São Tomé and Príncipe

Current Relevance: The country is in the news for its presidential election, with voters choosing a new President. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a run-off election will be held on August 9.
Location: São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation (Atlantic archipelago) located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa.
Colonial History: It was a former Portuguese colony and gained independence in 1975.
Political Significance: The country is regarded as a model democracy in Africa despite having experienced attempted coups, including one in 2022 that was thwarted by the military.
Geographical Profile: It comprises scattered islands in the Gulf of Guinea and has a population of around 2,00,000 people.