Angola

Pre-15th century – Kingdom of Kongo and other Bantu states flourish

1483 – Portuguese explorers arrive

1575 – Luanda founded by the Portuguese

1950s–1975 – Independence movement intensifies

November 11, 1975 – Independence from Portugal (date of modern state formation)

1975–2002 – Civil war between MPLA and UNITA factions

2002–present – Reconstruction, peace, and economic diversification

Continent: Africa
Location: Southwestern Africa, along the Atlantic Ocean
Capital: Luanda
Language: Portuguese (official); regional Bantu languages also spoken (e.g., Umbundu, Kimbundu)
Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
Population: ~36.5 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)

Borders: Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
Coastline: Atlantic Ocean
Landscape: Coastal plains, highlands, savannas, rivers
Major Rivers: Congo, Cuanza, Cubango
Notable Features: Namib Desert (southwest), Bié Plateau, Cabinda exclave

Ethnic Groups: Ovimbundu (~37%), Kimbundu (~25%), Bakongo (~13%), other Bantu groups
Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant)
Urban Population: ~68% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: High birth rate, young population (median age ~16.5) (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Kuduro and semba music, traditional dance, Angolan-Portuguese fusion
Cuisine: Moamba de galinha (chicken stew), funge (cassava porridge), grilled fish
Arts: Music, sculpture, storytelling, textile crafts
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, handball

Economy Type: Mixed, resource-dependent
GDP: Approx. $117 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil and gas, diamonds, agriculture, construction
Key Exports: Crude oil, diamonds, gas, coffee, fish
Unemployment Rate: ~10.2% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Oil-rich coastal areas; inland agriculture and mining zones

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State & Government: President João Lourenço (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: Current version in effect since 2010

Luanda: Promenade, colonial architecture, museums
Kalandula Falls: One of Africa’s largest waterfalls
Benguela & Lobito: Beaches and Portuguese heritage
Quiçama National Park: Wildlife and eco-tourism
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (Mbanza Kongo) (last updated: 2023)