Saõ Tóme and Príncipe Travel Guide

Saõ Tóme and Príncipe — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: West Africa, Gulf of Guinea.
Language: Portuguese is the official language. Creole is also spoken. Some English is spoken, but French is more common.
Area: 1,001 sq km (386.5 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT.
Electricity: 220 volts AC.
Population: 199,579 (2007 estimate).
Population Density: 199.4 per sq km.
Capital City: São Tomé.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada since 2008.
Head of State: President Fradique de Menezes since 2001.
Religion: Roman Catholic majority (70%), with a number of other Christian denominations also represented.

Recent History

President Fradique de Menezes, a wealthy cocoa exporter, was elected in July 2001 and re-elected in 2006.

In July 2003, a week-long military coup toppled his government while he was on a private visit to Nigeria. President de Menezes returned after an agreement to restore democratic rule was reached with the coup leaders.

The president wants revenues from new offshore oil fields to be used to improve public services. He is keen to reduce São Tomé e Príncipe’s isolation and favors stronger ties with West Africa.

Mr De Menezes is the country’s third president, after Miguel Trovoada, who served two five-year terms, the maximum permitted by the constitution (1990-2001) and Pinto da Costa (1975-1991).

The president’s ruling MDFM-PCD coalition failed to secure a parliamentary majority in the 2006 elections. In February 2008, it entered a power-sharing deal with the opposition Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party, whose leader, Patrice Trovoada, became prime minister.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +239.

Mobile Telephone

International roaming agreements currently exist with one company. Coverage varies from very good to non-existent, depending on the area on each island.

Internet

Internet cafes are available. Access can be slow and relatively expensive.

Media

Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution and respected.

Private broadcasting is not forbidden by law but the state currently controls a press agency and the only radio and television stations.

Press

• There are three privately owned newspapers, one of which is state-run.
• Tela Non Diario de São Tomé e Príncipe is published daily, in Portuguese.

Radio

• Radio Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe is the state-run national broadcaster.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the period January 2011-December 2012.
2010
21 Dec São Tomé Day (Catholic)
25 Dec Christmas Day

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
3 Feb Heroes’ Day
1 May Labor Day
12 Jul Independence Day
6 Sep Armed Forces Day
30 Sep Agricultural Reform Day
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
26 Nov Argel Accord Day
21 Dec São Tomé Day (Catholic)
25 Dec Christmas Day

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
3 Feb Heroes’ Day
1 May Labor Day
12 Jul Independence Day
6 Sep Armed Forces Day
30 Sep Agricultural Reform Day
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
26 Nov Argel Accord Day
25 Dec Christmas Day