São Tomé and Príncipe, officially called the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe,

literally "island of Saint Thomas and du Prince") is an island microstate in West Africa,
located approximately 300 km off the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea, opposite Gabon
and Equatorial Guinea.

Made up of two main islands (called concelhos ) , São-Tomé (855 km²) and Príncipe (306
km²), and several small islets, including Pedras Tinhosa and Rolas, the archipelago covers a
total area of 1001 km², or thirty times smaller than Belgium ( 32,545 km²). The capital and
main port of the country is the city of São Tomé (43,000 inhabitants). The other major city is
São Antonio (1500 inhabitants) on the island of Príncipe (7000 inhabitants). The distance
between the island of São Tomé and the island of Príncipe is 152 km

Its capital is sao tome ,its population is 175883 in 2007 and its official language is
portuguese.

So why the sao tome and principe should be visited ?

A São Tomé and Príncipe vacation is authentic and off-the-beaten path, a true exploration of
jungle trekking and island lifestyle immersion. Floating in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of
West Africa, is where you will find these hidden African islands. They beckon with the
promise of paradise.
The islands are thick with emerald-coloured rainforests, surrounded by golden sand beaches
and crystal-clear waters that exude a forgotten world feel. Here you will find a laid-back
natural rhythm of life and a palpable Portuguese influence.
São Tomé is the larger of the two islands. Príncipe is the travelling escapists dream
destination, only a short 35-minute flight from its sister island. It's dubbed 'Africa's
Galapagos', because it has an incredible amount of plant and animal species found nowhere
else on Earth. In fact, Príncipe is a protected UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve,
virtually undiscovered and undisturbed.
Watch whales frolic off deserted beaches, explore the jungles with a professional guide, and
adjust to Mother Nature's clock in this idyllic destination.

So what is there to do in sao tome and principe?

- Obô National Park

This pristine reserve is a true highlight of São Tomé, with more than 700 plant species and
143 different types of birds, some of which are endemic to the islands. It’s a Robinson Crusoe
kind of adventure with impenetrable forests, cascading waterfalls and dramatic volcanic
landscapes.
One of the best things to see is the Pico Cão Grande, a needle-shaped volcanic plug that
towers 370 metres (1 214 feet) above a tropical forest and is often surrounded by swirling
mists.
There are several circular walks, with one of the most popular being to Lagoa Amelia – a
four-to-five-hour trek to a volcanic crater with awe-inspiring views of the lagoon. Plus, you
can do multi-day hikes with overnight stays in rocas (old cocoa plantation houses).
- The friendly local communities will embrace you into their paradisaical home. There is a
beautiful fusion of Portuguese and West African influences. São Tomé and Príncipe culture is
nothing short of vibrant, reminiscent of its birdlife and their vivid colours. It is a hub of
traditional music, dance, and talented artists showcasing their unique wares.
Coffee and cocoa plantations abound, with some plantation houses being restored into
restaurants and eco-tourism ventures. Prepare to be smitten with their quality coffee and
chocolate, having well earned their reputation as the ‘chocolate islands’. Cuisine is an art
form and dishes are inventive, featuring fresh local ingredients (particularly fish), herbs and
decadent tropical fruits. Lunching is a while-away-the-hours affair, often with seven-course
tasting menus.
São Tomé and Príncipe have by far some of the best beaches in the world. Long stretches of
soft sand, leaning coconut palms, and often not a soul in sight. Days are spent in warm
waters, swimming in discovered rock pools or snorkelling in bays.