São Tomé and Príncipe is a small African country in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe. The country has a mountainous landscape and a large natural reserve, some of which are recognized by UNESCO. Invaded by the Portuguese in the late 1400s, the indigenous population rejected Portuguese and Jews in exile. The Portuguese government expanded their sugar business on Madeira Island, becoming the main African sugar producer.