Location and Frontiers
The territory of the Republic of Angola is located south of the Equator on the western coast of Africa. It is bordered by the Republic of the Congo on the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It also includes the enclave of Cabinda to the north which is in between the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Territory
Angola has a total surface area of 1,246,700 km², and an Atlantic maritime shoreline measuring 1,650 km. Its coastline is quite regular, having few bays and few capes. The vast Angolan territory is divided into 18 provinces.

Climate
The climate is tropical in the north and subtropical in the south, with temperate climates in the higher altitudes. There are two distinct seasons: one hot and humid, in which the rainfall levels are quite high, another is colder and dryer, called cacimbo

Hydrographics
The hydrographical characteristics of Angola are directly related to altitude since the rivers flow downstream from the plateau zone and mountain ridge to the lower areas.

The biggest and most navigable river is the Kwanza, measuring 1,000 km. The primary hydrographical basins are the rivers Zaire, Mbridge, Kwanza (the largest), Queve or Cuvo, Cunene and Cuando.

Dilolo is the primary lake and Panguila and Muxima the lagoons.

Population
A census has not been taken in Angola since 1980, therefore population data, geographical distribution and yearly variations are not very precise.

Estimates from the Economit Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 1996 measured a total of 11.9 million inhabitants, which represents a very low population density, of nearly 9 to 10 inhabitants per km².

General Information

• Official Language: Portuguese
• President: José Eduardo dos Santos
• Government: multi-party democracy with a semi-presidential system constituted by the following branches of the State: President of the Republic, National Assembly, government and courts.
• Ruling Party: MPLA
• Opposition: UNITA and other smaller parties

Cultural and Historical Information

• Ethnic Origin: mainly Bantu
• Political Origin: Portuguese colony (500 years)
• Independence Day: November 11, 1975 (after 14 years of war for independence)
• First ruling party: MPLA
• First President: Dr. A. Agostinho Neto (1975-1979)
• First city: Luanda, established in 1575
• First Democratic Elections: September 1992
• Main Native Languages: Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Tchokwe
• Official Currency: Kwanza
• Primary Ports: Luanda, Namibe and Lobito
• National Holidays: January 1 and 4, February 4, March 8, May 1 and 25, June 1, September 17, November 2 and 11 and December 25

Sources:
Angola - A Fabulous Country, Luís Palanque. LPE Internacional.
Monografia de Angola 1998-2000, CEGIA (Angola's Ministry of Industry)