São Tomé and Príncipe

Discover São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Central Africa, has a history deeply rooted in colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and a journey towards independence and nationhood.

The islands were uninhabited when Portuguese explorers, led by Álvaro Caminha, arrived in 1470. São Tomé and Príncipe soon became a major center for Portuguese sugar and later cocoa plantations. These plantations heavily relied on slave labor, and the islands played a pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade.

In the late 19th century, cocoa production became the dominant industry, with São Tomé and Príncipe being a significant global supplier. However, the labor conditions remained exploitative, leading to labor strikes and international pressure.

São Tomé and Príncipe achieved independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975, following a peaceful struggle for self-determination. The country's early years of independence were marked by political challenges and economic difficulties.

In recent decades, São Tomé and Príncipe has made progress toward political stability and economic diversification, with tourism and agriculture playing key roles. Its history is a testament to the resilience of its people, who have navigated a complex legacy of colonialism to shape a unique and independent nation in the Atlantic Ocean.

Source ChatGPT