Sao Tome
São Tomé awaits oil prosperity that hasn't materialized: the former cocoa powerhouse producing 80% of world supply now depends on aid while exploration continues.
São Tomé demonstrates how former plantation islands struggle to develop alternative economies. This capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, a former Portuguese colony, hosts most of the nation's approximately 220,000 residents on an archipelago that once produced 80% of the world's cocoa. Cocoa exports remain important but prices and production have declined from colonial peaks.
Oil exploration in the Gulf of Guinea generated expectations of petroleum revenue, though major production has not materialized. The Joint Development Zone with Nigeria represents potential future income, but the small nation's capacity to manage oil wealth remains untested. Tourism development targets eco-tourists interested in biodiversity and colonial heritage.
The islands' volcanic soils and tropical climate support diverse agriculture, but remoteness increases import costs and limits export competitiveness. São Tomé's economy depends heavily on international aid, remittances, and the hope of future oil income. Portuguese remains the official language, connecting the nation to lusophone networks while geographic isolation in the Gulf of Guinea limits regional integration.