Principe

Principe, written Príncipe in Portuguese, is the smaller of the two main islands of the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa. The island lies roughly 140 kilometers northwest of its larger neighbor, São Tomé. It is part of the country’s autonomous regional grouping and shares its cultural and historical links with Portugal through its colonial past.

Geography and environment: Principe is a volcanic island with a rugged interior covered in tropical rainforest. The coastline features beaches, mangroves, and small villages, while the interior mountains and highlands create a moist climate that supports rich biodiversity. Ilhéu das Rolas, a small islet just south of the main island, lies on the equator and is a noted geographical landmark.

History: The island was explored by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and became part of the Atlantic plantation economy during the colonial era, notably for crops such as cocoa. After the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Principe remained part of São Tomé and Príncipe, functioning as an administrative and cultural region within the new nation.

Economy and biodiversity: Principe’s economy historically depended on agriculture, particularly cocoa, with fishing and subsistence farming still important. In recent decades, tourism and conservation have grown in emphasis. The island hosts protected areas, including the Príncipe Nature Reserve, aimed at preserving tropical forests and endemic wildlife.

Culture and language: Portuguese is the official language, with local creole varieties spoken in daily life. The population is predominantly Catholic, with cultural traditions shaped by a blend of Portuguese influence and local practices.