São Tomé and Príncipe

Why it sticks

1. 1

   After Seychelles it is Africa's smallest country by area and population.

2. 2

   Pico Cão Grande is a needle-shaped volcanic plug rising about 300 m out of the rainforest.

3. 3

   In the early 1900s it was the world's largest cocoa producer.

4. 4

   The equator passes through the islet of Ilhéu das Rolas just off the south coast.

• Portuguese signs on a small, very green tropical island.
• Narrow coastal roads with lush jungle, banana and cocoa plants.
• Old colonial cocoa plantation houses (roças) in faded colours.