Situated in Middle Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹 (officially Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe) is one of the most interesting places you can land on when you spin the globe. With a population of about 235,536 and a total area of 964 km², it offers far more than its statistics suggest.
Whether you discovered São Tomé and Príncipe through our random country spinner or searched for it directly, this guide covers everything you need to know: the flag, the capital city of São Tomé, population figures, languages, currency, geography and a collection of memorable facts.
Where is São Tomé and Príncipe located?
São Tomé and Príncipe lies in Middle Africa, in the Africa region of the world. Measuring roughly 964 square kilometres, it ranks 189th in the world by total area.
São Tomé and Príncipe has no land borders at all — it is surrounded entirely by water, and this island setting has given it a distinct identity, ecosystem and way of life.
São Tomé serves as the capital — the centre of government and, for most travellers, the gateway to everything else São Tomé and Príncipe has to offer.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Who lives in São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is home to approximately 235,536 residents — the 188th largest population on the planet. Its people are known as Sao Tomeans.
The main language spoken here is Portuguese. Learning even a handful of phrases before a visit goes a long way with locals.
Like every country featured on Spin a Country, São Tomé and Príncipe rewards curiosity — its festivals, food and everyday customs tell a story that statistics alone never can.
Good to know before you go
The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN, symbol Db). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before travelling.
The international dialling code for São Tomé and Príncipe is +239. Websites from the country typically use the .st internet domain.
If São Tomé and Príncipe came up on your random spin, take five minutes to memorise its flag, capital (São Tomé) and population — these are the three facts most often asked in geography quizzes.
Fun facts about São Tomé and Príncipe
- São Tomé and Príncipe's flag emoji is 🇸🇹 — its two-letter country code is ST and its three-letter code is STP.
- São Tomé and Príncipe covers 964 km², ranking 189th in the world by area.
- With about 235,536 people, São Tomé and Príncipe holds the 188th spot in the world population ranking.
- São Tomé and Príncipe is a member state of the United Nations.
- São Tomé and Príncipe is completely surrounded by water, with zero land borders.
São Tomé and Príncipe — frequently asked questions
- What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?
- The capital of São Tomé and Príncipe is São Tomé.
- What is the population of São Tomé and Príncipe?
- São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of approximately 235,536 people, ranking 188th in the world.
- Where is São Tomé and Príncipe located?
- São Tomé and Príncipe is located in Middle Africa, part of the Africa region.
- What language is spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe?
- The main language spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe is Portuguese.
- What currency is used in São Tomé and Príncipe?
- São Tomé and Príncipe uses the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN).
