When is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day (Dia das Forças Armadas) is a public holiday on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe observed on September 6th each year.
Traditions of Armed Forces Day
The armed forces of São Tomé and Príncipe are thought to be the smallest in Africa, with around 300 active personnel. Ironically this has meant that military coups, an unfortunately common event in many African countries in the second half of the 20th century, have twice proved ineffective on the islands. The failed coup of 2003 led to the reorganisation of the military forces.
According to the CIA World Factbook, the Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas Armadas de Sao Tome e Principe, FASTP) consists of the Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP; also called "Navy") and th Presidential Guard, National Guard (2019)
The main initiative that marks Armed Forces Day is the swearing-in act of new recruits to the army.
