The islands of São Tomé & Principe were discovered by the Portuguese in the 1400s. The islands became the centre of the largest Portuguese sugar plantations, run on slave labour, from the mainland. The island was also an important transit point in the shipment of slaves to Europe and the Americas. The Independence movement that swept Africa in the 1950s, influenced São Tomé & Principe too, and after a period of struggle and transitional governments, São Tomé and Principe was declared independent in July 1975.

The local culture is a heady mix of African and Portuguese traditions. These are visible in the local cuisine, art and music. Music is an important part of life here. São Toméans sway to the Ússua and Socopé rhythms, while Principe prefers the Dêxa beat. Another local passion is the Tchiloli musical dance performance.

The island nation of São Tomé & Principe is located just off the coast of northern Africa. Placed close to the equator, the country comprises of two main islands—São Tomé & Principe—and a number of small islets and five atolls. These islands are a part of the Cameroon volcanic mountain range. São Tomé and Principe is the smallest country in Africa.