Overview of Angola

Profile

Angola borders Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 but endured 27 years of civil war that destroyed much of its infrastructure. Since the peace agreement of 2002, it has experienced high economic growth driven by oil and diamond exports, with reconstruction and urbanization advancing especially in the capital Luanda, though challenges remain including income inequality, landmine clearance, and the separatist movement in the Cabinda enclave. Portuguese is the official language, with strong influences from the former colonial power visible in culture and legal systems.

Official name: Republic of Angola
Common name: Angola
Numeric code: 024
Alpha-3 code: AGO
Alpha-2 code: AO
Population: 35.4 million (2023)
Population density: 28
Primary languages: Portuguese
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)
National anthem: Angola Avante
Calling code: +244
Internet TLD: .ao

History

Colonized by Portugal from the 15th century, independence war began in 1961, gained independence in 1975, followed by civil war until 2002.

Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, the Kingdom of Kongo flourished in the 14th century. Portuguese arrival in the 1480s established it as a slave trade hub, with colonial rule continuing through the 19th-century Berlin Conference. In 1961, the MPLA and other movements launched armed uprisings, leading to independence on November 11, 1975, after Portugal's Carnation Revolution of 1974. Civil war immediately erupted among MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA, evolving into a Cold War proxy conflict with Cuban and South African intervention. The death of UNITA leader Savimbi in 2002 led to a ceasefire agreement and the beginning of the reconstruction era.

Geography & climate

A narrow coastal plain gives way to central highlands of 1,000-2,000m elevation, with the Namib Desert extending into the southwest. The north features tropical rainforest while the east contains scattered wetlands.

Mixed tropical savanna, tropical steppe, desert, and temperate summer rainfall climates

Area: Africa / 1246700 km²
Capital: Luanda
Largest city: Luanda
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Zambia, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Diamonds, Iron ore, Gold, Copper, Manganese, Phosphate, Uranium, Limestone, Quartz sand, Timber, Hydropower potential, Fertile agricultural soil

Politics

Government: Presidential republic with unicameral legislature

Economy

Currency: Kwanza (AOA)

GDP (nominal): 1067 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 218 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Portuguese

Time zone: West Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, Kongo, Chokwe, Lunda, Nyaneka, Ovambo, Ganguela, Mbuti

Life expectancy

61.7 years

Literacy rate

67%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Handball, Athletics, Futsal, Mixed Martial Arts