Global View: Angola

The Republic of Angola, with its capital at Luanda, is inhabited by about 16 million people living along the South Atlantic Coast of West Africa. It is comprised primarily of three ethnic groups, the Oyimbundu, the Kimbundu, and the Bakongo, and is predominantly Roman Catholic. The official language is Portuguese, although each of the ethnic groups also has its own language. Life expectancy is short, measured at just over 40 years for the total population.

Angola is a poor country, by any measure, having been ravaged by nearly 30 years of civil war that have resulted in poor infrastructure and weak government.

Government

Angola is a republic, with independence achieved in 1975. It is headed by an elected president, a prime minister who is appointed, multiple civilian and vice ministers, and an elected National Assembly. The prime minister and cabinet ministers are all appointed by the elected president, and the legislative assembly is subordinate to the executive. There are nearly 100 different recognized political parties in Angola, with the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola currently holding power.

Angola is divided into 18 provinces, each headed by a governor appointed by the president. Angola's judicial system is anchored in Portuguese and customary law.

Economy

Angola's economy primarily depends upon natural resources such as petroleum, diamonds, and precious metals, as well as agricultural staples like bananas, sugarcane, coffee, and tobacco. Gross Domestic Product last year was estimated at just over $90 billion. Angola has an unemployment rate that exceeds 25 percent and an inflation rate that exceeds 12 percent. Its primary trade partners are the United States and China.

Corruption and mismanagement of the economy contribute to Angola's economic woes, although oil resources have contributed to an estimated GDP growth rate last year of more than 20 percent.

Military

Angola maintains an army, a navy, and an air force, with a total of about 120,000 people in the uniformed services. The navy has a small fleet of patrol craft and the air force inventory includes fighters, helicopters, and cargo planes.

Angola Abroad

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Angola sought to expand its ties with the west, and with China. Angola has been active within Africa, using its military to strengthen its position and increase its influence on the continent. Angola is a member of the United Nations and has enjoyed diplomatic relations with the United States for the past 15 years.

Source: U.S. Department of State