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Himba village, Angola

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Angola Travel Guide

Key Facts

Geography

Area: 

1,246,700 sq km (481,354 sq miles).

Population: 

17 million (2009).

Population density: 

13.6 per sq km.

Capital: 

Luanda. Population: 2.8 million (2005 estimate).

Government

Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Head of state: 

President José Eduardo dos Santos since 1979.

Electricity: 

220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the European-style round two-pin type.

Angola is re-emerging from decades of civil war, and adventurous travellers are beginning to tentatively discover its Portuguese architecture, miles of stunning coastline and little-visited wildlife parks.

Thick forest, elevated plains and forceful rivers define the country's landscape - along with the sands of the Namibe desert. Visitors can search for African wildlife, including the black palanca antelope, a species unique to Angola. A ceasefire was finally achieved in 2002, paving the way for a final political settlement and, in April 2003, the people and government of Angola celebrated their first year of continuous peace for more than a quarter of a century.

Although there is still some sporadic fighting, notably between government forces and separatist groups in the oil-rich Cabinda enclave, most of the country has now embarked upon the monumental task of reconstruction.