Angola Country Guide | Guide to Angola

After decades of civil war, Angola is picking up the pieces and rebuilding. It is potentially a rich country, with vast reserves of oil and diamonds, but the civil war and ruling elite have not helped the distribution of its resources. While in 2005 the country was still quite a tough destination for travellers (at least for those who do not speak Portuguese), it is improving by the month and may become a worthwhile extension of a visit to southern Africa or even a destination in its own right in a few years.

Luanda is the capital of Angola and the biggest city; quite overwhelming for the average traveller. Along the coast, the cities of Lobito and Benguela are more tranquil, but certainly worth a visit. Further south Lubango offers magnificent scenery and quiet surroundings, connected by Angola's best road, to Namibe - a lovely and quiet coastal town. Kissama (Quiçama) National Park is located some 70 km south of Luanda. Iona National Park is located some 200 km south of Namibe and borders Namibia's Skeleton Coast.

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Angola Facts

Capital: Luanda

Population: 15,941,000

Currency: kwanza (AOA)

Religions: indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998 est.)

Government: republic, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential system

Languages: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Phone Code: 244