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Angola
Africa
Angola is resource-rich, especially in oil and diamonds. Emerging from decades of civil war, it has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
36,000,000
Population
1,246,700
Area (km²)
Luanda
Capital
36
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
36 Events
September 22, 2025 - Angola's oil production surpasses 1 million barrels per day, recovering from earlier declines and supporting economic stabilization.
September 19, 2025 - Finance officials state Angola will decide by November on rolling over a $1 billion JPMorgan swap deal or seeking new funding.
September 18, 2025 - IMF reports on Angola's economic challenges, including oil price volatility and a projected 2.8% GDP deficit, urging fiscal tightening.
September 16, 2025 - Angola leads Africa's cholera outbreak with a 46% surge in cases over recent weeks, straining public health resources.
September 11, 2025 - The Angola Oil & Gas 2025 conference announces billion-dollar investments, seven new deals, and a $70 billion pipeline for future projects.
September 09, 2025 - Major oil companies, including TotalEnergies, reaffirm investment plans for exploration and production, boosting Angola's energy outlook.
September 03, 2025 - Angola inaugurates its first new refinery in 50 years in Cabinda, doubling national refining capacity and reducing import reliance.
September 03, 2025 - Shell returns to Angola's oil sector after a 20-year absence, signaling renewed investor confidence through reforms.
August 25, 2025 - Angola's basketball team wins a record 12th FIBA AfroBasket title, reclaiming continental dominance.
July 29, 2025 - Deadly protests over fuel price hikes lead to at least 22 deaths and hundreds of arrests, with police accused of excessive force.
May 20, 2025 - A fire on Chevron's offshore oil platform injures 17 workers and kills three, prompting safety reviews in the energy sector.
March 14, 2025 - Angola denies entry to opposition figures Tundu Lissu, Ian Khama, and Venancio Mondlane, citing security concerns.
February 01, 2025 - President Lourenço assumes the rotating presidency of the African Union, prioritizing regional stability and economic integration.
February 01, 2025 - A Swiss court convicts oil trader Trafigura of corruption in deals involving Angola, resulting in fines and highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
December 27, 2024 - President Lourenço pardons dozens of prisoners, including the son of his predecessor, on humanitarian grounds.
December 03, 2024 - U.S. President Joe Biden visits Angola, meeting leaders to advance the Lobito Corridor railway project for trade and investment.
November 23, 2024 - Thousands join the "For a Hunger-Free Angola" march in Luanda, organized by opposition parties, protesting economic hardships.
October 01, 2024 - The Angolan Renaissance Party–Servir Angola (PRA-JA) achieves full legalization after a five-year legal battle.
September 01, 2024 - The Liberal Party faces ongoing bureaucratic blocks in registering required signatures for legalization.
August 01, 2024 - Dozens of activists are detained during protests against the new vandalism law; police seize journalists' equipment.
August 01, 2024 - President Lourenço signs the Law on Crimes of Vandalism (up to 25 years for protest-related damage) and the National Security Law (broad powers for media and movement restrictions), drawing international criticism for curbing freedoms.
July 30, 2024 - President João Lourenço announces a ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda via Angola-mediated talks, which collapses days later due to M23 advances.
July 25, 2024 - Angola participates in the Paris Olympics with 24 athletes across seven sports, earning no medals but with the women's handball team placing 5th.
July 01, 2024 - The Constitutional Court grants initial accreditation to the opposition Liberal Party, though bureaucratic hurdles persist for full registration.
June 06, 2024 - A 5.4-magnitude earthquake strikes the central-southern region, causing minor damage but highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities.
June 01, 2024 - 11 activists are arrested during a protest in Luanda against government policies; they are released without charges.
May 01, 2024 - Health authorities probe the deaths of over 30 children in Luanda from contaminated water, amid a broader drought and food crisis affecting child malnutrition.
April 01, 2024 - 33 members of the Pentecostal Universal Church of the Kingdom of God are detained during a peaceful protest in Luanda against church leadership changes; they are later acquitted.
March 01, 2024 - Trade unions launch general strikes demanding better wages and conditions; government intimidation is reported, but an agreement is reached in May.
March 01, 2024 - Protests erupt in Lunda Norte province over the alleged police killing of an artisanal diamond miner; authorities use live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to further unrest.
January 15, 2024 - Prosecutors charge Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, with fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering related to her role at the state oil company.
January 04, 2024 - Prominent cultural figure Rui Mingas and former Prime Minister França Van-Dúnem pass away, marking losses in Angola's artistic and political spheres.
December 21, 2023 - Angola announces its withdrawal from OPEC, citing production quota disputes and aiming to boost national oil output independently.
May 01, 2023 - Parliament endorses a draft bill restricting the activities of nongovernmental organizations, raising concerns over civil society freedoms.
March 11, 2023 - Angola deploys troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo following the collapse of a ceasefire with M23 rebels, as part of regional peacekeeping efforts.
January 20, 2023 - The Central Bank of Angola implements its largest interest rate cut of the year to stimulate economic recovery amid high inflation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angola
100 Questions
Angola is in southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital is Luanda, located on the Atlantic coast.
Around 37 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Portuguese is the official language; Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, and other Bantu languages are widely spoken.
Varied: tropical along the coast, semi-arid in the south, and wet/dry seasons inland.
The Angolan kwanza (AOA).
Red and black horizontal stripes with a yellow half-gear wheel, star, and machete.
Luanda, Huambo, Benguela, Lobito, and Lubango.
On November 11, 1975, from Portugal.
Agostinho Neto.
João Lourenço (as of 2025).
A unitary presidential republic.
The Angolan Civil War (1975–2002).
MPLA (government), UNITA, and FNLA.
They supported the MPLA government militarily and politically.
They supported UNITA and FNLA during the Cold War.
In 2002, after the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.
Christianity, mainly Roman Catholic and Protestant.
Crude oil, diamonds, gas, and minerals.
It is a major oil producer in Africa and a member of OPEC.
Around 72% overall, with improvements in youth education.
Around $100 billion in 2025 estimates.
Machinery, food, chemicals, and vehicles.
Oil, diamonds, agriculture, and construction.
Oil, diamonds, iron ore, copper, gold, and fertile land.
The Cuanza River.
Mount Moco (2,620 m).
The Atlantic Ocean at sea level.
West Africa Time (WAT), UTC +1.
Portuguese is the official language, with recognition of national languages.
Moamba de galinha (chicken stew with palm oil).
A staple Angolan dish made from cassava flour.
Kizomba, semba, and kuduro.
Football (soccer) and basketball.
Yes, once in 2006.
Independence Day (Nov 11), Carnival, and national religious holidays.
Colorful African fabrics, with modern western clothing common in cities.
Agostinho Neto University in Luanda.
Public healthcare exists but is limited; many rely on private or NGO services.
Around 62 years.
About 5 children per woman, one of the highest in the world.
Over 60% are under 25 years old.
Luanda Carnival.
Sculptures, masks, and traditional dance.
Moamba, funge, calulu, grilled fish, and cassava dishes.
They are active in markets, agriculture, and increasingly in politics.
Lower than men, around 65%.
Poverty, corruption, inequality, and dependence on oil.
Over 90% of export revenues.
It is a significant African oil exporter and OPEC member.
High, often fluctuating between 10–20%.
Kz (for kwanza).
Yes, especially in large transactions alongside the kwanza.
About 30%, higher among youth.
Around 78%.
About 40% of the population has access.
High, with millions of subscribers.
Small minorities of Islam and traditional beliefs.
Active member, supporting peacekeeping missions.
Rebuilt after war, with three main lines (Benguela, Luanda, Moçâmedes).
Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda.
Yes, including Kissama, Bicuar, and Iona.
Elephants, lions, antelopes, and marine species.
Cassava, maize, coffee, bananas, and tropical fruits.
Much higher than rural areas.
Lower, especially among women.
TAAG Angola Airlines.
Adobe houses in rural areas, Portuguese colonial buildings in cities.
Its struggle against Portuguese colonialism and Cold War involvement.
Cuban military intervention in Angola (1975).
One of the stronger armies in southern Africa.
Around 80–85%.
Men: 60 years; Women: 64 years.
High in urban areas due to its official status.
It is the capital, largest city, and economic hub.
Ports and oil export facilities are vital for trade.
A historic railway connecting Angola to Zambia and the DRC.
Member of the Southern African Development Community.
Low overall, with most people near the coast.
Many depend on subsistence farming.
Rapidly growing, with Luanda among the fastest-growing cities.
Major investor and partner in oil-for-infrastructure deals.
High external debt, much owed to China.
Driven by oil price changes and currency weakness.
Agostinho Neto University, Catholic University of Angola.
Angolans abroad in Portugal, Brazil, U.S., and Europe.
They send remittances and contribute skills.
The National Assembly of Angola, a unicameral legislature.
Christianity (about 80%).
A key African supplier to China, India, and Europe.
Much lower than youth, especially in rural areas.
Economic diversification, poverty reduction, and political reform.
It is a major obstacle to development.
Daughter of former president José Eduardo dos Santos, once Africa’s richest woman.
Dependent on reducing oil dependency and boosting education.
Its oil, location on the Atlantic, and regional influence.
Gradually declining from very high levels.
It is the 7th largest country in Africa.
Balancing democracy, reform, and stability after decades of war.
Its oil wealth, history, and position in southern Africa give it major influence.