Sao Tome and Principe, population of 190,000, ranked among world’s least-developed countries

The country of Sao Tome and Principe, located off the coast of Western Africa, has a total land area of less than 1000 square kilometers, smaller than Changhua County and a population of just 190,000. Before it cut ties with Taiwan, Sao Tome and Principe, ranked as one of the world''s least-developed countries, benefited from Taiwanese investment in agriculture and medical services, and its students received scholarships to study in Taiwan. Children from Sao Tome and Principe singing a Chinese song. It’s a record from the period during which Taiwan maintained a diplomatic mission in the Western African nation.Over the last four years, Taiwan invested NT$150 million toward agricultural development in Sao Tome and Principe. The son of the country’s sitting President Evaristo Carvalho won a scholarship from the Taiwan government and came to study in Taiwan, prompting a surprised reaction from at least one lawmaker.Tsai Shih-yingDPP LegislatorThe father established relations with China, so next semester will the son and daughter go to China to study?Javier Hou Deputy Foreign MinisterI didn’t expect this, but as far as we’re concerned the students from the country aren’t at fault, so we won’t punish them. But we won’t be able to continue using taxpayer money to finance them.Former Presidents Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou all visited Sao Tome and Principe, whose President Evaristo Carvalho himself came to Taiwan on multiple occasions. The country’s sudden and unexpected move to break off relations with Taiwan has left many at a loss.