# Angola

> country on the west coast of Southern Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q916](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q916)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angola)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/angola

## Summary
Angola is a sovereign state located on the west coast of Southern Africa, officially known as the Republic of Angola. It gained independence from the Portuguese Empire on November 11, 1975, and operates as a presidential republic with its capital in Luanda. The nation is characterized by its vast territory of 1,246,700 square kilometers, a diverse population of over 36 million people, and a rich cultural heritage rooted in multiple ethnic groups and the Portuguese language.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** República de Angola (since 1992); formerly People's Republic of Angola (1975–1992).
*   **Independence Date:** November 11, 1975 (from the Portuguese Empire).
*   **Capital City:** Luanda (also the most populous urban area).
*   **Total Area:** 1,246,700 square kilometers.
*   **Population:** 36,749,906 (estimated in 2023).
*   **Currency:** Kwanza.
*   **Official Language:** Portuguese (de facto).
*   **Head of State and Government:** João Lourenço (since August 23, 2017, for state; September 26, 2017, for government).
*   **National Anthem:** "Angola Avante".
*   **National Motto:** "Virtus Unita Fortior" (United Strength is Stronger).
*   **ISO Codes:** AO (Alpha-2), AGO (Alpha-3), 024 (Numeric).
*   **Time Zone:** UTC+01:00 (Africa/Luanda).
*   **Driving Side:** Right.
*   **Emergency Numbers:** 113 (Police), 115 (Fire), 116 (Medical).
*   **Top Level Domain:** .ao
*   **Telephone Country Code:** +244
*   **Highest Point:** Mount Moco (2,619 meters).
*   **Lowest Point:** Atlantic Ocean (0 meters).
*   **Electricity:** 220 Volts, 50 Hz; Plug type Europlug.
*   **Literacy Rate:** 66% (as of 2014).
*   **Human Development Index (HDI):** 0.586 (2021).
*   **Gini Coefficient:** 51.3 (2018).
*   **Major Ethnic Groups:** Ovimbundu (37%), Mbundu (25%), Kongo (13%), Mestiço (2%), European (1%).
*   **Bordering Nations:** Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon.
*   **Administrative Divisions:** 18 provinces including Bengo, Benguela, Bié, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huíla, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Namibe, Moxico, Uíge, and Zaire.

## FAQs

**When and how did Angola become an independent nation?**
Angola declared independence from the Portuguese Empire on November 11, 1975, ending centuries of colonial rule. It subsequently replaced the "People's Republic of Angola" with the "Republic of Angola" in 1992, adopting its current constitutional framework.

**What is the demographic and ethnic composition of the population?**
The population is estimated at over 36 million people, with the Ovimbundu people comprising the largest ethnic group at 37%, followed by the Mbundu at 25% and the Kongo at 13%. The society also includes Mestiço (mixed heritage), European, and various other indigenous groups, with Portuguese serving as the unifying official language.

**Which international organizations is Angola a member of?**
Angola is an active member of the United Nations, African Union, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It also participates in economic and security bodies such as the World Trade Organization, OPEC (since 2007), SADC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

**What are the key geographical features and administrative structure of the country?**
Located in Southern Africa, Angola spans 1.2 million square kilometers and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and four neighboring countries to the north, east, and south. Administratively, the country is divided into 18 provinces, with the capital city of Luanda serving as the primary urban and economic hub.

**How is the economy and infrastructure of Angola structured?**
The economy relies heavily on oil and diamonds, with a nominal GDP fluctuating significantly in recent years, reaching approximately $84.8 billion in 2023. Infrastructure includes a 220V electrical grid with Europlug sockets, a right-hand traffic system, and a central bank known as the National Bank of Angola.

## Why It Matters
Angola plays a critical role in the geopolitical and economic landscape of Southern Africa due to its vast natural resources, particularly oil and diamonds, which drive its status as a major energy producer in the region. As a member of OPEC and a key player in the African Union, Angola influences continental stability, trade policies, and regional security initiatives. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast makes it a vital gateway for trade between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Furthermore, Angola's demographic weight, with a rapidly growing population, positions it as a significant market for global investment and a focal point for development challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.

## Notable For
*   **Independence Milestone:** One of the last African nations to gain independence from European colonial powers in 1975.
*   **Resource Wealth:** Possesses some of the largest oil and diamond reserves in Africa, making it a top-tier energy exporter.
*   **Geographic Extent:** The eighth-largest country in Africa by area, featuring diverse landscapes from the Atlantic coast to the highlands of Mount Moco.
*   **Cultural Diversity:** Home to over a dozen distinct ethnic groups and numerous indigenous languages, unified by the Portuguese language.
*   **OPEC Membership:** The only African nation to join OPEC in the 21st century (2007), highlighting its energy sector significance.
*   **Historical Transitions:** Successfully transitioned from a "People's Republic" to a "Republic" in 1992, marking a shift in its political ideology and governance.
*   **High Fertility Rates:** Historically maintained one of the highest total fertility rates globally, though it has seen a gradual decline to 6.08 by 2014.
*   **Unique Emergency System:** Utilizes a specific three-digit emergency number system (113, 115, 116) distinct from the 911 model used in the Americas.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Angola is situated on the west coast of Southern Africa, occupying a strategic position between the Atlantic Ocean and the interior of the continent. Its territory covers 1,246,700 square kilometers, making it the eighth-largest country in Africa. The nation's coordinates center around latitude -12.35 and longitude 17.35. The country is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north and east, Zambia to the east, and the Republic of the Congo and Gabon to the north. The highest point in the country is Mount Moco, standing at 2,619 meters, while the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level. The easternmost point is located at latitude -13.000777777778 and longitude 24.058111111111, while the westernmost point is at the Tigres Strait with coordinates latitude -16.5833 and longitude 11.7. The northernmost point is at latitude -4.37 and longitude 12.75, and the southernmost point is at latitude -18.0385 and longitude 20.825527777778.

### Political Structure and Governance
Angola functions as a sovereign state and a presidential republic. The current head of state and head of government is João Lourenço, who assumed office on August 23, 2017, for the presidency and September 26, 2017, for the government. The legislative body is the National Assembly of Angola. The country's official name is the República de Angola, a designation adopted in 1992, replacing the "People's Republic of Angola" which existed from 1975 to 1992. The basic form of government is a republic with a presidential system. The country is classified as a "not-free country" according to the Freedom in the World report. The office held by the head of state is the President of Angola, and the office held by the head of government is also the President of Angola, a role consolidated since February 4, 2010.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Angola has grown significantly over the decades, reaching an estimated 36,749,906 in 2023. The demographic breakdown shows a male population of approximately 17.6 million and a female population of approximately 18 million as of 2022. The society is composed of several major ethnic groups: the Ovimbundu people (37%), the Mbundu people (25%), the Kongo people (13%), the Mestiço (2%), and European people (1%). The official language is Portuguese, which is used de facto, alongside numerous indigenous languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Chokwe, and others. The literacy rate was recorded at 66% in 2014. The age of majority is 18 years old, and the marriageable age is also 18 for all genders. The total fertility rate has been declining, standing at 6.08 in 2014. Life expectancy has improved over time, reaching 61.547 years in 2016. The Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.586 in 2021, while the Inequality-Adjusted HDI was 0.407 for the same year. The Gini coefficient, measuring income inequality, was 51.3 in 2018.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Angola's economy is heavily influenced by its natural resources, particularly oil and diamonds. The nominal GDP has fluctuated, with a recorded value of $84.8 billion in 2023. The currency is the kwanza. The central bank is the National Bank of Angola. The country uses the Europlug for electrical outlets, with a mains voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. The driving side is right. The telephone country code is +244, and the top-level internet domain is .ao. Emergency services are accessible via 113 for police, 115 for the fire department, and 116 for emergency medical services. The unemployment rate was recorded at 7% in 2014. The country is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) since 2007.

### History and International Relations
Angola was formerly an overseas province of Portugal from 1951 until its independence in 1975. It replaced the People's Republic of Angola in 1992. The country has established diplomatic relations with numerous nations, including Brazil, Germany, Cape Verde, Australia, Ukraine, Israel, Namibia, Nigeria, France, the Soviet Union, Cuba, South Africa, Argentina, Portugal, Taiwan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Mexico, the United States, Serbia, Russia, India, the People's Republic of China, Georgia, Kenya, Zambia, Hungary, and North Korea. Angola is a member of the United Nations since December 1, 1976, and the African Union since February 11, 1979. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the African Development Bank, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, Interpol, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, UNESCO, the Southern African Development Community, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, the Universal Postal Union, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Meteorological Organization, the World Health Organization, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the World Customs Organization, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

### Administrative Divisions
The country is divided into 18 provinces: Bengo, Benguela, Bié, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huíla, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Namibe, Moxico, Uíge, and Zaire. These provinces serve as the primary administrative territorial entities within the nation.

### Cultural and Social Indicators
The national anthem is "Angola Avante," and the national motto is "Virtus Unita Fortior." The coat of arms is the Emblem of Angola, and the flag is the flag of Angola. The country has a suicide rate estimated at 4.7 per 100,000 in 2016. The number of out-of-school children was estimated at 2,088,363 in 2010. The country has a high birth rate, with a recorded value of 38.2 in 2022, and a death rate of 7.863 in the same year. The democracy index was 3.66 in 2020. The country is part of the Portuguese-speaking African countries group. The subreddit for Angola is "angola," and the hashtag is #Angola. The country is described by various sources including the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, the 1922 Encyclopædia Britannica, and the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia.

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