What is São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island country located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. Comprising two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, it is the smallest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. Known for its lush tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and rich biodiversity, São Tomé and Príncipe is often referred to as one of the most peaceful and environmentally conscious countries in Africa. The capital city is São Tomé, located on the largest island, São Tomé.
Administrative Divisions
São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into 2 main provinces:
- Água Grande (includes the capital, São Tomé)
- Príncipe (comprising the island of Príncipe)
Currency Details
- Currency Name: São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
- Symbol: Db
- Subunit: 1 Dobra = 100 cêntimos
- Central Bank: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe
Type of Government
São Tomé and Príncipe is a presidential republic, with a multi-party system. The President is both the head of state and government, and the country follows a system of representative democracy. The President serves a 5-year term, and the National Assembly is the legislative body of the country.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
- President: The President is the head of state and government, responsible for overseeing the executive branch, foreign relations, and national security.
- Prime Minister: Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister is the head of government and oversees the day-to-day administration of the country.
- Cabinet Ministers: These officials head various ministries such as finance, health, and agriculture.
Legislative Branch
São Tomé and Príncipe has a unicameral National Assembly consisting of 55 deputies, who are elected every 4 years. The National Assembly plays a key role in the creation of laws and oversight of government actions.
Judicial Branch
The judiciary in São Tomé and Príncipe is independent, with a dual legal system based on both civil and customary law. Key judicial bodies include:
- Supreme Court: The highest court in the country, responsible for reviewing laws and judicial decisions.
- Constitutional Court: Ensures that legislation conforms to the Constitution.
- Lower Courts: Handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
International Memberships
São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of several international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)
Military Structure
São Tomé and Príncipe has a relatively small military, which primarily serves to maintain internal security and peacekeeping efforts. The country has:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a neutral stance and does not face significant external military threats.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 111
- Medical Emergency: 112
- Fire: 113
SWOT Analysis of São Tomé and Príncipe
Strengths
- Stable and peaceful political environment.
- Rich natural resources, including cocoa, coffee, and oil, which contribute to economic potential.
- Beautiful natural landscapes that support eco-tourism.
Weaknesses
- Small land area and limited arable land, which limits agricultural output.
- Economic dependence on foreign aid and exports of primary products like cocoa.
- Limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Opportunities
- Expanding the eco-tourism sector to boost economic growth.
- Development of the oil and gas industry, with potential for greater revenues.
- Investments in education and healthcare to improve the country’s human capital.
Threats
- Vulnerability to climate change, particularly in relation to rising sea levels and natural disasters.
- Economic instability due to reliance on a small number of export products.
- Political instability due to fluctuations in the party system and government changes.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC +1
- National Anthem: “Independência Total”