São Tomé and Príncipe, officially the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometers apart and about 250 and 225 kilometers, respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. The islands were uninhabited until their discovery by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Portugal established a significant sugar colony on the islands in the 16th century, later shifting to coffee and cocoa production. São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The economy of São Tomé and Príncipe is heavily dependent on agriculture. Cocoa production represents the most important sector, although in recent years, the government has been working to diversify its economy. Tourism is a growing sector, with the islands' beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich biodiversity attracting visitors. The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent. Portuguese is the official and most widely spoken language. The culture is influenced by African and Portuguese elements, evident in the country's music, cuisine, and customs. Culturally, the islands are known for their music, particularly a genre called Tchiloli, a musical dance drama that combines African and Portuguese influences. The cuisine of São Tomé and Príncipe features a variety of tropical fruits, fish, and spices, reflecting the islands' tropical location and colonial history. Geographically, the islands are part of a volcanic mountain range, featuring a rugged landscape with a rich variety of ecosystems. The climate is tropical, with a wet season and a dry season. São Tomé and Príncipe is known for its rich biodiversity, including many endemic species of birds and plants. Despite its small size and limited economic resources, São Tomé and Príncipe has made progress in terms of political stability and development. The country is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the democratic nature of its government. However, it faces challenges such as economic dependency on agricultural exports, limited infrastructure, and the need for economic diversification. Population of São Tomé and Príncipe from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 211,028 inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 215,056 inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 219,159 inhabitants. Capital (São Tomé): Population in 2020: About 71,868 inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) São Tomé: 71,868 Santo Amaro: 8,239 Neves: 7,392 Santana: 6,969 Trindade: 6,636 Santa Cruz: 6,174 Pantufo: 5,256 Guadalupe: 4,670 Folha Fede: 3,793 São João dos Angolares: 3,413 São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into two provinces: São Tomé and Príncipe.