Sao Tome and Principe is a country in Central Africa, Africa with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Sao Tome and Principe that most people don't know.
The tiny island of Príncipe was where Arthur Eddington observed the 1919 solar eclipse that confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity — one of the most important scientific observations in history. The islands also produce some of the world's finest chocolate.
The 1919 solar eclipse observed from Príncipe confirmed Einstein's theory of relativity.
Sao Tome and Principe produces world-renowned single-origin chocolate.
The islands were uninhabited when Portuguese explorers arrived in 1470.
Sao Tome sits almost exactly on the equator and the prime meridian — the centre of the world's coordinate system.
The tiny island of Príncipe was where Arthur Eddington observed the 1919 solar eclipse that confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity — one of the most important scientific observations in history. The islands also produce some of the world's finest chocolate.
Sao Tome and Principe is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
A dramatic 663m volcanic needle rising from the jungle — one of Africa's most striking natural monuments
Dense primary rainforest covering much of São Tomé — endemic birds and rare wildlife
A historic colonial cocoa plantation — a haunting reminder of the island's plantation past
A remote turtle nesting beach on the southern tip of São Tomé — pristine and unspoiled
The tiny island of Príncipe was where Arthur Eddington observed the 1919 solar eclipse that confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity — one of the most important scientific observations in history. The islands also produce some of the world's finest chocolate.
The capital of Sao Tome and Principe is São Tomé.
Sao Tome and Principe has a population of approximately 227K.
The official language of Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese.
Sao Tome and Principe gained independence in 1975.
Sao Tome and Principe uses the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN).