Sao Tome is the capital of the Sao Tome and Principe group of islands. The islands consist of two major islands, Sao Tome and Principe along with several other small islands. The islands were first visited by Europeans in the 1470's. Sao Tome came under the influence of the Portuguese and Dutch before becoming independent in 1975.

The island has a mixed population - predominantly people from different parts of Africa, but also descendants of mainly Portuguese colonists. About 95% of the population lives on Sao Tome. The economy is largely dependent on agriculture and fishing. Cacao, coconut and oil palms, bananas and coffee are the major cash crops grown by the people.

[ Western Africa - Northern Africa - Eastern Africa ]
[ Central Africa - Southern Africa - the African Islands ]

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