Angola is a country located on the west coast of Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the seventh-largest country in Africa by area, and its capital, Luanda, is a major port city and the economic hub of the nation. Angola is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and diamonds, which form the backbone of its economy.
Historically, Angola was inhabited by a number of ethnic groups, including the Bantu people, long before European colonization. In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a presence in Angola, which became one of their key colonies. Portuguese rule lasted for nearly 400 years, until Angola gained independence in 1975. However, soon after independence, Angola descended into a long and devastating civil war that lasted until 2002, involving multiple factions and Cold War superpowers. The war had a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure and economy, leaving much of Angola in need of reconstruction.
Since the end of the civil war, Angola has experienced rapid economic growth, driven largely by its oil sector, which accounts for the majority of government revenue and exports. However, this reliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Efforts are being made to diversify the economy, with sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing receiving attention.
Angola is home to a diverse population, with numerous ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. Portuguese is the official language, and the country maintains strong ties with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking nations. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Angola faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and rebuilding from decades of conflict, but it remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.