at night. As night falls, malaria mosquitoes appear in large numbers, so move around with clothing adequate (most of the body covered), despite the heat, will help avoid some discomfort.
Safety is not a problem in São Tomé and Príncipe, although road traffic is dangerous as in other parts of Africa. Violent crime in public is almost unheard of. However, with the increase in tourism, crime against tourists has increased. Roadblocks have been reported near Santana, as well as scams targeting tourists in the main city.
The only dangerous animal on the islands is the black cobra, which can be found in the southern and eastern parts of the island of São Tomé. The young are completely black, the adults have yellowish-white scales on the front. They are afraid of humans and will usually sneak away when you approach. Be vigilant when hiking and be very careful where you put your hands. The antidote is available at local hospitals. If you are bitten, you should seek immediate help, preferably within 30-120 minutes. However, deaths are rare.
external links
Wikipedia has an article on Sao Tome and Principe.w: Sao Tome and Principe
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Sao Tome and Principe. Commons
