Angola Overview

Country Profile

The Republic of Angola is located in the southwest of Africa, covering an area of 1,246,700 square kilometers. It has a population of about 11.2 million, with over 30 tribes. Residents are Catholic, Protestant and other Christian denomination, and Portuguese is the official language. The currency is the kwanza, and the capital is Luanda.

Angola National Flag

The national flag of Angola is predominantly black and red, the former a tribute to the African continent and the latter symbolic of the blood of those who fought against colonization. A yellow five-pointed star represents internationalism and progress, a symbol of unity of the five angle, freedom, justice, democracy and progress. A sickle and machete symbolizes the unity of workers, peasants, and the army.

History Summary

During the Middle Ages, Angola belonged to the Congo, Ndongo, Matamuba and four of the Kingdom of Lunda. In 1482, the first Portuguese colonists arrived, and in 1576 the city of Luanda was established. In 1922, the Portuguese occupied the Angolan territory, and in 1951 they were replaced by a Portuguese “overseas province,” with a governor sent to rule. On January 15, 1975, the People’s Liberation Movement of Angola, the Angolan National Liberation Front, and the National Union for Total Independence of Angola came to an agreement (known as the Alvor Agreement) with the Portuguese Government, resulting in Angola’s independence. On January 31 of that year, the Portuguese authorities formed a transitional government, and on November 11 they announced the formation of the Angolan people movement, the People’s Republic of Angola. In August 1992, the country became the Republic of Angola.

Economy and Culture Overview

Angola’s rivers provide the opportunity for large and abundant hydroelectric resources. Rich coastal and inland fisheries are amongst the most developed in Africa. The country is also rich in mineral resources, mainly oil, natural gas, iron, copper, and manganese. Mining is an integral industry, with diamond mining ensuring Angola’s important global role. The production of ebony, African white sandalwood, red sandalwood, and other valuable timber is another national income. A total of 85% of Angola’s population is engaged in agricultural production, mainly corn, cotton, coffee, sorghum, and sisal.

Angola Map