Sao Tome and Principe
"Independência total" (Total Independence)

Words by: Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo
Music by: Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e Almeida
Adopted: 1975

"Independência total" came for this African island nation in 1975 from Portugal, when their anthem was adopted. The author of the lyrics held several governmental positions after independence: minister of Education and Culture, minister of Information and Culture, president of the National Assembly, and general secretary of the National Union of Writers and Artists of São Tomé e Príncipe.