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Sao Tome and Principe

🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe

Africa· Updated 06/03/2026

Information

Capital

São Tomé

Population

244,972

Currency

São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN Db)

Languages

Portugais, Forro, Angolar

Continent

Africa

Calling code

+239

Timezone

Africa/Sao_Tome

Area

964 km²

Government

Semi-presidential republic

National day

July 6 - Independence Day

Internet domain

.st

About

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in Central Africa consisting of two main islands in the Gulf of Guinea. A former Portuguese colony, it gained independence in 1975 and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and pristine beaches. The country faces economic challenges but enjoys relative political stability.

Safety

Risk level :Overall risk level low to moderate for cautious travelers.

Risk areas

São Tomé city - Minor crime

Crime(Low)

  • Avoid wearing visible valuables
  • Do not travel alone at night

Terrorism(Low)

  • Negligible risk, stay vigilant

Transport

  • Drive carefully, prefer official taxis

Natural risks(Moderate risks of torrential rains and seasonal floods)

  • Check the weather forecast before traveling

Health(Limited healthcare system, under-equipped hospitals)

  • Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, yellow fever
  • Travel insurance with repatriation required

Practical tips

  • Register your trip with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Carry cash in euros or dollars
  • Protect against mosquitoes (malaria present)

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio city center400
1-bedroom apartment in city center600
1-bedroom apartment in suburb450
3-bedroom apartment in city center1200
3-bedroom apartment in suburb900

Food

Inexpensive restaurant meal5
Meal for 2 mid-range restaurant20
McDonald's menu8
Local beer (0.5L)2
Cappuccino3
Water (1.5L)1
Bread (500g)1.5
Milk (1L)2
Eggs (12)2
Chicken (1kg)6
Apples (1kg)5
Bananas (1kg)1

Transport

Public transport ticket0.5
Monthly transport subscription20
Taxi ride (start)2
Taxi (1km)1
Gasoline (1L)1.2

Leisure

Monthly gym membership30
Tennis court (1h weekend)10
Cinema5
Theater10

Health

General practitioner consultation20
Dentist consultation30
Antibiotic medications10
Cold medications (6 days)15

Others

High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)30
Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)15
Public services for 85m² apartment50
Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)40
Nike sports shoes80
International primary school (monthly)200

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage220V
Frequency50Hz
Plug typesType C, Type F

Emergency numbers

Police112
Ambulance112
Fire department112

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants

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