Sao Tome and Principe has a fair number of things to see, including stunning beaches, beautiful sceneries, funky architecture and colourful local culture. This combination of two small islands constitutes the smallest nation of the African continent. Located off the north western coast of the African mainland amidst the Gulf of Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe are, actually, parts of an extinct volcanic mountain range. Among these two, Sao Tome is situated on the southern part and straddles the Equator. For this reason the islands reel under hot and humid conditions nearly all year long. Topographically, both the islands of Sao Tome and Principe are mountainous and are drenched with voluminous streams.
Sao Tome and Principe are believed to have been originally uninhabited when they were explored by Portuguese navigators for the first time in 1469. After some failed attempts, human settlement took place settled by the end of the century. Sao Tome and Principe developed as a major hub of sugar plantation and large number slaves arrived here from various African countries. The island of Sao Tome was the world's largest producer of cocoa in 1908. Following a strong rebellion, Sao Tome and Principe achieved independence on July 12, 1975.