Facts & Figures São Tomé & Príncipe

Area: 964 sq. km (372 sq. miles)
Population: 199,579 (estimate July 2007)
Population Density: 171 per sq. km (454 per sq. mile)
Capital: São Tomé

Time: GMT - 1
Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz

Geography

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 300 and 250 kilometers (200 and 150 miles), respectively, off the northwest coast of Gabon.

São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest (in terms of population) African country (larger only than the Seychelles). It is also the smallest Portuguese speaking country.

• São Tomé is 50 kilometers (31 miles) long and 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide and the more mountainous of the two islands. Its highest peak reaches 2,024 meters (6,640 feet).
• Príncipe is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) long and 6 kilometers (4 miles) wide. Its highest peak reaches 948 meters ( 3,110 feet). Rugged landscape, exotic plants and animals, clear waters and palm-fringed beaches.

Both islands, also known as Guinea Islands, lie on an alignment of once-active volcanoes. The equator lies immediately south of São Tomé.

Climate

The climate is tropical with average yearly temperatures of 27°C (80°F) . The temperature rarely rises above 32°C. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20°C (68°F), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 5 m (200 inches) on the southwestern slopes to 1 m (40 inches) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May.

Politics

Political system: Democracy
President: Fradique de Menezes (MDFM-PL), since 3 September 2001. He was elected 2001 and re-elected in 2006. The President is elected by direct popular vote for a 5-year term.
Prime Minister: Tomé Vera Cruz (MDFM-PL), since 21 April 2006. The Prime Minister is chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president.

Next Scheduled Presidential Election: July 2011

Political Situation since Independence in 1975:

Language

Portuguese is the primary official language, spoken bij 95% of the population. The other 3 official languages are Portuguese-based Creoles (85%), Angolar (3%) and Principense (0.1%). French and English is taught in schools.

Religion

Of the total population, an estimated 80% is Roman Catholic.