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Introduction
Sources:
Africa 2006,

There is no relaxing sanctuary that can even begin to compare with the outstanding Sao Tome and Principe islands. Aside from real deal rest and relaxation that you will find, there are also ancient volcanoes to climb, crystal clear beaches to snorkel in, birds to watch (some of which can be found no where else in the world), friendly people and some of the best coffee the world has to offer. There truly is no place that will match the laid back atmosphere of endless vacation and ease.

The islands during the 1500s until relatively recently in the 20th century was a Portuguese outlet for the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, and sugar. The Portuguese in the late 19th century imposed forced labor on the indigenous with the conditions identical to slavery. There were several revolts and attempts to rebel however, they were suppressed and done so very harshly. The worst example, which led to the battle for independence, was in 1953 when 1000 laborers were shot and killed by Portuguese troops. The uphill protest for independence was finally over as an interim regime had managed to declare independence on 12 July 1975 with Secretary General Manuel Pinto da Costa as president. Costa did his best, but when the Portuguese left, they left him with a country with virtually no skilled workers, a population of who was 90% illiterate and just overall economic crisis. To alleviate some of these problems, Sao Tome looked to west Europe as well as communist countries to aid Sao Tome in their struggle to provide for themselves. They found the most support, however, with Angola. As the communist movement began to fall, Sao Tome leaned further towards western ideas of multi-party democracy as they held elections in 1991 with Manual Travoada emerging as the new president. After serving surviving a coup term, Trovoada stepped down as Fradique De Menezes was elected the new president in 2001. While the discovery of oil near the islands promises to create a better society, the regime through military influence threatens to be corrupt and not provide for the country appropriately.

Sao Tome and Principe sustains a small population just over 100,000. Because of the overwhelming influence that the Portuguese left on the country, the official language is Portuguese (spoken by over 95% of the population) and the major religion is Roman Catholicism. The diverse culture consists of Portuguese, West African and a little Latin influence. There is emphasis on song and dance as well as visual art- the diverse influences take their visible toll on the aspects of the Sao Tomean culture.

There are a few options to getting to Sao Tome. The first option is fly to London, Portugal or Gabon and catch a connecting flight to Sao Tome. The second and most popular option is to catch a cruise or a passenger boat to islands. Both the airport and the seaport offer minibuses and taxis, which are both relatively cheap to take you around the island or just check you in to your hotel. Also available for getting around are rental cars. Some of the roads, however, are in poor conditions, as potholes have posed problems before. When renting a vehicle, the best idea is to rent a 4WD to effectively navigate through the island.

This island offers a few local resorts to enjoy the summer breeze, but most notable is the Hotel Miramar. This resort is set out with a very friendly staff, an excellent restaurant and bar that serve only the finest European and African cuisines and, of course, a full sized swimming pool right by a beautifully manicured garden. Treat yourself to a real set of vacation islands that promises to reel you back in for more well deserved rest and relaxation.


Introduction

Snorkeling and bird watching are two of the many attractions that the islands of Sao Tome and Principe have to offer.  

From the 1500s until the 20th century Sao Tome was a Portuguese outlet for the cultivation of coffee, cocoa and sugar. Independence was achieved in 1975 with Manuel Pinto da Costa as president, presiding over a country left with virtually no skilled workers and a population that was 90 percent illiterate. To alleviate some of these problems, Sao Tome looked to western Europe as well as communist countries. Then, along with other African nations, Sao Tome embraced the democracy movement and elections were held in 1991. The most recent election, in 2001, brought Fradique De Menezes to power. The people of Sao Tome hope recent discoveries of oil offshore will help the country establish a better standard of living and that the new resources will lead to corruption and tarnish the nation's democratic record.

Sao Tome and Principe sustains a small population just over 100,000. The official language is Portuguese and the major religion is Roman Catholicism. The diverse culture consists of Portuguese, West African and a little Latin influence. There is emphasis on song and dance as well as visual art.

There are a few options to getting to Sao Tome. One means is fly to London, Portugal or Gabon and catch a connecting flight to Sao Tome. The second and most popular option is to catch a cruise or a passenger boat to islands. Both the airport and the seaport offer minibuses and taxis, which are both relatively cheap to take you around the island or to your hotel. Also available for getting around are rental cars. When renting a vehicle, the best idea is to rent a four-wheel-drive to effectively navigate the nation's roads.

Sao Tome offers a few local resorts, including the Hotel Miramar. It has an excellent restaurant and bar, and a swimming pool next to a beautifully manicured garden.


Introduction

Sao Tome and Principe islands has ancient volcanoes to climb, crystal clear beaches to snorkel in, birds to watch (some of which can be found no where else in the world), friendly people and some of the best coffee the world has to offer.

During the 1500s until relatively recently in the 20th century the islands were a Portuguese outlet for the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, and sugar. The Portuguese in the late 19th century imposed forced labor on the indigenous with the conditions identical to slavery. There were several revolts and attempts to rebel however, they were suppressed and done so very harshly. The worst example, which led to the battle for independence, was in 1953 when 1000 laborers were shot and killed by Portuguese troops. The uphill protest for independence was finally over as an interim regime had managed to declare independence on 12 July 1975 with Secretary General Manuel Pinto da Costa as president. Costa did his best, but when the Portuguese left, they left him with a country with virtually no skilled workers, a population of who was 90% illiterate and just overall economic crisis. To alleviate some of these problems, Sao Tome looked to west Europe as well as communist countries to aid Sao Tome in their struggle to provide for themselves. They found the most support, however, with Angola. As the communist movement began to fall, Sao Tome leaned further towards western ideas of multi-party democracy as they held elections in 1991 with Manual Travoada emerging as the new president. After serving surviving a coup term, Trovoada stepped down as Fradique De Menezes was elected the new president in 2001. While the discovery of oil near the islands promises to create a better society, the regime through military influence threatens to be corrupt and not provide for the country appropriately.

Sao Tome and Principe sustains a small population just over 100,000. Because of the overwhelming influence that the Portuguese left on the country, the official language is Portuguese (spoken by over 95% of the population) and the major religion is Roman Catholicism. The diverse culture consists of Portuguese, West African and a little Latin influence. There is emphasis on song and dance as well as visual art- the diverse influences take their visible toll on the aspects of the Sao Tomean culture.

There are a few options for getting to Sao Tome. The first option is fly to London, Portugal or Gabon and catch a connecting flight to Sao Tome. The second and most popular option is to catch a cruise or a passenger boat to islands. Both the airport and the seaport offer minibuses and taxis, which are both relatively cheap to take you around the island or just check you in to your hotel. Also available for getting around are rental cars. Some of the roads, however, are in poor conditions, as potholes have posed problems before. When renting a vehicle, the best idea is to rent a 4WD to effectively navigate through the island.

This island offers a few local resorts to enjoy the summer breeze, but most notable is the Hotel Miramar. This resort is set out with a very friendly staff, an excellent restaurant and bar that serve only the finest European and African cuisines and, of course, a full sized swimming pool right by a beautifully manicured garden. Treat yourself to a real set of vacation islands that promises to reel you back in for more well deserved rest and relaxation.