A Blog To Angola

Angola is located in southern Africa and is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north and east, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It also includes the exclave province of Cabinda, which borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Geography

Climate

Angola features a tropical climate overall, with a distinct wet and dry season. The climate varies considerably from the arid coastal lowlands to the lush, rainforest conditions in the north and the highlands in the south-central region.

Fauna

Angola’s rich biodiversity includes elephants, giraffes, and lions, as well as a variety of antelope species. The country’s diverse habitats, from coastal plains to highland plateaus, support these varied species, although poaching and civil unrest have had significant impacts.

Longest Rivers

  • Cuanza River: One of Angola’s major rivers, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean and is integral to Angola’s hydroelectric power.
  • Cubango River: Also known as the Okavango in Botswana, where it forms the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highest Mountains

  • Mount Moco: The highest peak in Angola, located in the Huambo Province, reaches an altitude of 2,620 meters.
  • Mount Moco: Standing at 2,583 meters, it is in the same highland area, which is rich in endemic bird species.

History

Prehistory to Colonial Era

Evidence of human occupation in Angola dates back millennia with rich Stone Age and Iron Age findings. The area was part of the Kingdom of Kongo when the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, beginning a long period of colonial exploitation.

Portuguese Angola

Portugal established colonial control over the area now known as Angola by the 19th century, exploiting its resources and people, particularly in the coffee and diamond industries. This period saw the importation of slaves to the Americas, a dark chapter in the region’s history.

Independence and Civil War

Angola gained independence in 1975 after a prolonged struggle led by several nationalist movements, the most prominent being the MPLA, which took control of the government. Almost immediately, the country plunged into a devastating civil war lasting until 2002, heavily influenced by Cold War politics.

Demographics

Angola has a population of over 30 million people, comprising a variety of ethnic groups with the Ovimbundu, Ambundu, and Bakongo being the largest. The official language is Portuguese, reflecting its colonial past, but many indigenous languages are also spoken. Angola faces significant challenges including poverty, health care access, and education, despite its rich natural resources.

Administrative Divisions

Angola is divided into 18 provinces, each with its own administrative capital:

  1. Luanda: Approx. 7 million (capital)
  2. Huambo: Approx. 2.3 million
  3. Benguela: Approx. 2.1 million
  4. Bié: Approx. 1.5 million
  5. Cabinda: Approx. 0.7 million
  6. Huila: Approx. 2.5 million … (other provinces vary in population and are key to regional diversity)

10 Largest Cities by Population

  1. Luanda: 7 million
  2. Huambo: 1.2 million
  3. Lobito: 1 million
  4. Benguela: 800,000
  5. Lubango: 600,000
  6. Kuito: 500,000
  7. Malanje: 500,000
  8. Soyo: 400,000
  9. Cabinda: 300,000
  10. Uíge: 300,000

Education Systems

Overview

Education in Angola is mandatory until the age of 15, though enforcement can be inconsistent due to economic and social challenges. Public education is free in theory, but there are often significant additional costs.

Top Universities

  • Agostinho Neto University: Located in Luanda and is the largest and most prestigious in Angola.
  • Katyavala Bwila University: Located in Benguela, known for its focus on agriculture and natural sciences.

Transportation

Airports

Angola’s main international airport is Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda. Other significant airports include:

  • Lubango Mukanka Airport
  • Catumbela Airport

Railways

The railway system is being rebuilt after being largely destroyed during the civil war, with three major lines running from Luanda, Huambo, and Benguela.

Highways

The total length of Angola’s road network is around 70,000 kilometers, though many roads are in poor condition.

Major Ports

  • Port of Luanda: The largest and busiest port in Angola.
  • Port of Lobito: Important for its railway terminus linking to DR Congo and Zambia.
  • Port of Namibe: Known for being the most southerly deep-water port.

Country Facts

  • Population: 32 million
  • Capital: Luanda
  • Languages: Portuguese (official), various Bantu languages
  • Major Religion: Christianity
  • Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
  • ISO Country Codes: AO, AGO, 024
  • International Calling Code: +244
  • Top-Level Domain: .ao