Angola

Angola is a country in Southern Africa on the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north and northeast, Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The capital and largest city is Luanda. The official language is Portuguese, with national languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo widely spoken. The population is around 35 to 40 million, and the country covers about 1.25 million square kilometers.

Historically, the area was home to Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms. Portuguese contact began in the 15th century, and Angola became a Portuguese colony until independence in 1975. The post-independence period was dominated by a civil war between the MPLA and UNITA, which ended in 2002. A peace process enabled reconstruction and a shift toward oil-led growth.

Angola is a semi-presidential republic. The president is head of state, and the government is led by a prime minister. The National Assembly has 220 seats. The MPLA has been the dominant political force since independence. The economy relies heavily on oil and gas, which account for the main export earnings; diamonds, mining, and agriculture are important sectors. The kwanza (AOA) is the currency. Development challenges include diversification, poverty, and governance.

Geographically, Angola ranges from a humid coastal belt to arid southern areas and elevated plateaus inland. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to semi-arid inland. Angolan culture features music such as semba and kizomba, and cuisine built on fish, cassava, and maize. The country is a member of regional bodies including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.