More information about Sao Tome and Principe is available on the Sao Tome and Principe page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe in 1976, following its independence from Portugal. U.S. relations with São Tomé and Príncipe are excellent. The two countries share a commitment to democracy and good governance. The Voice of America broadcasts to much of Africa from a relay transmitter station in Sao Tome.
U.S. Assistance to Sao Tome and Principe
U.S. foreign assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe is focused on improving the professionalism and capacity of the country’s small military and coast guard and enhancing its maritime security efforts. Situated in the oil-rich, strategically significant Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which is the focus of an increasing number of regional security initiatives. São Tomé and Príncipe has been an active player in ECCAS’s Zone D maritime security exercises, and a participant in the U.S. Navy’s Africa Partnership Station ship visits to Gulf of Guinea countries.
Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S. exports to São Tomé and Príncipe include vehicles, electrical machinery, aircraft, and iron and steel products, while its imports from São Tomé and Príncipe include cocoa and furniture and bedding. São Tomé and Príncipe is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The two countries do not have a bilateral investment treaty or taxation treaty.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Membership in International Organizations
São Tomé and Príncipe and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. São Tomé and Príncipe also is an observer to the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
São Tomé and Príncipe closed its bilateral embassy in Washington and co-located it with its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
More information about São Tomé and Príncipe is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Sao Tome and Principe Page
U.S. Embassy
USAID Country Mission Page
History of U.S. Relations With Sao Tome and Principe
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Millennium Challenge Corporation: Sao Tome and Principe
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel Information