Pray for Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe is the smallest state in Central Africa and the second smallest country in Africa. The nation was first inhabited by Portuguese settlers in the late 1400s, who brought Africans from the mainland as slaves. Among the early inhabitants were Jews taken from their parents to be converted to Christianity and degredados (convicts and prostitutes), who married enslaved Africans. The islands became a prosperous slave trade center and one of the earliest major sugar-producing colonies. This Portuguese-speaking nation became independent in 1975 and has been a democracy since 1991. Príncipe has had its own government, separate from São Tomé, since 1995.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a remote island nation whose economy relies heavily on foreign aid and agricultural exports, particularly cocoa, while its fishing and tourism sectors remain underdeveloped. Once one of Africa’s major exporters of sugar in the 16th century and the world’s largest producer of cacao in the 1900s, the economy is now affected by changes in prices and inflation. Depending on market conditions, the nation can earn more or less money from selling goods abroad. Agriculture is also an important part of the nation’s economy, but the farming industry is declining as a result of climate change and limited land availability. About 13 percent of the population lives below the international extreme poverty line. Oil, tourism, and fishing are growing, but are not yet developed industries.

Christians make up about eighty-seven percent of the population. The largest group is Catholic, but the blending of pagan traditions with Christianity, especially ancestor worship, is common in the Church. Appeasing spirits has become more important than following Christ. Believers on the islands need to turn away from spiritism and set their eyes completely on Christ. The Príncipe islanders, the Angolares (rural fisherfolk), and the serviçais (contract workers) are a part of the less-reached peoples. There is a great need for evangelicals and missionaries to reach out to these groups with the love of Christ.