Sao Tome & Principe
The Island Country
Did You Know?
- The islands are home to the largest sunbird and the world’s smallest ibis.
- The Obô, an Atlantic rain forest of high altitude, covers about 30 percent of the country and is crossed by rivers and waterfalls.
- Capital: Sao Tome
- Independence: 12 July 1975
- Currency: Dobra (STN) (100 STN ~ 4.82USD ~3.53INR)
- Language: Portuguese
- Religion: Christianity
OVERTURE
The island country of Sao Tome and Principe, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe lies in the Gulf of Guinea. It is towards the west coast of Central Africa. With an equatorial climate and few seasonal variations, these are two very splendid islands. This is the archipelago with the core of volcanic soil.
If you are a wildlife adventurer, then a trip to Sao Tome and Principe will be a thrill! Right from the largest sunbird to the smallest ibis, you can find a colorful variety of birds along with other animals. Its dense mountainous jungles are home to the deadliest spiders, snakes, tigers, and lions. However, back in 1913, these islands were the largest cocoa producers, thus nicknamed the “Chocolate Islands.”
LUCKY DIP
These tiny islands are full of big surprises for all the visitors. Sao Tome and Principe have everything to relax you down and bring up the excitement and adventure. Firstly, there is nothing reckless like the gigantic jungles with rich wildlife. Secondly, how can an island be forbidden by beaches?! There are countless sandy beaches where you can relax and have sunbathing.
Thirdly, you can go sea fishing, traverse the beautiful coastline in a boat and stay at the fascinating resorts of Bom Bom Island. Finally, the view of Boca de Inferno offers an amazing sight when the water splashes through the roof hole of a cave and hits the cliff. However, the crystal clear waters of this region will urge you to explore the ocean to its depths.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Portuguese ruled these islands and thus influenced the culture and heritage of Sao Tome and Principe. Furthermore, various cultures were introduced here and it is now a land of diversified values. You can see the West African and Portuguese mixture in their dance, music, and theatre. The month of April is the national festive month and people gather together for celebrations.
A traditional act/ drama form, Tchiloli, which is inspired by European play is a fusion of dance, music, and drama altogether. It lasts for 6 hours and locals enjoy every minute of it. Moreover, the mid-August festival, Auto de Floripes, is a unique street theatre where a battle is shown. Sao Tome and Principe are very alluring and colorful during their festive season.
CUISINE
Considering the huge production of cocoa, coffee is used in many dishes of Sao Tome and Principe as a spice and seasoning. Seafood is obviously the main delicacy here. You can enjoy the fish and you can taste every possible banana dish on these islands. However, every delicacy of these islands have Portuguese flavors and sub-Saharan influence. Calulu is one of the popular fish and shrimp dishes followed by the banana dish, Sonhos de Banana. Mashed bananas with sugar and cinnamon give the best combination. You can have a delicious bite of your food with coconut water or palm wine. Along with this, the corn on the cob and stew is the best of street food dishes in Sao Tome and Principe.
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