The territory
The Republic of Angola lies on the western coast of Southern Africa, bordered to the north and north-east by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the east by Zambia and to the south by Namibia, with a long Atlantic frontage to the west. The Cabinda enclave, to the north, borders the Republic of the Congo.
At around 1.25 million square kilometres, the country takes in a central plateau, savannah, tropical forest, desert in the south and a coastal strip of more than 1,600 kilometres. Luanda, on the coast, is the capital and largest city.
Portuguese is the official language. National languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Cokwe and Oshiwambo are also spoken.
At a glance
- Capital
- Luanda
- Independence
- 11 November 1975
- Official language
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Kwanza (AOA)
- Area
- 1,246,700 km²
- System of government
- Presidential republic