20 Facts About Angola

Nature & Geography

1. Kalandula Falls – Rising about 105 m and stretching 400 m across, these thundering falls in Malanje Province are among Africa’s largest by volume and one of Angola’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

2. A Nation of Contrasts – Angola’s landscapes range from lush rainforests in Cabinda to the arid Namib Desert in the south, and fertile highlands in the center.

3. Cabinda Exclave – The Cabinda Province is physically separated from the rest of Angola by a strip of land belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

4. The Imbondeiro Tree – Known elsewhere as the baobab, Angola’s imbondeiro is steeped in legend—many say it looks like God planted it upside down with its roots in the air.

5. Giant Sable Antelope – This striking and rare antelope, once thought extinct, is found only in Angola. It is a national symbol and a point of pride for conservation efforts.

6. Marine Life Haven – Angola’s Atlantic waters are home to whales, dolphins, and rich fisheries, especially off the coast of Benguela Province.

7. Climate Variety – The climate shifts from tropical along the coast, to temperate in the highlands, to arid in the southern interior — all within one country.

History & Politics

1. Independence Day – Angola celebrates November 11, 1975 as its independence day, marking the end of almost four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.

2. Civil War Aftermath – The civil war that followed independence lasted 27 years and is one of the longest conflicts in Africa’s modern history.

Culture & Society

1. The Dance of Semba – Angola’s signature dance, Semba, traces its name to the word massemba, meaning “a touch of bellies.” Rooted in tradition, Semba has influenced music styles across Lusophone countries, including Brazilian samba.

2. Cultural Export – Angola is the birthplace of Kuduro, a high-energy music and dance style that has influenced clubs across Africa and Europe.

3. Heartwarming Cuisine – Many traditional Angolan dishes are hearty stews, often paired with rice, beans, chicken, pork, fish, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, okra, and richly flavored sauces.

4. Language Diversity – While Portuguese is the official language, Angola has over 40 Bantu languages, including Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo.

5. Religious Blend – Christianity dominates, with Roman Catholicism and Protestant churches being the largest denominations, often blended with traditional beliefs.

Economy & Infrastructure

1. Luanda’s Price Tag – Angola’s capital, Luanda, often ranks among the most expensive cities in the world for expatriates, driven by high costs of imported goods and housing.

2. Rich in Resources – Despite decades of conflict, Angola is one of Africa’s resource-rich nations, with wealth coming from oil, natural gas, and diamonds. It consistently ranks in the top 10 African economies by GDP.

3. Oil Giant – Angola is one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, often competing with Nigeria for the top spot in sub-Saharan Africa.

4. Diamond Potential – The country’s northeast, particularly Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul, holds some of the richest diamond deposits in the world.

Demographics & Urban Life

1. A Very Young Nation – Angola has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of about 16.7 years. The youth-heavy demographic is a result of both high birth rates and the country’s turbulent history.

2. Urban Nation – Despite its size, Angola is highly urbanized. Over 60% of the population lives in cities, with Luanda home to more than 8 million people.