Angola Key Facts

Location

Southwest Africa.

Time

GMT + 1.

Area

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

Population

17 million (UN estimate 2007).

Population Density

13.6 per sq km.

Capital

Luanda. Population: 2.8 million (2005 estimate).

Geography

Angola is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Mountains rise from the coast, levelling to a plateau which makes up most of the country. The country is increasingly arid towards the south; the far south is on the edge of the Namib Desert. The northern plateau is thickly vegetated. Cabinda is a small enclave to the north of Angola proper, surrounded by the territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo. The discovery of large oil deposits off the coast of the enclave has led to it becoming the centre of Angola’s foreign business interests. The oil industry is based primarily at Malongo.

Government

Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Head of State

President José Eduardo dos Santos since 1979.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Fernando Dias dos Santos since 2002.

Recent History

Jose Eduardo dos Santos has led Angola since 1979. Long-awaited presidential elections, the first since 1992, are scheduled for 2009. In preparation, a package of electoral laws was approved in April 2005. Local government elections, the first ever, are scheduled for September 2008.

Language

The official language is Portuguese. African languages (especially Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo and Bantu) are spoken by the majority of the population.

Religion

Roman Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%) and local animist beliefs (47%).

Electricity

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

Social Conventions

Normal social courtesies should be observed. Drug trafficking or carrying incurs severe penalties. Homosexuality is illegal.

Photography: It is inadvisable to photograph public places, public buildings or public events. Copies of photography permits should be deposited with your embassy; permits should be carried at all times.
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