1001 sq km (386.5 sq miles).

134,611 (1997).

134.5 per sq km.

São Tomé.

São Tomé e Príncipe comprises two main islands (Saõ Tomé and Príncipe) and the islets Cabras, Gago Coutinho, Pedras Tinhosas and Ilheu dos Rolas (which is crossed by the Equator line). These lie approximately 200km (120 miles) off the west coast of Gabon, in the Gulf of Guinea. The country is rugged and has a great deal of forest cover and few natural resources. The landscape is varied, combining mountains, tropical forest and beaches.

Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Head of State: President Miguel Trovoado since 1991. Head of Government: Prime Minister Guilherme Poser da Costa since 1999.

Portuguese is the official language. Creole is also spoken. Some English is spoken, but French is more common.

Roman Catholic majority (83%), with a number of other Christian denominations also represented.

GMT.

220 volts AC.