São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe's history began with the uninhabited islands' discovery by Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century. The islands quickly became central to the burgeoning transatlantic slave trade and sugar production. The fertile volcanic soil proved ideal for plantation agriculture, initially sugar, then transitioning to coffee and cocoa. Throughout the colonial period, the economy relied heavily on enslaved African labor, leading to significant social stratification. Following independence in 1975, the nation navigated periods of political instability before establishing a stable democratic republic.