Living in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and gradual modernization. Located in the Gulf of Guinea near the equator, the country consists of two main islands and several smaller islets covering just over 1,000 km². Its landscape is defined by lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and calm, sandy beaches, all set within a warm tropical climate year-round. In recent years, the government has focused on upgrading core infrastructure and public services, improving energy reliability, and promoting sustainable growth in tourism and agriculture.

Culture and Lifestyle

A distinctive blend of Portuguese and African influences shapes daily life, from Portuguese and local Creole languages to island cuisine, community festivals, and emblematic performing arts like Tchiloli. In the capital, São Tomé, vibrant markets and colonial-era architecture sit alongside a modest but growing hospitality scene. Often nicknamed the ‘Chocolate Islands’ for their historic cacao production, São Tomé and Príncipe punches above its size culturally, and daily life tends to move at a relaxed pace, rooted in close-knit communities and a strong connection to the surrounding rainforest and sea.

A Nation Embracing Sustainable Development

São Tomé and Príncipe is increasingly aligning its development agenda with sustainability, prioritising projects that protect biodiversity and strengthen long-term climate resilience. Key initiatives include renewable energy and energy-efficiency initiatives, eco-tourism and conservation projects, and efforts to improve transport links and digital connectivity. The country’s policy direction emphasizes prudent economic management and partnerships that channel investment toward education, health, housing, and infrastructure. Its forward-thinking government actively promotes sustainable investment and development, making São Tomé and Príncipe an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.