List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Tanzania – World Insurance Companies Logos. By clicking on the logo of each insurance company that operates in this country, one can obtain a lot of knowledge of considerable importance on all kinds of insurance issues, and also their telephone numbers, addresses and prices which each insurer offers via the Internet.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Tanzania
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Tanzania. Clicking on the logo of every insurer in Tanzania gives you access to all the information that the insurers has on its own website.
All
Alliance Insurance Corporation
Sanlam
Strategis
Heritage
Britam
MAYFAIR
Howden
An international insurance broker with a focus on corporate risk.
General Alliance
UAP logo
Liberty Health
Jubilee life Insurance
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
Tanzania press
Healthcare in Tanzania
Tanzania has a hierarchical health system which is in tandem with the political-administrative hierarchy. At the bottom, there are the dispensaries found in every village, where the village leaders have a direct influence on its running. The health centers are found at ward level, and the health center in charge is answerable to the ward leaders.
In the district, there is a district hospital and at the regional level, a regional referral hospital. The tertiary level is usually the zone hospitals and at a national level, there is the national hospital. There are also some specialized hospitals that do not fit directly into this hierarchy and therefore are directly linked to the ministry of health.
The government has several key plans and policies guiding healthcare provision and development. The Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2009–15) is guided by the Vision 2015, and guides planning of health facilities.
The Big Results Now (BRN) were copied from the Malaysian Model of Development and placed health as a key national result area and mainly was for priority setting, focused planning and efficient resource use. There are many other policies aiming at improving the health system and health care provision in Tanzania.
The leading causes of mortality in Tanzania include: HIV, 17%, lower respiratory infections 11%, malaria 7%, diarrheal diseases 6%, tuberculosis 5%, cancer 5%, ischemic heart disease 3%, stroke 3%, STDs 3% and sepsis 2% and this shows the double burden of disease the country has to bear.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in South Sudan – World Insurance Companies Logos. By clicking on the logo of each insurance company that operates in (SS) can access from a single place to its website, finding there a wealth of knowledge of considerable importance on all kinds of insurance questions as well as their telephone numbers, addresses and prices that each insurer offers online.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in South Sudan
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in South Sudan. Click on the logos to get lots of vital information in order to find the best insurer.
All
UAP Old Mutual
NIC
iAA Health Care
National Reinsurance
Sil Insurance
South Sudan press
Health in South Sudan
Health in South Sudan. The post conflict this country has huge challenges in delivering health care to the population. The challenges include: crippled health infrastructures, nearly collapsed public health system, and inadequate qualified health professionals. The country is far from achieving the MDGs by the end of 2015. The health system needs a major resuscitation, in addition to supporting and developing health training institutions.
South Sudan is acknowledged to have some of the worst health indicators in the world.
A new measure of expected human capital calculated for 195 countries from 1990 to 2016 and defined for each birth cohort as the expected years lived from age 20 to 64 years and adjusted for educational attainment, learning or education quality, and functional health status was published by The Lancet in September 2018.
This country had the second-lowest level of expected human capital countries with 2 health, education, and learning-adjusted expected years lived between age 20 and 64 years. This was an improvement over 1990 when its score was one.
The country has been plagued by years of conflict, which has severely impacted its healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems. Some of the key health issues in South Sudan included:
Limited Access to Healthcare: Access to basic healthcare services in many parts of South Sudan is extremely limited due to the ongoing conflict, which has led to the destruction of healthcare facilities and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
High Maternal and Child Mortality: South Sudan had one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world. The lack of access to skilled birth attendants and proper healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth contributed to these high mortality rates.
Infectious Diseases: The country faced outbreaks of infectious diseases like malaria, cholera, and measles, which were exacerbated by the challenging living conditions and inadequate healthcare services.
Malnutrition: South Sudan experienced high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of five. Food insecurity resulting from conflict and displacement was a major contributing factor.
Mental Health: The long-lasting conflict in South Sudan took a toll on the mental health of its population. However, mental health services and support were scarce.
Limited Healthcare Funding: The healthcare system in South Sudan faced a lack of funding, which hampered its ability to effectively respond to the health needs of its population.
List of Insurance Companies in Sudan – World Insurance Companies Logos. By clicking on the logo of each insurer can obtain a set of update information that each insurer offers via the Internet.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Sudan
List of Insurance Companies in Sudan. Click on each logo for a lot of vital information to select the best assurance provider. Get the best insurance costs, coverage and disaster support. Select the insurer you have confidence in.
All
United
Juba
Al Baraka
Al Salama
Shiekan
Insubuy
Compare & Buy Travel Medical Insurance Online.
Sudan press
Health in Sudan
Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa, and its healthcare system has been affected by various factors, including political instability, economic difficulties, and social issues. Here are some of the key health issues in Sudan:
Infectious Diseases: Sudan experienced outbreaks of infectious diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dengue fever. These diseases often affect large numbers of people and put a strain on the healthcare system.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition remains a significant health concern in Sudan, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Food insecurity and limited access to nutritious food contribute to this problem.
Maternal and Child Health: Sudan faced high maternal and child mortality rates. Access to quality maternal and child health services, including skilled birth attendants and essential healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth, remained limited in some regions.
Healthcare Infrastructure: The healthcare infrastructure in Sudan varied across regions. Rural areas often had limited access to healthcare facilities and qualified medical personnel, while urban centers had relatively better healthcare services.
Limited Access to Healthcare: Economic challenges and lack of infrastructure often limited access to healthcare, especially for marginalized and remote communities.
Non-communicable Diseases: Like many countries, Sudan faced an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These conditions are often linked to lifestyle factors and require long-term management and treatment.
Mental Health: The state of mental healthcare in Sudan remained a concern. Mental health services and support were limited, and social stigma surrounding mental health issues persisted.
Benin, Africa – World Insurance Companies Logos. By clicking on the logo of each insurer in Benin, you can obtain a set of update information that each insurer is offered by the Internet.
List of Logos and Names of Insurance Companies In Benin
List of Logos and Names of Insurance Companies In Benin. It is recommended to do further research or contact your local authorities for the most up-to-date and complete information on insurance companies in the country.
All
Leadway Assurance
A highly reputable insurer offering a comprehensive suite of general and life insurance products, including motor, property, marine, aviation, oil & gas, group life, and individual life plans. They are known for their strong capital base and customer-centric approach.
Sanlam | Allianz
Offers diverse personal and business insurance: motor, home, life, travel, and corporate risk solutions.
Clear Line
African Alliance
Sunu Groups
(formerly Equity Assurance Plc): Part of the international SUNU Group, offering general and life insurance.
Groupe NSIA
Olea Insurance
A leading pan-African insurance broker providing risk management and advisory services.
ASCOMA
Zenith
Offers a range of general insurance products and services, backed by strong reinsurance arrangements.
CICA-RE
Coface
A global leader in trade credit insurance.
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
View press
Health Care in Benin
Here are some key aspects of health in Benin:
Healthcare System: The healthcare system in Benin consists of both public and private healthcare facilities. The government operates hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries, while private clinics and hospitals are also available, particularly in urban areas. However, the quality and accessibility of healthcare services can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.
Infectious Diseases: Benin, like many countries in Africa, faces a burden of infectious diseases. Malaria is a significant health issue, particularly during the rainy season when mosquitoes are prevalent. Other common infectious diseases include yellow fever, dengue fever, cholera, and meningitis. The government has implemented initiatives to combat these diseases, such as distributing insecticide-treated bed nets and conducting vaccination campaigns.
Maternal and Child Health: Maternal and child health is a priority in Benin. The country has made progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, but they remain relatively high compared to global averages. The government has implemented programs to improve access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and essential immunizations. However, challenges such as limited access to healthcare facilities and cultural practices continue to affect maternal and child health outcomes.
Non-communicable Diseases: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer is increasing in Benin. Risk factors like poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and tobacco use contribute to the rise in NCDs. The government is working to raise awareness about these conditions and strengthen prevention and treatment services.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Benin has made efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure by constructing and renovating healthcare facilities. However, there is still a need for additional resources, medical equipment, and qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas.
Health Insurance: The government has introduced a national health insurance scheme called “Regime d’Assurance Maladie Universelle” (RAMU) to provide financial protection and improve access to healthcare services. RAMU aims to cover the majority of the population and reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
List of Insurance Companies in Benin – World Insurance Companies Logos
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Eswatini – World Insurance Companies Logos. Click on the logo image of the insurance companies to get a lot of up-to-date information offering to each SWAZILAND insurer. We want to help you get the best assurance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Eswatini
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Eswatini. The symbol of a company is synonymous with its brand. The image of the logo is instantly recognizable and allows the customer to associate the company with the useful qualities such as trust, the fair price and many other essential questions about the task of finding the best insurance. Find out which insurance company you trust.
All
METROPOLITAN
Sanlam
Old Mutual | African financial services group
A leading African financial services group offering savings, investment, and insurance.
Liberty Health
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
Eswatini press
Health in Eswatini
Swaziland, officially known as Eswatini, faced various health challenges. Eswatini is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa. Here are some key health issues in Swaziland:
HIV/AIDS: Eswatini had one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. The epidemic had a significant impact on the population, with many individuals living with HIV/AIDS and a considerable number of AIDS-related deaths.
Tuberculosis (TB): TB was another significant health concern in Swaziland. The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS contributed to an increased vulnerability to TB infection and complicated TB management.
Maternal and Child Health: Swaziland had relatively high maternal and child mortality rates. Access to quality maternal and child health services, including skilled birth attendants and essential healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth, remained a challenge in certain regions.
Non-Communicable Diseases: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was rising in Swaziland, as it is in many other countries. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension were becoming more prevalent, calling for increased attention and resources for prevention and management.
Malaria: Malaria was endemic in some areas of Swaziland, particularly during the rainy season. Efforts to control and prevent malaria transmission were ongoing but faced challenges.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition remained a concern, especially among children and vulnerable populations. Food insecurity and limited access to nutritious food were contributing factors.
Limited Access to Healthcare: Access to healthcare services varied across different regions in Swaziland, with some rural areas facing challenges related to healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel shortages.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Somalia – World Insurance Companies Logos. A company’s symbol means its brand. In insurance, the logo image is immediately recognizable and allows the client to associate the company with the useful qualities like confidence, the fair price and many other essential questions about the task of finding the best insurance. Click on the logo image of the insurance companies to get a lot of up-to-date information for every insurer in SOMALIA. We would like to help you find the best assurance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Somalia
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Somalia. Click on the image of the logo of insurance companies to access a wealth of knowledge on insurance matters.
All
GAIF
Baraka
giz
Sonali Life
INDIGO EXPAT
Somalia press
Shipping Insurance Cost Soars with Piracy Surge off Somalia
A dramatic increase in piracy off the coast of Somalia and a ten-fold increase in insurance premiums has sent the cost of sending ships through one of the world’s busiest transport routes, soaring, shipping experts said yesterday.
The warning came as pirates hijacked the latest cargo ship off the Horn of Africa yesterday. The South Korean vessel and its nine crew joined 10 other ships being held for ransom by pirates in Somali waters as the country suffers a crippling humanitarian crisis and its worst bout of insecurity since the early 1990s.
Insurance companies have increased premiums for sending a cargo shipment through the Gulf of Aden to about $9,000 from $900 a year ago.Meanwhile, the pirates, who use speed boats and are armed with rocket propelled grenades and assault rifles, have become increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. Ships are typically held for at least three months before a ransom, which averages $1million, can secure their release.
Robert Davies, head of specialist risks at Hiscox, the London-based insurer, said that embattled ship owners are facing a big increase in ransom demands, as well as the cost of settling tense negotiations that last an averge 100 days. The average kidnap settlement is now $1 million. Previously, the pirates would have happily settled for payments “in the low hundreds of thousands”, Mr Davies said.
“It’s not just a growing frequency, there is also a growing cost of piracy, kidnap and ransoms,” he said. “The size of the ransom, depending on the vessel and its cargo, is growing. The time these things are lasting is also increasing. Before, they were quick in and out events. Now, the bad guys are a bit more sophisticated.”
Pleasure craft are also being targeted by the Somali pirates. A Kenyan-based shipping agency reported yesterday said that the bandits were demanding $1.4million for the release of a French couple seized last week as they sailed their yacht between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
Jean-Yves Delanne and his wife Bernadette were dropped ashore on the Somali coast before being taken to a pirate hideout in the Xaabo mountains, according to the East African Seafarers’ Assistance Programme. It said that the group were also demanding the release of six pirates seized by French commandos in April as part of the ransom deal. The organisation claimed the couple’s luxury yacht, the 24 metre (79 foot) twin-masted Carre D’as IV, was probably being used as a decoy vessel to capture other ships.
“It might very well be used as a decoy to approach other unsuspecting yachts or simulate and signal an engine failure or other emergency at sea, whereby it then would attack any ship coming closer in order to provide assistance,” it said.
“If you think about Somalia – it’s not really a country anymore. It is being controlled by a bunch of warlords. It has become a haven for lawlessness. If you are a shipowner and want to get your cargo east to west, you pretty much have to go through the Gulf of Aden,” Mr Davies said.
In the first half of this year, 94 crew and passengers were taken hostage while trying to cross the Gulf of Aden, according to figures compiled by maritime experts at the International Maritime Bureau, part of the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC-IMB).
A further 63 people have been taken hostage in Somalia over the same period, according to the ICC-IMB.
And the evidence shows that Somalia is by far the most dangerous location for commercial travel this year – considerably ahead of the Philippines and Indonesia.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Sierra Leone – World Insurance Companies Logos. . Click on the logo image of the insurance companies to get a lot of up-to-date information offering to each insurer in SIERRA LEONE. We would like to help you find the best assurance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Sierra Leone
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Sierra Leone. The symbol of a company is synonymous with its brand. The image of the logo is instantly recognizable and allows the customer to associate the company with the useful qualities such as trust, the right price and many other vital issues about finding the best coverage.
All
The New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
One of the largest public sector general insurers, providing auto, property, health, and business coverage.
Reliance Trust Insurance Corporation (S.L.)Ltd.
Allianz Global Health Insurance
Provides worldwide health insurance products and solutions.
ACTIVA Assurance
Insubuy
Compare & Buy Travel Medical Insurance Online.
Sierra Leone press
Health in Sierra Leone
Some of the health issues and concerns that Sierra Leone has faced in the past include:
Infectious Diseases: Sierra Leone has experienced outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Ebola and Lassa fever. These outbreaks have had significant impacts on public health and healthcare systems in the country.
Maternal and Child Health: Maternal and child mortality rates have historically been high in Sierra Leone. Access to quality healthcare and maternal health services remains a concern.
Malaria: Malaria is prevalent in Sierra Leone, particularly during the rainy season. It is a major public health issue and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five and pregnant women.
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure has been historically weak, particularly in rural areas. There is a shortage of medical facilities, healthcare workers, and essential medical supplies.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition remains a concern, especially among children. Nutritional interventions are crucial to improving the health and well-being of the population.
Limited Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities is limited in many parts of the country, leading to an increased risk of waterborne diseases.
HIV/AIDS: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is a concern in Sierra Leone, and efforts to prevent transmission and provide treatment are ongoing.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Seychelles – World Insurance Companies Logos. Click on the logo image of the insurance companies for a lot of up-to-date information offering to each SEYCHELLES insurer. We would like to help you find the best assurance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Seychelles
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Seychelles. The symbol of a company is synonymous with its brand. The image of the logo is instantly recognizable and allows the customer to associate the company with the useful qualities such as trust, the right price and many other vital issues about finding the best insurance
All
HSI
Allianz Trade
Specializes in trade credit insurance.
AtlasLife
Sacos
Insubuy
Compare & Buy Travel Medical Insurance Online.
CrediTrust
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
Seychelles press
The economy of Seychelles
The economy of Seychelles is based on fishing, tourism, the processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture and beverages. Agricultural products include cinnamon, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas, poultry and tuna.
The public sector, comprising the government and state-owned enterprises, dominates the economy in terms of employment and gross revenue, employing two-thirds of the labor force. Government consumption absorbs over one-third of the GDP.
Financial Services In addition to the now booming tourism and building/real estate markets, Seychelles has renewed its commitment to developing its financial services sector. Government officials and industry participants believe this could overtake the tourism industry as the chief pillar of the economy by 2017. The recent passage of a revised Mutual Fund Act 2007, Securities Act 2007 and Insurance Act 2007 are meant to be the catalysts to move Seychelles from just another offshore jurisdiction to a full-fledged Offshore Financial Center (OFC).
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for economic decisions and budgetary policy. A separate Monetary Authority supervises the banking system and manages the money supply. Although foreign banks operate branches in Seychelles, the government owns the two local banks—the Development Bank of Seychelles, which mobilizes resources to fund development programs, and the Seychelles Saving Bank, a bank for savings and current accounts.
The Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA) is charged with overseeing the quickly growing offshore industry.
Offshore oil and gas New detailed studies and exploration shows that the Seychelles potentially have large off-shore petroleum reservoirs which are yet to be discovered. Drills have proven the presence of:
Oil-prone source rocks containing Type II kerogen in coaly details shales of the Middle Jurassic and marine shales of the Upper Jurassic; Mixed source rocks bearing Type II/III kerogen deltaic marine shales of the Lower Cretaceous that are II correlative of oil-generating shales in Somalia; Gas-prone sources containing Type I kerogen in Upper Triassic fluvial shales and Paleocene marine shales, the latter being correlative of oil and gas generating source rocks of the Deep Continental Shelf trend of the Bombay High Oil Province offshore west India;
Evidence of hydrocarbon generation and migration with well shows, such as 0.7 ml benzene in DST-1 of Reith Bank-1, 10,010 ppm of 99.8% n-C4 headspace gas coincident with as small fault in the same well and 20% petrol vapors at an immature level of vacancies in Owen Bank A-1; Clastic reservoirs with measured porosities up to 22% in the Early-Middle Jurassic; Sealing lithologies occur both locally in syn-rift, and regionally in post-rift sequences An extensive seismic dataset, plus a variety of remote sensing data have been collected which bolster the well data by confirming the presence of: A variety of trapping styles, dominated by tilted fault blocks, stratigraphic pickets’ and reefs; Multiple heating events, with the principal event post-dating trap formation; and Hydrocarbon generation and migration with the presence of: a) numerous DHIs on seismic, including gas chimneys, flat spots, bright spots, phase changes and chemosynthetic reefs; b) gas sniffer anomalies, involving ethane/ISO-butane in the southeast and propane/normal butane/total hydrocarbon in the north and northeast; c) UV fluorescence anomalies, especially over the wells and in the southeast; and d) 4 types of beach-stranded tar that correlate to the local source rock stratigraphy.
However, to date all exploratory and stratigraphic test wells (a total of 9 since the 1970s) in the Seychelles have failed to find commercial hydrocarbons. The most recent wildcat by Enterprise Oil in 1995 detected gas, but failed to find hydrocarbons.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Senegal – World Insurance Companies Logos. Click on the logo image of the insurance companies to get a lot of updated information for each insurer. We would like to help you find the best assurance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Senegal
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in Senegal. The symbol of a company is synonymous with its brand. The image of the logo is instantly recognizable and allows the customer to associate the company with the useful qualities such as trust, the right price and many other vital issues about finding the best coverage.
All
Sunu Groups
(formerly Equity Assurance Plc): Part of the international SUNU Group, offering general and life insurance.
Insurance Company Logo of SEN-RE
AMSA assurances
Allianz
A global provider serving the market with a variety of insurance products, including life, health, motor, and property coverage for both individual and corporate clients.
ASCOMA
Olea Insurance
A leading pan-African insurance broker providing risk management and advisory services.
AXA
A global insurer providing a wide array of solutions, including auto, home, life, and health insurance.
CICA-RE
Coface
A global leader in trade credit insurance.
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
Senegal press
Healthcare in Senegal
Healthcare in this country, a center topic of discourse in understanding the well-being and vitality of the Senegalese people. As of 2008, there was a need to improve Senegal’s infrastructure to promote a healthy, decent living environment.
Additionally, the country needs more doctors and health personnel, particularly general practitioners, gynecologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and cardiologists. In fact, this country has seven doctors per 100,000 citizens, while 32% of rural citizens have no access to medical care at all. Moreover, there is a strong need to have more of these personnel in rural areas: in 2008, had only twenty full-fledged hospitals, seven of which are in Dakar.
From approximately 1905 to the present, there have been significant shifts in Senegal’s healthcare system, the system’s structures, specific diseases that are problematic in this Nation, as well as issues affecting women and children and access to healthcare in Senegal. As of 2019, there were 1,347 medical facilities, including 20 major hospitals.
Expenditure on health in Senegal was 4.7% of GDP in 2014, US$107 per capita.
Life expectancy at birth was estimated as 65 years for men in 2016 and 69 for women.
In 2001 data, 54% of the population of this country were below the poverty line, which has implications on people’s wellbeing. Common medical problems in Senegal include child mortality, maternal death, malaria, and sexual diseases including HIV/AIDS. There is a high disparity in both the quality and extent of health services between urban and rural areas.
The greatest problems in public health are in the East and South (Louga, Kaolack, and Tambacounda) and the region of Casamance.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in São Tomé and Príncipe – World Insurance Companies Logos. Click on the logo image of the insurance companies to get a lot of up-to-date information for every insurer in SÃO TOMÉ ET PRINCIPE. We would like to help you find the best insurance online.
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in São Tomé
List of Insurance Companies Logos and Names in São Tomé and Príncipe. The symbol of a company is synonymous with its brand. The image of the logo is instantly recognizable and allows the customer to associate the company with the useful qualities such as trust, the right price and many other vital issues about finding the best insurance.
All
MSH
Groupe Saar
Sat Insure
Nicon Seguros
Insubuy
Compare & Buy Travel Medical Insurance Online.
Pacific Prime
An insurance broker specializing in international health insurance.
São Tomé
São Tomé e Príncipe, is a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe located about 140 kilometers (87 mi) apart and about 250 and 225 kilometers (155 and 140 mi), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon.
Both islands are part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. São Tomé, the sizable southern island, is situated just north of the equator. It was named in honor of Saint Thomas by Portuguese explorers who arrived at the island on his feast day. With a population of 163,000 (2010),the country is the second-smallest African country (Seychelles being the smallest). It is the smallest Portuguese-speaking country.
Economy Since the 19th century, the economy of São Toméan has been based on plantation agriculture. At the time of independence, Portuguese-owned plantations occupied 90% of the cultivated area. After independence, control of these plantations passed to various state-owned agricultural enterprises. The main crop on Santomean Island is cocoa, representing about 95% of exports. Other export crops include copra, palm kernels, and coffee.
Petroleum exploration In 2001, São Tomé and Nigeria reached agreement on joint exploration for petroleum in waters claimed by the two countries of the Niger Delta geologic province. After a lengthy series of negotiations, in April 2003 the joint development zone (JDZ) was opened for bids by international oil firms. The JDZ was divided into nine blocks; the winning bids for block one, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, and the Norwegian firm, Equity Energy, were announced in April 2004, with Santomean island to take in 40% of the $123 million bid, and Nigeria the other 60%.
Bids on other blocks were still under consideration in October 2004. São Tomé has received more than $2 million from the bank to develop its petroleum sector. Santomean stands to gain significant revenue both from the bidding process and from follow-on production, should reserves in the area match expectations.