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SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE
Compiled from the February 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes. Official Name: PROFILEGeographyLocation: Western Africa; islands straddling the equator in the Gulf of Guinea west of Gabon. Area: 1,001 sq. km. (386 sq. mi.); about the size of metropolitan Indianapolis, or one-third the size of Rhode Island. Cities: Capital—São Tomé. Other cities—Trinidade, Santana, Angolares, Neves, Santo Antonio. Terrain: Two small, volcanic islands. Climate: Tropical, with wet and dry seasons, influenced by the mountainous topography. PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective—São Toméan(s). Population: (census 2001) 137,599. Annual growth rate: (2001) 1.6%. Ethnic groups: Mixed African, Portuguese-African. Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-day Adventist) 80%. Languages: Portuguese (official). Education: Literacy (census 2001)—68.1%. Years compulsory—to secondary level. Health: Life expectancy—64 yrs. Infant mortality rate (census 2001)—54/1,000. Work force: (by household, 2000 UN Development Program est.) Agriculture—15.3%; industry, commerce, services—36.5%; government—11.5%. GovernmentType: Republic. Independence: July 12, 1975 (from Portugal). Constitution: November 5, 1975; revised September 1990, following a national referendum, revised again January 2003. Branches: Executive—president and prime minister. Legislative—National Assembly. Judicial—Supreme Court. Administrative subdivisions: Seven counties, six on São Tomé and one on Príncipe. Political parties: Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP), Party of Democratic Convergence (PCD), Independent Democratic Alliance (ADI), Democratic Movement Force of Change (MDFM), Christian Democratic Front-Socialist Union Party (FDC-PSU), Santomean Workers Party (PTS); Popular Party of Progress (PPP), and National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP). Suffrage: Universal adult. EconomyGDP: (2002 est.) $55 million. Annual GDP growth rate: (2002) 4.1%. Per capita GDP: (2002) $439. Consumer price inflation: (2002) 9.0%. Natural resources: Agricultural products, fish, petroleum (not yet exploited). Agriculture: (16.5% of GDP, 2000) Products—cocoa, coconuts, copra, palm kernels, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, beans, poultry. Cultivated land—484 sq. kilometers. Industry: (5.5% of GDP, 2000) Types—light construction, shirts, soap, beer, fisheries, shrimp processing, palm oil. Trade: Exports (2002)—$5.03 million: 95% cocoa, copra, palm kernels, coffee. Major markets—Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, China. Imports (2002)—$31.4 million: food, fuel, machinery and electrical equipment. Major suppliers—Portugal (43%), France (16%), UK (14%). Total external debt: (2002) $293.1 million. Exchange rate: (March 2004) 9.500 dobras=U.S.__BODY__. Fiscal year: Calendar year. GEOGRAPHYThe islands of São Tomé and PríncipePríncipe, situated in the equatorial Atlantic about 300 and 250 kilometers (200 mi. and 150 mi.), respectively, off the northwest coast of Gabon, constitute Africa's smallest At sea level, the climate is tropicalhot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27ºC (80ºF) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20ºC (68ºF), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimeters (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimeters (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May. PEOPLEOf São Tomé and Príncipe's total population, about 137,500 live on São Tomé and 6,000 on Príncipe. All are descended from various ethnic groups that have migrated to the islands since 1485. Six groups are identifiable:
In the 1970s, there were two significant population movements—the exodus of most of the 4,000 Portuguese residents and the influx of several hundred São Tomé an refugees from Angola. The islanders have been absorbed largely into a common Luso-African culture. Almost all belong to the Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, or Seventh-day Adventist Churches, which in turn retain close ties with churches in Portugal. HISTORYThe islands were first discovered by Portuguese navigators between 1469 and 1472. The first successful settlement of São Tomé was established in 1493 by Alvaro Caminha, who received the land as a grant from the Portuguese crown. Príncipe was settled in 1500 under a similar arrangement. By the mid-1500s, with the help of slave labor, the Portuguese settlers had turned the islands into Africa's foremost exporter of sugar. São Tomé and Príncipe were taken over and administered by the Portuguese crown in 1522 and 1573, respectively. Sugar cultivation declined over the next 100 years, and by the mid-1600s, São Tomé was little more than a port of call for bunkering ships. In the early 1800s, two new cash crops, coffee and cocoa, were introduced. The rich volcanic soils proved well suited to the new cash crop industry, and soon extensive plantations (rocas), owned by Portuguese companies or absentee landlords, occupied almost all of the good farmland. By 1908, São Tomé had become the world's largest producer of cocoa, still the country's most important crop. The rocas system, which gave the plantation managers a high degree of authority, led to abuses against the African farm workers. Although Portugal officially abolished slavery in 1876, the practice of forced paid labor continued. In the early 1900s, an internationally publicized controversy arose over charges that Angolan contract workers were being subjected to forced labor and unsatis-factory working conditions. Sporadic labor unrest and dissatisfaction continued well into the 20th century, culminating in an outbreak of riots in 1953 in which several hundred African laborers were killed in a clash with their Portuguese rulers. This "Batepa Massacre" remains a major event in the colonial history of the islands, and the government officially observes its anniversary. By the late 1950s, when other emerging nations across the African Continent were demanding independence, a small group of São Tomé ans had formed the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP), which eventually established its base in nearby Gabon. Picking up momentum in the 1960s, events moved quickly after the overthrow of the Salazar and Caetano dictatorship in Portugal in April 1974. The new Portuguese regime was committed to the dissolution of its overseas colonies; in November 1974, their representatives met with the MLSTP in Algiers and worked out an agreement for the transfer of sovereignty. After a period of transitional government, São Tomé and Príncipe achieved independence on July 12, 1975, choosing as its first President the MLSTP Secretary General, Manuel Pinto da Costa. In 1990, São Tomé became one of the first African countries to embrace democratic reform, and changes to the constitution—the legalization of opposition political parties—led to elections in 1991 that were nonviolent, free, and transparent. Miguel Trovoada, a former Prime Minister who had been in exile since 1986, returned as an independent candidate and was elected President. Trovoada was re-elected in São Tomé 's second multiparty presidential election in 1996. The Party of Democratic Convergence (PCD) toppled the MLSTP to take a majority of seats in the National Assembly, with the MLSTP becoming an important and vocal minority party. Municipal elections followed in late 1992, in which
the MLSTP came back to win a majority of seats on five of seven regional councils. In early legislative elections in October 1994, the MLSTP won a plurality of seats in the Assembly. It regained an outright majority of seats in the November 1998 elections. The Government of São Tomé fully functions under a multiparty system. Presidential elections were held in July 2001. The candidate backed by the Independent Democratic Action Party, Fradique de Menezes, was elected in the first round and inaugurated on September 3. Parliamentary elections held in March 2002 led to a coalition government after no party gained a majority of seats. An attempted coup d'etat by a few members of the military and the Christian Democratic Front (mostly representative of former São Tomé an volunteers from the apartheid-era Republic of South African Army) in July 2003 was reversed by international, including American, mediation without bloodshed. In September 2004, President de Menezes dismissed the Prime Minister and appointed a new cabinet, which was accepted by the majority party. GOVERNMENTFollowing the promulgation of a new constitution in 1990, São Tomé and Príncipe held multiparty elections for the first time since independence. Shortly after the constitution took effect, the National Assembly formally legalized opposition parties. Independent candidates also were permitted to participate in the January 1991 legislative elections. The National Assembly is the supreme organ of the state and the highest legislative body. Its members are elected for a 4-year term and meet semi-annually. The president of the republic is elected to a 5-year term by direct universal suffrage and a secret ballot, and may hold office up to two consecutive terms. Candidates are chosen at their party's national conference or individuals may run independently. A presidential candidate must obtain an outright majority of the popular vote in either a first or second round of voting in order to be elected president. The prime minister is named by the president but must be ratified by the majority party and thus normally comes from a list of its choosing. The prime minister, in turn, names the 14 members of the Cabinet. The National Assembly is made up of 55 members, all of whom must stand for reelection every 5 years. Justice is administered at the highest level by the Supreme Court. Formerly responsible to the National Assembly, the judiciary is now independent under the current constitution. Administratively, the country is divided into seven municipal districts, six on São Tomé and one comprising Príncipe. Governing councils Principal Government OfficialsLast Updated: 11/3/04 President: De Menezes, Fradique The São Tomé and Príncipe Mission to the United Nations, which also is the São Tomé an Embassy to the United States, is located at 400 Park Avenue, 7th floor, New York, NY 10022 (tel. 212-317-0580; email stp@un.int). POLITICAL CONDITIONSSince the constitutional reforms of 1990 and the elections of 1991, São Tomé has made great strides toward developing its democratic institutions and further guaranteeing the civil and human rights of its citizens. São Tomé ans have freely changed their government through peaceful and transparent elections. And while there have been disagreements and political conflicts within the branches of government and the National Assembly, the debates have been carried out and resolved in open, democratic, and legal fora, in accordance with the provisions of São Tomé an law. A number of political parties actively participate in government and openly express their views. Freedom of the press is respected, and there are several independent newspapers in addition to the government bulletin. The government's respect for human rights is exemplary; the government does not engage in repressive measures against its citizens, and respect for individuals' rights to due process and protection from government abuses is widely honored. Freedom of expression is accepted, and the government has taken no repressive measures to silence critics. ECONOMYSince the 1800s, the economy of São Tomé and Príncipe has been based on plantation agriculture. At the time of independence, Portuguese-owned plantations occupied 90% of the cultivated area. After independence, control of these plantations passed to various state-owned agricultural enterprises, which have since been privatized. The dominant crop on São Tomé is cocoa, representing about 95% of exports. Other export crops include copra, palm kernels, and coffee. Domestic food-crop production is inadequate to meet local consumption, so the country imports some of its food. Efforts have been made by the government in recent years to expand food production, and several projects have been undertaken, largely financed by foreign donors. Other than agriculture, the main economic activities are fishing and a small industrial sector engaged in processing local agricultural products and producing a few basic consumer goods. The scenic islands have potential for tourism, and the government is attempting to improve its rudimentary tourist industry infrastructure. The government sector accounts for about 11% of employment. Following independence, the country had a centrally directed economy with most means of production owned and controlled by the state. The original constitution guaranteed a "mixed economy," with privately owned cooperatives combined with publicly owned property and means of production. In the 1980s and 1990s, the economy of São Tomé encountered major difficulties. Economic growth stagnated, and cocoa exports dropped in both value and volume, creating large balance-of-payments deficits. Efforts to redistribute plantation land resulted in decreased cocoa production. At the same time, the international price of cocoa slumped. In response to its economic downturn, the government undertook a series of far-reaching economic reforms. In 1987, the government implemented an International Monetary Fund (IMF) structural adjustment program, and invited greater private participation in management of the parastatals, as well as in the agricultural, commercial, banking, and tourism sectors. The focus of economic reform since the early 1990s has been widespread privatization, especially of the state-run agricultural and industrial sectors. The São Tomé an Government has traditionally obtained foreign assistance from various donors, including the UN Development Program, the World Bank, the European Union (EU), Portugal, Taiwan, and the African Development Bank. In April 2000, the IMF approved a poverty reduction and growth facility for São Tomé aimed at reducing inflation to 3% for 2001, raising ideal growth to 4%, and reducing the fiscal deficit. In late 2000, São Tomé qualified for significant debt reduction under the IMF-World Bank's heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. The In 2001, São Tomé and Nigeria reached agreement on joint exploration for petroleum in waters claimed by the two countries. After a lengthy series of negotiations, in April 2003 the joint development zone (JDZ) was opened for bids by international oil firms. The JDZ was divided into 9 blocks; the winning bids for block one, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, and the Norwegian firm Equity Energy, were announced in April 2004, with São Tomé to take in 40% of the $123 million bid, and Nigeria the other 60%. Bids on other blocks were still under consideration in October 2004. São Tomé stands to gain significant revenue both from the bidding process and from follow-on production, should reserves in the area match expectations. Portugal remains one of São Tomé 's major trading partners, particularly as a source of imports. Food, manufactured articles, machinery, and transportation equipment are imported primarily from the EU. FOREIGN RELATIONSUntil independence in 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe had few ties abroad except those that passed through Portugal. Following independence, the new government sought to expand its diplomatic relationships. A common language, tradition, and colonial experience have led to close collaboration between São Tomé and other ex-Portuguese colonies in Africa, particularly Angola. São Tomé an relations with other African countries in the region, such as Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, also are good. In December 2000, São Tomé signed the African Union treaty; the National Assembly later ratified it. The São Tomé an Government has generally maintained a foreign policy based on nonalignment and cooperation with any country willing to assist in its economic development. In recent years, it also has increasingly emphasized ties to the United States and western Europe. U.S.-SÃO TOMÉAN RELATIONSThe United States was among the first countries to accredit an ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe. The U.S. Ambassador based in Gabon is accredited to São Tomé on a non-resident basis. The Ambassador and Embassy staff make regular visits to the islands. The first São Tomé an Ambassador to the United States, resident in New York City, was accredited in 1985. In 1986, São Tomé an President da Costa visited the United States and met with then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. U.S. relations with São Tomé are excellent. In 1992, the Voice of America (VOA) and the Government of São Tomé signed a long-term agreement for the establishment of a relay transmitter station in São Tomé ; VOA currently broadcasts to much of Africa from this facility. The U.S. Government also maintains a number of smaller assistance programs in São Tomé, administered through nongovernmental organizations or the Embassy in Libreville. Principal U.S. Embassy OfficialsLIBREVILLE (E) Address: Boulevard du Bord de Mer; Phone: [241] 76-20-03/04; Fax: [241] 74-55-07; Workweek: M-Th 8-17:15-Fr 8-14:00
TRAVELConsular Information SheetDecember 14, 2004 Country Description: São Tomé and Príncipe is a developing nation, comprising the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located off the west coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are limited, but adequate. Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport, visa and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry. Visas must be obtained in advance. The nearest Sao Toméan Embassy is in Libreville, Gabon, and visas may be obtained there. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Permanent Mission of São Tomé and Príncipe, 400 Park Ave., 7th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10022, telephone (212) 317-0533, fax (212) 935-7348. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest São Toméan embassy or consulate. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on São Tomé and Príncipe and other countries. Safety and Security: U.S. citizens should maintain security awareness at all times. There have been incidents within the past two years of civil unrest in the capital city. Large gatherings or any other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest should be avoided. American citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy in Gabon for the most up-to-date information on safety and security. The Embassy informs the registered resident American community of security matters through a warden system. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad. Crime: Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing and armed robbery do occur on the islands. Such crimes can occur anywhere, but are more prevalent in public places, such as in markets, on the streets, or near hotels. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. If possible, leave valuables and extra cash at your hotel while sightseeing or visiting the beach. The prevalence of sexual assault is low, and no specific groups seem to be targets for victimization. While scams and confidence schemes are not common, travelers should exercise caution. Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/brochure_victim_assistance.html. Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical facilities in São Tomé and Príncipe are extremely limited. There is one hospital in the country, on the island of São Tomé, and several clinics. However, the level of care is low. For all but minor medical needs, it is necessary to travel to Libreville (Gabon), Lisbon (Portugal), or elsewhere. Additionally, some medicines are not available; travelers should carry properly labeled required medicines and medications with them. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning São Tomé and Príncipe is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Streets in the city of São Tomé are paved, but large potholes are common. Major roads outside of town are also paved, and are less worn. Pedestrians and animals on the roads can be a major hazard. Outside of the city of São Tomé, there are no sidewalks or shoulders along the side of roads. In rural areas outside of the capital city, drivers are expected the honk the car's horn periodically as a warning signal of their approach. There is no street lighting outside of the capital. Some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Only a few miles of paved roads exist on the island of Príncipe; the conditions are similar to those found on São Tomé. Although taking taxis is fairly safe, it is advisable to rent a car instead. If you must take a taxi, exercise caution, and negotiate the rate before entering the taxi. The country's national tourist office and national authority does not maintain a website. Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and São Tomé and Príncipe, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed São Tomé and Príncipe's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. Special Circumstances: Credit cards are accepted at only a few major hotels. Travelers' checks can be cashed at hotels and at one private bank in São Tomé city, but transaction fees can be high. U.S. dollars are widely accepted at tourist establishments. Taking photographs of military or government buildings is strictly forbidden. Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating São Tomé and Príncipe's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in São Tomé and Príncipe are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html. Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in São Tomé and Príncipe are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within São Tomé and Príncipe. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. There is no U.S. Embassy in São Tomé and Príncipe. U.S. citizens living in or visiting São Tomé and Príncipe who need assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, located on the Boulevard de la Mer. U.S. citizens traveling to or living in São Tomé and Príncipe are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Libreville. The mailing address is B.P. 4000, Libreville, Gabon. Telephone numbers: (241) 76-20-03 or (241) 76-20-04. The fax numbers are (241) 74-55-07 or (241) 76-88-49 and the web site is http://usembassy.state.gov/libreville/. |
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