The Creole Population of  São Tomé and Príncipe

The Creole of São Tomé and Príncipe population includes several groups

Forros: 

These are descendants of freed African slaves. The name "Forro" means "free" in Portuguese, highlighting their status after emancipation. They speak Forro Creole, which is based on Portuguese (Forro Creole - Wikipedia).

Mesticos: 

These individuals have mixed African and Portuguese heritage and are often known as "filhos da terra," meaning "sons of the land." They occupy a distinct social position within Creole society (São Tomé and Príncipe - Minority Rights Group).

Angolares: 

This group descends from Angolan survivors of a 16th-century shipwreck. They have their own creole language, Angolar Creole, and are often included in broader discussions about the Creole population (São Tomé and Príncipe | Britannica).

Creole languages in São Tomé and Príncipe

Different creole languages are spoken within these groups, such as Forro Creole (around 36.2% of the population speak it), Angolar Creole (6.6%), and Principense Creole (0.1%), showing their cultural diversity (Demographics of São Tomé and Príncipe - Wikipedia). 

The Creole population is distinct from groups like the Serviçais, who are contracted laborers from places such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.

There is ongoing debate about the definition of "Creole." Some sources suggest it includes both mesticos and Forros, while others focus on Forros as descendants of freed slaves and mesticos as those of mixed-race background. This reflects the complex nature of identity in post-colonial contexts.

History of the Creole population in São Tomé and Príncipe

The history is closely linked to the colonial plantation economy that began with Portuguese settlement in the late 15th century. Key phases of their historical development include:

Early Colonization and Settlement (15th–16th Centuries)

• Discovery and Initial Settlement: The islands were discovered by the Portuguese in 1470 and settled in 1493. As they were uninhabited, the Portuguese brought convicts, Jewish children, and African slaves from regions like Benin and Angola to help colonize the land.

• Sugar Cane Era: By the mid-16th century, São Tomé became Africa's leading sugar producer, relying heavily on African slave labor. Slaves made up the majority of the population.

• Formation of Creole Society: The mixing of Portuguese settlers and African slaves led to a Creole society. Interracial unions fostered the emergence of mesticos and Forros, who gained rights over time, including administrative roles. Three creole languages began to develop—Forro, Angolar, and Principense.

Decline and Interregnum (17th–18th Centuries)

• Economic Decline: The rise of Brazilian sugar reduced São Tomé's profits, leading to economic shifts and less European presence. During this time, the forro population, especially the elite, managed local economies and resources.

• Social Structure: Forro society was divided, with elite members owning large estates and others renting smaller plots, fostering a culture that valued land ownership.

Second Colonization and Cocoa Era (19th–20th Centuries)

• Economic Shift: Cocoa was introduced in 1819, making São Tomé the largest cocoa producer by 1908. The reestablished Portuguese control marginalized forro elites and introduced new laborers (serviçais) after the abolition of slavery in 1875. Many Creoles resisted plantation work to maintain their identity. The "Serviçais" (= plantation workers) , known for facing harsh conditions, sparked international concern and protests. The 1953 Batepá Massacre highlighted racial tensions and led to political changes.

Post-Independence Period (1975 onward)

• Independence and Social Transformation: After gaining independence in 1975, forros gained political power, while new elites emerged. Land reforms in the 1990s aimed to redistribute agricultural land but socioeconomic inequalities still exist.

• Current Status: By 2025, the population of São Tomé and Príncipe is expected to be around 238,684, with the Creole population making up a significant part. The cultural identity of the Creoles continues to evolve, facing challenges from a shift toward Portuguese as the primary language.