Country Profile · No. 2

Angola

Capital / Admin Capital

LuandaPopulation: ~36.7MIndependence: 1975 (November 11)

First President

Agostinho Neto (1975–1979)Current President: João Lourenço (serving since September 2017)

Geography & Borders

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, Atlantic Ocean. Features the exclave of Cabinda.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (Predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant). Official: Portuguese language. Other: Bantu languages (Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo). Major groups: Ovimbundu (~37%), Kimbundu (~25%), Bakongo (~13%).

Economy & GDP

Crude petroleum, diamond mining, natural gas, agriculture (coffee, bananas, sugarcane).

Global Diaspora

1. Portugal (~250k–300k), 2. Brazil (~50k), 3. South Africa (~30k), 4. United States (~10k–15k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Texas (Houston), California (Los Angeles), Massachusetts (Boston).

Major Conflicts

Angolan War of Independence (1961–1974), Angolan Civil War (1975–2002), South African Border War (1966–1989), Shaba invasions (1977–1978), Cabinda War (1975–present).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Kalandula Falls (One of the most voluminous and magnificent waterfalls in Africa along the Lucala River), 2. Kissama National Park (Expansive wildlife reserve featuring reintroduced elephants, giraffes, and giant sable antelopes), 3. Miradouro da Lua (A striking cliffside landscape south of Luanda sculpted by erosion into lunar-like sandstone formations).

Quick Facts

One of Africa's top petroleum and diamond producers; home to the rare and endemic Giant Sable Antelope (Palanca Negra Gigante); rich Portuguese-influenced culture blended with vibrant traditional Bantu heritage.