The young Creole nation of Sao Tome and Principe, as it only gained independence in 1975. São Tomé and Príncipe was discovered by João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar and claimed by the Portuguese in the late 15th century. The exact year of discovery is unclear, but it was probably between 1470 and 1471 (sources differ slightly regarding the exact year). The island of São Tomé was discovered on Saint Thomas’s Day, December 21st (hence the name). The archipelago was left “discovered” but abandoned until 1485, when the first feudal lord, João de Paiva, by royal decree, attempted to settle São...