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For many centuries before European incursions, Bantu tribes inhabited the geographical area now called Angola.
The Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais founded Luanda in 1575, with a
hundred families of settlers and four hundred soldiers. Subsequently the Portuguese
established several settlements and trading posts along the coast.
In the late 16th century the slave trade flourished here, and reportedly it was responsible for the exportation of over three million native Africans (against their will) to the Portuguese colony of Brazil.
In the 19th century Angola became a colony of Portugal and a major exporter bananas and coffee. However, the desire for independence grew stronger and stronger, and it was finally achieved in 1975.
Angola should have flourished as it possessed huge diamond and oil resources (worth billions), but instead, a 27-year civil war followed; up to 1.5 million Angolans died, and 4 million were displaced.
On the positive side, and because of oil, Angola's economy has grown since the conflict ended in 2002, but it still faces huge social and economic problems. In fact, most Angolans are still trapped in poverty.
Most of the (mentioned oil reserves) are found in the enclave of Cabinda, and according to an American foundation, oil production from Angola has increased so significantly that Angola now is China's biggest supplier of oil. |
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- Official Name Republic of Angola
- Population 18,020,668
- Capital City Luanda (5 million)
- Largest Cities Luanda, Huambo, Lombito
- Currency Kwanza
- Currency Converter
- Languages Portuguese (official), Bantu and varied African dialects
- National Day 11 November; Independence Day
- Religions Traditional beliefs (47%), Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%)
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- Land Area 1,246,700 sq km (481,353 sq miles)
- Highest Point Morro de Moco 2,620 m (8,592 ft) (9,850 ft), located in the Ahaggar Mountains
- Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean, sea level
- Land Divisions 18 provinces, including: Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige and Zaire
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Angola, located in southwestern Africa, is bordered by the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Namibia and Zambia.
A mostly flat coastal plain stretches inland for 30 to 100 miles into a belt of rolling hills and a series of scattered mountains.
An elevated high plateau, 4,000 to 6,000 ft. (1,200 to 1,800 m), lies to the east of the hills and mountains and dominates Angola's terrain.
The Zambezi River and several tributaries of the Congo River flow through Angola. Additional rivers of importance include the Cubango, Cuando and Cuango.
The Northern Angolan province of Cabinda is separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of land belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). |
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- Latitude/Longitude 12º 30' S, 18º 30' E
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Even though it has incredible natural beauty, Angola's tourism industry is underdeveloped. In fact, tourism is relatively new, as much of the country was destroyed during the Angolan Civil War which ended in 2002.
Before that war many of its national parks were rich in big game, however, illegal poaching and the destruction of infrastructure have caused considerable damage to those valuable assets.
Like many other countries in Africa, visitors to Angola are also advised not to photograph military installations or government buildings, as this can result in fines and possibly arrest.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Like the rest of tropical Africa, Angola also experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons.
The coastal areas are dry and hot in the south, with a short rainy season (February through April). In the north (May through October) conditions are dry and hot, with an extended rainy season (November to April).
In the interior hills and eastern plateaus, the temps and rainfall decrease. Cooler conditions are common in the higher elevations, both summer
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Coastal fishing boats, Angola......
Princess Diana in Angolan mine field......
An indigenous Colobus monkey, Angola......
Man and boy, rural Angola...... |
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