Angola
Subregion: Middle Africa
Angola is a country located in Middle Africa on the west coast. The capital city is Luanda. The government is a Unitarian dominant-party presidential republic. The language of the country is Portuguese. The predominant religion is Christianity. Free public healthcare is provided to the population but it is extremely underfunded. Most citizens and expats opt for private healthcare.
Safety:
Angola, like many countries, has some safety concerns that residents should be aware of. Angola has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas such as Luanda. Robberies, muggings, and carjackings are common. Travelers should take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and avoiding displaying valuables in public. Angola is a country where malaria is endemic, and travelers should take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and take prophylactic medication as advised by their healthcare provider. Other health risks include HIV/AIDS, yellow fever, and waterborne diseases. Although Angola has made significant strides towards political stability in recent years, there is still a risk of civil unrest and political instability. Travelers should monitor local news and avoid any protests or large gatherings. Many roads in Angola are poorly maintained, making them difficult to navigate. This can lead to accidents and make driving more dangerous. Carjacking and robbery are common in Angola, especially in urban areas. Travelers should be cautious when driving and avoid driving alone at night. Angola has a high rate of traffic accidents, due in part to poor road conditions and a lack of traffic enforcement. Angola is still recovering from decades of civil war, and there are areas of the country that are still contaminated with landmines. Travelers should stick to well-traveled roads and avoid driving off-road. Stay informed about local road conditions and safety concerns, and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Cultural Customs:
Angola is a country with cultural heritage influenced by its history of Portuguese colonization and African tribal traditions. In Angola, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, followed by an exchange of pleasantries. The handshake should be firm and not limp. It is also common to use honorific titles when addressing people, such as "Senhor" for men and "Senhora" for women. Women avoid eye contact during the greeting process. Older persons need to be greeted first and it’s customary to bow to show respect. Business is not discussed in social interactions. Angolan cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine. Popular dishes include Moamba de Galinha (chicken stew), Calulu (dried fish stew), and Mufete (grilled fish). The staple food is funge, which is made from cassava flour and served with a variety of stews. Food is served in a communal bowl, with the eldest person eating first. Music and dance are an integral part of Angolan culture. Traditional music includes Kuduro, Semba, Kizomba, and Tarrachinha. These music genres are often accompanied by intricate dances that involve hip movements and footwork. Traditional Angolan clothing includes the capulana, a colorful cloth that is draped around the body and worn by women. Men often wear a kanzu, which is a long tunic worn over loose-fitting trousers. Western-style clothing is also common in urban areas. The majority of Angolans are Christian, with a significant minority practicing traditional African religions. Christianity was introduced by Portuguese missionaries during colonial rule, while traditional African religions have been practiced for centuries. Family is highly valued in Angolan culture. Extended families often live together and play an important role in child-rearing. Respect for elders is also an important cultural value. Angola celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, which is celebrated in February or March and involves colorful parades and street parties. Other festivals include Independence Day (November 11th), which commemorates Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975, and National Heroes Day (September 17th), which honors Angola's independence fighters. Angolan people generally identify with the tribe, these tribes are clustered in certain areas and they maintain their own customs and languages. Ancestor worship is commonplace as the people feel their ancestors play a part in their lives.
Geography & Weather:
There are 3 distinct geographical areas in Angola. North Angola is a tropical area, it has thick forests due to the climate. The coastline has beaches and has a mild/dry climate. Southern inland Angola is the plateau and has thin savannah vegetation due to the drier climate.
In the city of M’banza-Kongo, which is in the northernmost part of the country, the average temperature ranges from 61 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 69 degrees F and December/January being the hottest months with a median temperature of 77 degrees F. October - May is the rainy season with the average rainfall being 7 inches per month during this time. It’s important for me to note that this area is often cloudy year round and there is not much sun.
Luanda is the Capital city and is located on the northern coast of the country. The average temperature ranges from 66 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 71 degrees F and January is the hottest month with a median temperature of 81 degrees F. March and April have moderate rain with 4 inches a month. Fog and mist are common during July - October. The sunniest time of year is Jan - April.
Huambo is a city in the center of the plateau region, it is 5,600 above sea level. The average temperature ranges from 46 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest months are June/July with median temperatures of 62 degrees F and September being the hottest month with a median temperature of 69 degrees F. The rainy season is October - April averaging 8 inches of rain per month. From May - August it never rains and is the most sunny. The southern area of the plateau is hotter, sunnier and rarely has rain.
Economy:
Angola’s economy is heavily dependent on its oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of its export revenues and around 40% of its GDP. Other important sectors include agriculture, mining, and fisheries. Despite its oil wealth, Angola has struggled with high levels of poverty and unemployment. According to the World Bank, the country's poverty rate was 32.3% in 2018. In addition, the unemployment rate has been high, with an estimated 26% of the population being unemployed in 2020, according to the International Labour Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated Angola's economic challenges. The country's GDP contracted by an estimated 4.0% in 2020 due to a drop in oil prices and a decrease in global demand. The pandemic also led to a decline in foreign investment and disrupted supply chains, affecting other sectors such as agriculture and tourism. To address these challenges, the government of Angola has implemented various economic reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and increasing private sector participation. These include efforts to improve the business environment, increase transparency, and reduce corruption. The government has also prioritized investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In addition, the government has implemented social safety net programs to support vulnerable populations, such as the Programa Kwenda, which provides cash transfers to poor households, and the Programa de Subsídios Sociais, which provides subsidies for basic goods and services. Overall, while Angola faces significant economic and social challenges, the government's efforts to diversify the economy and implement social safety net programs provide some hope for improving the country's economic prospects and reducing poverty and unemployment in the long term.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
AOA 1.00 = USD .0019
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
32,866,272
Median Age:
16.7
Life Expectancy:
62.22
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa 30 days, single or multiple entries $70
Visa for establishing residency $200
Work Visa $100
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Angolan citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is 18 years old, is of good morality, good health, has no criminal convictions, has assimilated into Angolan society and has a secure means of support. Person must also prove they can speak Portuguese adequately and have lived in Angola for 10 years.
Residency Requirements:
Residency permits can be temporary (1-3 years) or permanent (if person has lived in the country for at least 10 years).
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Luanda
Rua Presidente Houari Boumedienne #32
Miramar, Luanda
Angola
Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1112
Email: consularluanda@state.gov