Angola

Country Profile: Angola

Official Name: Republic of Angola

Capital: Luanda

Geography:

Angola is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The exclave province of Cabinda also borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Area: Approximately 1.25 million square kilometers (approximately 481,400 square miles).

Population: Approximately 33 million people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is Portuguese.

Climate:

Angola has a tropical climate with a marked dry season. The climate is largely affected by the country’s geographical location and altitude.

Economy:

Angola’s economy is among the fastest-growing in the world, mainly driven by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 50% of the nation’s gross domestic product, more than 70% of government revenue, and more than 90% of the country’s exports. Diamonds contribute an additional 5% to exports. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people.

Government:

Angola is a unitary presidential republic. The President of Angola is both head of state and head of government.

Education:

Education in Angola is free and compulsory for eight years. However, a significant proportion of the population remains illiterate, particularly in rural areas where access to schools can be problematic.

Culture:

The culture of Angola is influenced by the diverse ethnic groups that make up the country. The main aspects include music, which is primarily centered around traditional African music styles, with some influences from Portuguese music. The country’s cuisine is similarly diverse, with a blend of Portuguese, African, and Native American influences.

Noteworthy Facts:

Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, but was plagued by a civil war from its independence until 2002. Since then, the nation has worked to recover and rebuild its infrastructure.

This is a general overview of Angola. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its challenging history to its vibrant culture.