São Tomé and Príncipe Travel Guide | TripTard.Com
What is São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small, uninhabited island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. The islands are located about 140 miles off the Equator and have a population of just over 100,000. The islands have a rich history, with some evidence that they may have been settled as early as the first century BC. Portuguese explorers discovered São Tomé and Príncipe in 1471, and the islands were permanently colonized by Portugal in 1536. The colony became an important source of African slaves for the Portuguese empire. The Dutch took control of the islands in 1643 and held them until the 1795 Treaty of Paris ended the Napoleonic Wars. The British occupied São Tomé and Príncipe from 1814 to 1816, during the Peninsular War. In 1960, Sao Tome and Principe became an independent nation within the Portuguese Empire.
Today, São Tomé and Príncipe is a largely agricultural country with strong economic ties to Brazil. Tourism is an important part of the economy, with visitors coming for a variety of reasons including beaches, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, and cultural experiences.
The capital city is Praia on
The History of São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago located in the Gulf of Guinea. The islands are situated about 1,000 miles from the equator and have a combined land area of just over 130 square miles. The islands only have a population of around 100,000 people, most of whom are living on the two main islands - São Tomé and Príncipe.
The islands were first inhabited by the Guinean Anlo people who arrived in the 12th century. The Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias discovered them in 1471 and claimed them for Portugal. In 1556, the islands were captured by the Spanish after a long naval battle. The Portuguese regained control of the islands in 1645 but they were ceded to the Dutch in 1663. The British took control of the islands in 1809 and they remained under British rule until 1975 when they were granted independence as part of the African Union.
The history of São Tomé and Príncipe is full of political turmoil and military conflicts. The islands have been occupied by various countries over the years, including Portugal, Spain, Holland, Britain, France and Liberia. The current president of
Climate in São Tomé and Príncipe
-The average temperature in São Tomé is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. However, temperatures can vary a lot depending on location and time of year.
-São Tomé does not have a pronounced rainy season and instead has short, heavy showers that can cause flooding.
-The rainy season generally lasts from May to September, but it can also start any time from October through April.
-The average annual rainfall is about 26 inches, but this varies a lot depending on location.
-In the highlands, where most of the population lives, the rainfall can be as high as 38 inches annually while on the coast it can be as low as 12 inches.
Politics in São Tomé and Príncipe
When I arrived in São Tomé, there was an election going on. For those of you who are not familiar with the concept, an election is when the people of a country choose their leader. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the president is directly elected by the people. There are no parties in this country, so all candidates run as independents. The voting takes place in public squares and usually lasts for several hours. It's a pretty fascinating process to watch and...
Politics is one of the most important topics in São Tomé and Príncipe. Elections happen every 5 years and they play a big role in the politics of this country. The president is directly elected by the people, without any party involvement. This system has been in place since 1975 and it's one of the few examples of direct democracy in the world. Elections are definitely interesting to watch and I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about them on our blog!...
Budgeting for a Trip to São Tomé and Príncipe
When planning your trip to São Tomé and Príncipe, it is important to keep in mind that the country is very small, with a population of just over 200,000. As such, costs are relatively low and there are plenty of opportunities to explore on a budget. Here are some tips for maximizing your travel budget while visiting this African island paradise:
-Always stay aware of the exchange rate. The official currency is the São Toméan escudo (STP), but you will also find many shops and restaurants accepting US dollars or euros.
-Book flights as early as possible. One of the best ways to save money is to fly into São Tomé during off-season (late December through early March), when airfare prices are typically lower.
-Consider using public transportation instead of taxis whenever possible. Taxis can be expensive and often take long routes to get you where you need to go. Buses and trains are usually much cheaper and more efficient.
-In terms of food, try not to waste any calories! Many restaurants in São Tomé offer affordable fixed-price meals that include everything from chicken soup to pizza for
What to bring on a Trip to São Tomé and Príncipe
If you're planning a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe, it's important to understand the climate. The islands are located in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean and have a warm, humid climate all year long. The best time to visit is from November to February when temperatures are cooler but still mild.
Pack clothes that can be adjusted to the weather: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes are all essential for traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition, bring a light jacket or wrap if you're visiting in the winter months. And of course bring your bathing suit!
Pack food that can be adjusted to the food you'll find on the islands: Bring snacks like nuts and dried fruit as well as some basic vegetables like carrots and apples. You won't find many restaurants on São Tomé and Príncipe, so stock up on groceries before your trip.
Bring your passport and a travel insurance policy just in case something goes wrong while you're away. And finally, don't forget your camera! You'll want to take plenty of photos of your time in São
Visiting the Top Att
While in São Tomé, travelers can explore the capital city, Praia do Forte, or head to one of the island's stunning beaches. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking trails and fishing spots to be explored.
Príncipe is a different story altogether. Its colorful architecture and winding streets are a must-see, as is the Royal Palace. With its lush vegetation and white-sand beaches, it's easy to see why Príncipe is known as the "Island of Love."