Living in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa. The country consists mainly of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and has around 197,700 people. Dense rainforests, volcanic mountains, plantations, and black beaches shape the landscape. The tropical climate is warm year-round; the windward slopes receive a great deal of rain, while the north of São Tomé is drier. Many people in the capital and along the coast live in simple houses, often with courtyards; settlements are more spread out inland and on Príncipe. Buses, motorcycles, and boats connect communities, although routes outside the centers are slower to travel. Jobs are available in trade, public service, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. In their free time, people gather for family meals, music, football, and markets.