São Tomé & Príncipe
Subregion: Middle Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation located off the western coast of Middle Africa. The Capital City is São Tomé. The government is a Unitary semi-presidential republic. The official language of the country is Portuguese. The common language of the country is São Tomé Creole. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system consists of both a public and private sector. The public sector has dual tiers, one for primary healthcare utilizing the health centers and the other for secondary care. There are 2 hospitals in the country, one on each island. The private sector is more expensive but is still lacking in comparison to the US.
Safety:
São Tomé e Principe is generally considered safe, crime rates are generally low, and violent crime is rare. However, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. One of the main safety concerns in São Tomé e Principe is petty crime. Take precautions to protect your valuables, such as not leaving them unattended on the beach or in hotel rooms. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in the city center of São Tomé. Another safety concern in São Tomé e Principe is the risk of dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. There have also been reports of occasional political unrest in São Tomé e Principe, which can result in demonstrations and roadblocks. Stay informed about local events and avoid areas where there is unrest. The road conditions in São Tomé e Principe can vary significantly depending on the area, with many roads being unpaved and poorly maintained. As a result, it's important to exercise caution when driving, especially at night or during periods of heavy rain.
Cultural Customs:
The culture of São Tomé and Principe is a blend of African, Portuguese, and other European influences. Music and dance are an essential part of the culture in São Tomé and Principe. They have their unique style of music and dance, which are a blend of African and Portuguese influences. The cuisine of São Tomé and Principe is also a blend of African and Portuguese influences. Some of the popular dishes include fish, cassava, and beans. The island nation has several festivals throughout the year, which are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The most popular festivals include the Feast of Sao Joao, Independence Day, and Carnival. The majority of the people in São Tomé and Principe are Christians, with Catholicism being the predominant religion. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of the people, and church attendance is high. Despite being predominantly Christian, many people in São Tomé and Principe also hold traditional beliefs, including animism and ancestor worship. The people of São Tomé and Principe have a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including woodcarving, pottery, and weaving. The handicrafts made by the local artisans are popular among tourists. The official language of São Tomé and Principe is Portuguese, but the people also speak Creole, which is a blend of Portuguese and African languages. The traditional clothing of São Tomé and Principe is colorful and vibrant, with a mix of African and European styles. The people of São Tomé and Principe are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards tourists and visitors. Family is highly valued in São Tomé and Principe, and many households are extended families, with several generations living together. Respect for elders and strong family ties are central to the culture.
Geography & Weather:
The climate of São Tomé and Príncipe is tropical.
The average temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit and humid all year round. The rainy season is October - May. It rains on Príncipe a little more than on São Tomé. The sky is often cloudy and the sun only shines about 4-5 hours a day, even during the dry season. The sea temperature is 80 degrees all year round.
Economy:
The economy of São Tomé and Principe is predominantly based on agriculture, with cocoa being the most important cash crop. In recent years, the government of São Tomé and Principe has made efforts to diversify the economy and promote tourism, fishing, and light industry. The country has also seen some foreign investment in the oil sector, although these efforts have been hampered by the global decline in oil prices. Despite these efforts, São Tomé and Principe remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a high level of unemployment and poverty. The country faces significant challenges in terms of infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social welfare. To address these challenges, the government has implemented economic reforms and sought assistance from international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF has provided financial assistance to the country to help stabilize the economy and promote growth, and the government has implemented a number of structural reforms to improve governance and promote economic development. Overall, the economy of São Tomé and Principe faces significant challenges, but there are opportunities for growth and development through continued investment in infrastructure, diversification of the economy, and improvements in governance and social welfare.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD)
STN 1.00 = USD .044
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
219,159
Median Age:
18.6
Life Expectancy:
71.01
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes, if stay is over 15 days
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry, 30 days
Long Stay Visa, multiple entry, 180 days
*Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival, 30 days
**Visas can be extended for 60 days**
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - São Tomean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in São Tomé & Príncipe for at least five consecutive years, is of good morality, legal capacity, have no criminal convictions, and financially able to care for themselves. The person must also prove competency in Portuguese.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into São Tomé and Príncipe as expats. Must apply at the Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Resources:
Banco Internacional de Sao Tome e Principe
U.S. Embassy Luanda, Angola
Rua Presidente Houari Boumedienne #32
Miramar, Luanda
Angola
Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1112
Email: consularluanda@state.gov
There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in São Tomé and Príncipe. Contact the office in Angola for assistance.