West Africa, Gulf of Guinea.

GMT.

1001 sq km (386.5 sq miles).

161,000 (official estimate 2003).

137.5 per sq km (census of 2001).

São Tomé.

São Tomé e Príncipe comprises two main islands (Saõ Tomé and Príncipe) and the islets Cabras, Gago Coutinho, Pedras Tinhosas and Ilheu dos Rolas (which is crossed by the Equator line). These lie approximately 200km (120 miles) off the west coast of Gabon, in the Gulf of Guinea. The country is rugged and has a great deal of forest cover and few natural resources. The landscape is varied, combining mountains, tropical forest and beaches.

Under the constitution introduced in 1990, legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, elected by popular vote for a period of four years. The head of state is the President of the Republic, who governs with the assistance of a Council of Ministers, led by the prime minister. The president, whose tenure is limited to two successive terms, is elected for a period of five years. In 1994 the National Assembly granted political and administrative autonomy to Príncipe : the island’s seven-member regional assembly and five-member regional government remain accountable to the government of São Tomé.

Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Head of State: President Fradique de Menezes since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister Tome Vera Cruz since 2006. Recent history: Early results show President Fradique de Menezes won the July 2006 presidential elections. His party, the Democratic Movement of Forces for Change, won the general elections in March 2006.

Portuguese is the official language. Creole is also spoken. Some English is spoken, but French is more common.

Roman Catholic majority (82 per cent), with a number of other Christian denominations also represented.

The Portuguese influence is very strong. People are friendly and courteous. Every greeting is accompanied by a handshake. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Alcohol is available and smoking is acceptable. Photography: Visitors wishing to photograph local people should ask permission first.

220 volts AC.