History of São Tomé and Príncipe

The historical development of the Gulf of Guinea island state, shaped by Portuguese settlement, plantation slavery, contract labor, anticolonial politics, and independence in 1975.

Portuguese São Tomé: The period of Portuguese colonial rule over São Tomé and Príncipe, from settlement in the late fifteenth century to independence in 1975. The colonial framework began with Portuguese settlement and governed the islands for nearly five centuries.
Roça: A large plantation estate in São Tomé and Príncipe, typically centered on a crop such as cacao or coffee. Roças organized land, production, and labor across much of the colonial countryside.
Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe: The anticolonial movement that led São Tomé and Príncipe to independence from Portugal in 1975. It organized the independence struggle and became the ruling party after liberation.
Manuel Pinto da Costa: A São Toméan politician who led the country after independence and later served again as president. He became the first president of the independent republic and led its one-party government.
Oil industry in São Tomé and Príncipe: The exploration and development of petroleum resources in São Tomé and Príncipe and its surrounding waters. Oil prospects raised hopes of revenue while reviving questions about governance and economic dependence.
São Tomé Island: The larger of the two principal islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea. Its fertile volcanic land became the center of settlement and plantation production.
Cocoa production in São Tomé and Príncipe: The cultivation and export of cacao, which became the dominant plantation industry on the islands. Cocoa exports transformed the colony into a major plantation economy in the late nineteenth century.
São Tomé and Príncipe independence: The end of Portuguese colonial rule and establishment of an independent state on 12 July 1975. Independence ended colonial government and began the republic’s postcolonial political era.
Miguel Trovoada: A São Toméan politician who served as prime minister and president during the country’s transition to multiparty democracy. His presidency marked the early democratic era after one-party rule.
São Tomé and Príncipe economy: The national economy of São Tomé and Príncipe, centered on services, agriculture, and external assistance. The postcolonial economy remains shaped by the plantation legacy and limited productive diversification.

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