São Tomé and Príncipe is a Portuguese-speaking island nation located off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe. This unique country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Let’s explore some fun riddles related to this nation!
Geography
Riddle: What are the two main islands that make up São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: São Tomé and Príncipe
Riddle: What body of water surrounds São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: The Atlantic Ocean
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe sits on the equator. Is it located in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere?
Answer: Northern Hemisphere
Riddle: What is the capital and largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: São Tomé
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe consists of which two types of islands – volcanic or coral?
Answer: Volcanic
History
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe were uninhabited until Portuguese explorers discovered them in what year?
Answer: 1470
Riddle: What crop was grown on plantations by the Portuguese using slave labor?
Answer: Sugar
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal in what year?
Answer: 1975
Riddle: Who was the first president of independent São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Manuel Pinto da Costa
Riddle: In 1991, São Tomé and Príncipe became a democratic, multi-party nation. What type of government does it have today?
Answer: Presidential republic
Culture
Riddle: What is the official language spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Portuguese
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe is known for its unique musical style called ponto. What types of instruments are commonly used?
Answer: Accordion and percussion
Riddle: The majority of the population belongs to which religion?
Answer: Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic)
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe cuisine features a staple side dish called funge. What is funge made from?
Answer: Cassava/manioc
Riddle: storytelling and proverbs play a big role in São Toméan culture. What are these stories and proverbs passed down through?
Answer: Oral tradition
Nature
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe is home to Obo National Park, established to protect what unique animal species?
Answer: Giant sea turtles
Riddle: The islands are known for their biodiversity, especially endemic bird species like the São Tomé ibis. How many unique bird species are found in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: 28 endemic bird species
Riddle: Over what percentage of São Tomé and Príncipe is covered in lush tropical rainforest?
Answer: 90%
Riddle: The waters surrounding São Tomé and Príncipe are part of a marine biodiversity hotspot called the Gulf of Guinea. What ocean current helps fuel this diversity?
Answer: Benguela Current
Riddle: São Tomé has a unique natural landmark called Pico Cão Grande, a massive obelisk-shaped peak. Is Pico Cão Grande an active or inactive volcano?
Answer: Inactive volcano
Economy
Riddle: What are the main pillars of São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy?
Answer: Agriculture, fishing, tourism
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe exports crops like cocoa, copra, and palm kernels. What are its main export partners?
Answer: Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal
Riddle: In which decade did oil exploration begin offshore of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: 2000s
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe uses which currency?
Answer: Dobra
Riddle: What percentage of São Tomé and Príncipe’s GDP comes from tourism?
Answer: 10%
People
Riddle: The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is estimated to be around how many people?
Answer: 200,000
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe has two official languages, Portuguese and what other language?
Answer: Forro
Riddle: The majority of São Toméans are descended from people from which three continents?
Answer: Africa, Europe, Asia
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe elect their president to how many year terms?
Answer: 5 years
Riddle: Who is the current Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Jorge Bom Jesus
Places
Riddle: What UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Obô Natural Park
Riddle: São Tomé Island features a unique geological formation called the “horse’s leap.” What type of landform is it?
Answer: Blowhole
Riddle: The capital city São Tomé features a historic fort called São Sebastião. Who built it?
Answer: Portuguese
Riddle: Roça São João dos Angolares is a historic plantation house now turned hotel. What was it previously used for?
Answer: Cocoa plantation
Riddle: Praia Jalé Beach is known for its crystal blue waters and palm trees. On which island is it located?
Answer: Príncipe
Food & Drink
Riddle: What is São Tomé and Príncipe’s national dish made from fish or meat with palm oil?
Answer: Calulu
Riddle: São Toméan cuisine features influces from Portugal. What Portuguese-inspired soup is popular?
Answer: Caldo verde
Riddle: The islands are known for cocoa production. What sweet chocolate treat is commonly eaten?
Answer: Chocolate truffles
Riddle: What starchy side dish is made from pounded manioc root?
Answer: Funge
Riddle: São Tomé and Príncipe is known for its tropical fruits. What refreshing juice is made from sugar apples?
Answer: Caju
Art & Literature
Riddle: São Toméan artist Aurélio Lima is known for his painting style depicting what?
Answer: Island life/culture
Riddle: The novel “A Ilha Fantástica” takes place on an imaginary version of which island?
Answer: São Tomé
Riddle: Poet José Craveirinha celebrated São Toméan culture in works like “Mamã Negra.” Where was he born?
Answer: Mozambique
Riddle: What genre of music did Leonel Paquete Nova popularize combining Portuguese and African styles?
Answer: Semba
Riddle: Which São Toméan author published the poetry collection “Sauudade” about love and nature?
Answer: Conceição Lima
Sports & Games
Riddle: What is the national sport of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Soccer
Riddle: Which athlete from São Tomé and Príncipe competed in the 2016 Olympics in swimming?
Answer: Betina Fauaxe
Riddle: In 2019, what teen chess grandmaster represented São Tomé and Príncipe in international competition?
Answer: Olavo Furtado
Riddle: Which martial art/combat sport originating in Japan is popular in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Answer: Judo
Riddle: What annual week-long walking event takes place on São Tomé island?
Answer: Tran São Tomé
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 53 riddles about the unique island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe! This assortment of brain teasers covers geography, history, culture, nature, economy, people, places, food, art, sports, and more. São Tomé and Príncipe is certainly an intriguing country with much to discover. Let these fun riddles serve as an introduction to learning more about this distinctive part of the world.
