FACTS

Location: Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon

Area (only Total) total: 1,001 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain: volcanic, mountainous

Population: 206,178 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Portuguese

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Sao Tome

Capital (Time Difference): UTC 0

Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975)