10 things I wish I knew before going to Sao Tome And Principe

Sao Tome and Principe. Forget about the location. Most people don't even know there is a country by the name of Sao Tome and Principe. So, for those people, here's a quick peek into the Sao Tome and Principe facts.

• Extensive cultivation of coffee and cocoa
• The Equator passes through the southern portion of the island
• UNESCO's biosphere reserve
• Throughout the year at the beaches, the water's stuck at the temperature of 26 degrees.

Sao Tome (the big island) and Principe (the small island) lie in Africa's central portion, on the Equator, Principe. Furthermore, several rocky islets decorate central Africa like Rolas, Caroco, Pedras, and Tinhosas. Are you eager to witness the opulence of Sao Tome and Principe? If yes, then let's glance over the information on the island. First and foremost, if you ever plan to travel to the island, you must know the Sao Tome and Principe currency. Sao Tome and Principe currency - Dobra. The symbol is Db. Do not get confused with decibels. The letter "D" is small in decibels. The currency code is STN. Now, let us compare the worth of 1 STN to USD. 1 STN = 0.0478347 USD Before you embark on your journey, you should know that your trip is going to be super pocket-friendly or affordable to your bank account. Then comes the question of Sao Tome and Principe airport. The airport lies 10-meter above the mean sea level. It consists of one runaway. In 2017, an aircraft crashed on take-off, and there were beyond-repair damages. Now let's answer your question, "what is the capital Of Sao Tome and Principe?". The capital and largest city - Sao Tome. A few notations about Sao Tome and Principe flag you will find remarkable to know are Two colours for three areas- yellow and green. Along with a triangle at the left end in red colour and two black stars in the flag's yellow portion. When we talk about the census, Sao Tome and Principe Population is about 2.20 lakh. It is equivalent to zero per cent of the total world population. Let us now find out about Sao Tome and Principe language - Portuguese. Besides, it is home to languages like Forro, Principense, and Angolar. There is something peculiar about the Sao Tome and Principe religion. This overwhelming island is a constituent of 85% Roman Catholics, 12% Protestants, and 3% Muslims. The peculiar thing about the Sao Tome and Principe religion is that it is from the neighbouring countries' immigrants. Let us jump on the ten things you wish you knew before stepping on the island of Sao Tome and Principe:

1. Mercado Grande

The best part about Sao Tome and Principe currency is that it is cheaper compared to your country. Here you will find a cacophony of yellow taxis whizzing their way along the city's dusty streets around the jam-packed stalls with rolls of African-print fabrics. Not that far away from the Sao Tome and Principe airport. The Sao Tome and Principe population teach you to shop at cheaper rates in Mercado Grande.

2. History of Sao Tome and Principe

Back in the 13th century, the islands of Sao Tome and Principe were not inhabited. In 1493, the Portuguese people discovered it and started a settlement there. Some of the Sao Tome and Principe facts include sugar cultivation as one of the major trades. Slaves came from mainland Africa. In the early 19th century, coffee and cocoa came into being, and their plantations took place. To date, cocoa is the most important crop in the Sao Tome and Principe population.

3. Consume top-quality Chocolate

One of the interesting Sao Tome and Principe facts is that the fertile volcanic soil is perfect for growing cocoa. In the year 1913, Sao Tome and Principe population became the largest cocoa producers all over the world. When the country gained its independence in the year 1975, cocoa production got banned. Though, it reopened in recent years. If you are crazy about chocolates, then you should visit the renowned chocolatier Claudio Corallo's laboratory in Sao Tome. Here you can buy cocoa nibs and intense 100% cocoa chocolate bars.

4. Visit the Obo National Park 

Now that you know where is Sao Tome and Principe, you should know the breathtakingly marvellous Obo National Park in it. This national park covers a vast distance of 230 square kilometres in the south of Sao Tome. It is home to virgin Atlantic rainforests and salt-washed mangroves. The crown of the park is a needle-like bluff of Pico Cao Grande. Safaris and treks are there to give you immense comfort. Sao Tome and Principe facts ensure that while you're on the ride, you get to see grey parrots, mona monkeys, and the rarest of rare bird species. If you are a nature lover, then don't hesitate to get your Sao Tome And Principe visa and travel to this beautiful country.

5. Water sports in the Islands

Do you know what is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe? Well, it is Sao Tome. Sao Tome is the homeland of water sports like kayaking, diving, and snorkelling. Keep enough of Sao Tome and Principe currency to enjoy all the water sports. All the beaches are remote and unadulterated, so you don't have to worry about foul water. Sao Tome and Principe population enjoy dozing dogs, splashing kids, and fishing for business as a part of their local lives. All you require to know them is the Sao Tome and Principe language.

6. Whale Watching

If watching whales in the movie excites you and makes you want to be a part of it, you need to know where are Sao Tome and Principe. To your surprise, Sao Tome and Principe's whales are friendly creatures that splash together in the blue waters of the islands. Some of the Sao Tome and Principe facts: Whales have their migrating season, but they are available between July and October. Dolphins are present throughout the year.

7. Sao Tome and Principe currency

A few Sao Tome and Principe facts to bear in mind – the official Sao Tome and Principe currency is not available in the international ATMs. You can get this currency only when you are in Sao Tome and Principe country. In this Central African country, USD is not that common, so carry Euros. You can easily convert Euros to Dobra inside the country. You can carry out the exchange at your hotel, bank, or on Sao Tome and Principe street.

8. Sao Tome and Principe language

The official language of Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese. Most of the people there are comfortable speaking in French too. Speaking in English would not always come in handy. Most of the hotel staff are not comfortable speaking in English. Try to learn a little bit of French and a lot of Portuguese. The third-best language is Forro. It is a Portuguese-based creole language. However, the Sao Tome and Principe language will always be Portuguese.

9. Turtle Watching

Once you know where is Sao Tome and Principe, finding the Praia Jale Eco-Lodge will not take long. This Eco-Lodge runs a marine turtle protective program. Hundreds of Green Hawksbill and Leatherback come to lay their eggs on the Principe's beaches between November and March. Nests are well-protected, and you can take visits to Praia Grande to view them. If you are lucky, you can catch female turtles laying eggs or the hatching of baby turtles. Passionate turtle conservative rangers protect each nest containing eggs from being eaten by wild dogs and land crabs.

10. Relax at the Hotel Bom Bom

In the tropical forest of Principe lies a hotel names Bom Bom Resort between two emerald green water and sand bleached golden by the sun and tiny shells. It consists of 19 bungalows surrounded by lush green tropical forests. There are four kinds of stay. Beach, garden, sea, and pool. This hotel is not that far away from the Sao Tome and Principe airport. Bom Bom Hotel helps you organize combined experiences when it comes to car rides, hiking, and boat trips. If you want, you can enjoy the beach and have a picnic lunch there.

Conclusion

Travelling to an unknown place has its shine and spark. But travelling to a place you have read about before will act as your virtual guide and knight in shining armour. So, let's quiz you now. What is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe? *pausing for generous ten seconds* Don't hurt your brain cells. The answer is Sao Tome. Sao Tome and Principe religion teach us three things, persistence, commitment, and relaxation. For one, they are back in the cocoa business. And, for two, there is nothing more healing and helpful than relaxation for the body. So, whenever you come across Sao Tome and Principe flag, do try to visit the beautiful islands. If not for anything else but your soul's overall rejuvenation. Have a pleasant trip!