Freedom of the Press - Sao Tome and Principe (2003)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1
Political Influences: 3
Economic Pressures: 15
Total Score: 19

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 65
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist
Ethnic Groups: Mestico [Portuguese-African], African minority (Angolan, Mozambican, immigrants)
Capital: São Tomé

Constitutionally protected freedom of expression is respected in practice. There are no legal restraints on the media, which are also free from official intimidation or pressure. One state-run and six independent newspapers and newsletters are published sporadically. While the state controls a local press agency and the only radio and television stations, no law forbids independent broadcasting. Opposition parties receive free airtime, and newsletters and pamphlets scrutinizing the government circulate freely.

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