São Tomé and Príncipe is a small Portuguese-speaking country located off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa consisting of two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe. The islands were uninhabited until discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers, and subsequently served as a vital commercial trade point for the cultivation of sugar, cocoa, and coffee.
The islands' volcanic origin is evident in the beautifully striking rock and coral formations, rainforests, and sandy beaches. Ôbo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle preserve, covers much of São Tomé and is easily distinguished by the iconic ‘Pico Cão Grande’, a magnificent volcanic rock that stands like a rocket in the center of the island.