São Tomé and Príncipe, the second-smallest sovereign state in Africa (after the
São Tomé and Príncipe, the second-smallest sovereign state in Africa (after the Seychelles), is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea (named for St. Thomas the Apostle and Portuguese Prince Afonso) and was long a part of the Portuguese Empire before gaining independence in 1975. Since then, it has remained one of Africa’s most stable democratic nations.Stamp details:Stamp on top:Issued in: 1870From: São Tomé, Overseas Province of São Tomé and PríncipeMC #1Middle stamp:Issued on: December 21, 1975From: São Tomé, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and PríncipeMC #426Stamp on bottom:Issued on: July 12, 2000From: São Tomé, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and PríncipeSC #1371c Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: Yes (since September 16, 1975)Official name: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe; República Democrática de São Tomé e PríncipeMember of the Universal Postal Union: Yes (since August 22, 1977) -- source link
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