Curiosities of São Tomé and Príncipe: 10 Surprising Facts

Some countries are known for their beaches, others for their cuisine — and then there's São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago as small as it is full of surprising stories. Here are the curiosities of São Tomé and Príncipe you probably didn't know.

The place where Einstein's theory was confirmed
On May 29, 1919, British astronomer Arthur Eddington traveled to Roça Sundy, on Príncipe Island, to observe a total solar eclipse. His measurements experimentally confirmed Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity — one of the most important moments in 20th-century science, and it happened in this small corner of Africa.

The former "chocolate island"
Between 1905 and 1911, São Tomé was the world's largest cocoa producer, earning it the nickname "chocolate island". Production is much smaller today, but the archipelago is living a second life as a producer of premium, organic cocoa, highly valued by artisan chocolate makers worldwide.

A beach made famous by an ad
Praia Banana, on Príncipe Island, became world-famous in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when it appeared in a well-known Bacardi rum TV commercial. Since then, many consider it one of the most photogenic beaches in all of Africa.

One of the smallest capitals in the world
Santo António, capital of the autonomous region of Príncipe, has just over 2,000 residents and often ranks among the world's smallest capitals — though there's no official ranking, anyone who visits quickly understands why it earned that reputation.

A country split by the equator
The small Ilhéu das Rolas, off São Tomé's southern coast, is crossed by the equator itself — first mapped by Portuguese navigator Gago Coutinho in the early 20th century. A fun detail: the monument marking the equator was built slightly uphill from the exact line, for the best views — but the fact that the island is split across two hemispheres is entirely real.

More unique birds than the Galápagos Islands
In an area much smaller than the Galápagos, São Tomé and Príncipe is home to more than 27 endemic bird species — meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. In recent years, new species have even been described, such as a lizard and a shrew unique to Príncipe Island, plus a native owl confirmed in 2016.

The second-smallest country in Africa
At just 964 km², São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest country on the entire African continent, behind only the Seychelles.

A name with almost 550 years of history
São Tomé was discovered on December 21, 1471, St. Thomas's feast day, from which it takes its name. Príncipe was discovered shortly after, in January 1472, and was originally called Santo Antão — its current name came later, in reference to the Prince of Portugal.

Independent since 1975
After centuries as a Portuguese colony, São Tomé and Príncipe became independent on July 12, 1975, and has since maintained one of Africa's more stable democratic paths.

One of the least-visited places on the planet
Despite all it has to offer, São Tomé and Príncipe remains one of the world's least-visited countries — meaning beaches, plantations, and trails enjoyed almost exclusively, far from mass tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is São Tomé called the "chocolate island"?
Because in the early 20th century it was the world's largest cocoa producer, a legacy still discoverable today when visiting the old plantations.

Is it true the equator passes through São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes, the equator literally crosses Ilhéu das Rolas, off the southern coast of São Tomé Island — one of the few places in the world where you can stand in both hemispheres at once.

Feel like discovering all these curiosities in person? Talk to us — we'll help you organize your trip to São Tomé and Príncipe.

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