A Cultural Overview
Sao Tome and Principe, Africa’s second-smallest country, is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. Its culture is a blend of African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, reflective of its history as a Portuguese colony and a meeting point of diverse cultures.
Ethnicity and Language: The population is predominantly Creole (descendants of African slaves and Portuguese colonizers). Portuguese is the official language, with Forro, Angolar, and Principense spoken by smaller communities.
Culture and Heritage: The cultural heritage of Sao Tome and Principe includes music styles such as socopé and ússua, traditional dances, and the Tchiloli, a unique theatrical performance that blends African and European traditions. Culinary traditions reflect the islands’ tropical bounty and historical trade connections.
Social Fabric: The societal structure is strongly community-oriented, with extended family networks playing a vital role in social support. The people of Sao Tome and Principe are known for their hospitality and the importance they place on social harmony and community well-being.
These brief overviews provide insights into the complex tapestries of cultures, languages, and social structures that define the diverse and richly endowed countries across Africa.
Where São Tomé and Príncipe is on the Map of Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe at a Glance
Independence: 12 July 1975
Capital: Sao Tome
Population: 211,028
Languages: Portuguese, Forro, Angolar, Principense
Area: 1001 square km
Provinces: Água Grande, Cantagalo, Caué, Lembá, Lobata, Mé-Zóchi, Pagué
Ethnic Groups: Forros, Angolares, Serviçais, Tongas, Europeans (mainly Portuguese), and Asians
São Tomé and Príncipe is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Niger is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.