# Benguela

> city in Angola

**Wikidata**: [Q214248](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214248)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benguela)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/benguela

## Summary
Benguela is a major coastal city in Angola, founded in 1617 as São Felipe de Benguela. It serves as the capital of Benguela Province and is known for its historical significance, Portuguese colonial architecture, and role as a key port city in southern Africa.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1617 as São Felipe de Benguela.
- **Location**: Coordinates -12.55° latitude, 13.416666666667° longitude; elevation of 39 meters above sea level.
- **Area**: 2,100 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 561,775 (2014 census).
- **Country**: Angola.
- **Official Name**: São Felipe de Benguela.
- **Official Language**: Portuguese.
- **Capital of**: Benguela Province.
- **UN/LOCODE**: AOBUG.
- **Memberships**: União das Cidades Capitais Luso-Afro-Américo-Asiáticas (since May 10, 2011).
- **Twin City**: Oeiras (Portugal).
- **Awards**: Honorary Member of the Order of the Colonial Empire.
- **Aliases**: Benguéla, Benguella, 本吉拉, São Filipe de Benguela, Município de Benguela, Comuna de Benguela, Cidade de Benguela, بنغويلا.
- **Identifiers**:
  - GND ID: 4080352-1
  - VIAF ID: 131536426
  - SNARC ID: Q3212
  - Freebase ID: /m/048jlr
  - GeoNames ID: 3351663
  - OpenStreetMap Node ID: 331385969
  - Wikidata ID: Q206855
  - Encyclopedia Britannica ID: place/Benguela
  - Great Russian Encyclopedia ID: 3211010

## FAQs
**What is the history of Benguela?**
Benguela was founded in 1617 by Portuguese colonizers as São Felipe de Benguela. It served as a significant port city during the colonial era and remains an important cultural and economic hub in Angola.

**What is the population of Benguela?**
As of the 2014 census, Benguela had a population of 561,775 people.

**What organizations is Benguela a member of?**
Benguela is a member of the União das Cidades Capitais Luso-Afro-Américo-Asiáticas, an organization of capital cities from Portuguese-speaking countries across multiple continents, since May 10, 2011.

**What are the coordinates of Benguela?**
Benguela is located at -12.55° latitude and 13.416666666667° longitude, with an elevation of 39 meters above sea level.

**What is the official language of Benguela?**
The official language of Benguela is Portuguese, reflecting its colonial history.

**What awards has Benguela received?**
Benguela was awarded the title of Honorary Member of the Order of the Colonial Empire, recognizing its historical significance.

## Why It Matters
Benguela plays a crucial role in Angola's history and economy as a major port city and provincial capital. Its colonial architecture and cultural heritage make it a significant historical site, while its membership in international organizations highlights its ongoing relevance in global networks of Portuguese-speaking cities. The city's population and strategic location contribute to its importance in regional trade and governance.

## Notable For
- Being one of Angola's oldest cities, founded in 1617.
- Serving as the capital of Benguela Province.
- Its historical Portuguese colonial architecture, including the old Portuguese church (Igreja Benguela).
- Membership in the União das Cidades Capitais Luso-Afro-Américo-Asiáticas.
- Receiving the Honorary Member of the Order of the Colonial Empire award.
- Its role as a key port city in southern Africa.

## Body
### History
Benguela was established in 1617 by Portuguese colonizers under the name São Felipe de Benguela. The city quickly became an important port due to its strategic coastal location, facilitating trade and colonial administration in the region. Over the centuries, Benguela has retained much of its colonial architecture, including notable structures like the Igreja Benguela, a historic Portuguese church.

### Geography and Demographics
Located at coordinates -12.55° latitude and 13.416666666667° longitude, Benguela covers an area of 2,100 square kilometers. The city sits at an elevation of 39 meters above sea level. According to the 2014 census, Benguela had a population of 561,775, making it one of Angola's most populous cities.

### Governance and Administration
Benguela serves as the capital of Benguela Province and is governed as a municipality (Município de Benguela). The city is also part of the União das Cidades Capitais Luso-Afro-Américo-Asiáticas, an organization that connects capital cities from Portuguese-speaking countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Benguela has been a member of this organization since May 10, 2011.

### Culture and Language
The official language of Benguela is Portuguese, a legacy of its colonial past. The city is known for its cultural heritage, including historic buildings and landmarks that reflect its Portuguese influence. Benguela's cultural significance is further highlighted by its inclusion in various encyclopedias and reference works, such as the Encyclopædia Britannica and the Great Russian Encyclopedia.

### Awards and Recognition
Benguela has received several honors, including being named an Honorary Member of the Order of the Colonial Empire. This award underscores the city's historical importance during the colonial era and its enduring legacy in Angola.

### International Relations
Benguela is twinned with Oeiras, a city in Portugal, fostering cultural and economic ties between the two municipalities. This relationship is part of Benguela's broader engagement with Portuguese-speaking nations and cities worldwide.

### Infrastructure and Economy
As a major port city, Benguela plays a vital role in Angola's economy, facilitating trade and commerce. The city's infrastructure includes historic and modern elements, with landmarks like the City Hall (Benguela_banner_City_Hall.jpg) symbolizing its administrative and economic importance.

### Identifiers and References
Benguela is referenced in numerous databases and encyclopedias, including:
- **GND ID**: 4080352-1
- **VIAF ID**: 131536426
- **GeoNames ID**: 3351663
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 331385969
- **Wikidata ID**: Q206855
- **Encyclopedia Britannica ID**: place/Benguela
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia ID**: 3211010

These identifiers ensure that Benguela is recognized and documented in global knowledge systems, reflecting its significance in history, geography, and culture.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. BBC Things
5. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ao.htm)
6. KBpedia