Angolan

Angolan is an adjective and demonym for Angola, a country on the west coast of Southern Africa. The term describes both things from Angola and the people who live there; an Angolan is a citizen or resident of Angola. The capital and largest city is Luanda.

Geography, language, and demographics: Angola is a coastal nation with varied terrain, including beaches, plateaus, and forests. The official language is Portuguese, and widely spoken indigenous languages include Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo. The population is around the mid-30 millions, with rapid urban growth and major urban centers such as Luanda. The country has a sizeable diaspora in Portugal, the United States, Brazil, and elsewhere.

History and government: The region was home to pre-colonial kingdoms before Portuguese colonial rule began in the 16th century. Angola gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975. A civil war followed, lasting until 2002. Since the war, Angola has been governed as a presidential republic, with oil and diamonds playing central roles in the economy and development.

Culture and society: Angolan culture reflects a blend of African and Lusophone influences, with diverse musical traditions such as semba and kuduro. Angolan cuisine often features fish from the Atlantic, cassava flour (funge), maize, and other staples. Football is highly popular, and Angolan art and literature explore themes of heritage, resilience, and modernity. The Angolan identity encompasses regional diversity and a shared history shaped by colonialism, conflict, and recent reconstruction.