Country Profile: Angola

Angola is a southern African nation bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean, with a diverse terrain that includes a narrow coastal plain and a vast interior plateau. It has a population of approximately 37.2 million, with a rich cultural heritage derived from various Bantu groups and a history marked by Portuguese colonization and civil conflict. The economy is primarily oil-dependent, facing challenges such as widespread poverty and corruption, but it has been showing signs of recovery and diversification since the end of the civil war in 2002. Governed as a presidential republic, Angola has undergone significant political changes in recent years, offering a glimpse of potential reform and growth.

Geography

Angola is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. It spans an area of approximately 1,246,700 sq km, with a coastline of 1,600 km. The country's terrain rises from a coastal plain to a vast interior plateau, contributing to its varied climate, which includes semi-arid conditions in the south and a rainy season in the north.

Geographic Coordinates: 12°30' S, 18°30' E
Elevation: Highest point at 2,620 m (Moco)
Land Use: Agricultural land constitutes 36.8% of the total area (2022)
Natural Resources: Includes petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, and copper

People and Society

Angola's population is estimated at 37,202,061 in 2024, with a youthful median age of 16.3 years. The society is diverse, with ethnic groups such as Ovimbundu (37%) and Kimbundu (25%) predominating. Portuguese is the official language, spoken by about 71.2% of the population, while various local languages are also present. The country faces significant health challenges, with a life expectancy of 62.9 years and a high birth rate at 41.1 births/1,000 population.

Urban Population: 68.7% live in urban areas (2023)
Literacy Rate: Approximately 66.2% (2015)
Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic (41.1%) and Protestant (38.1%)
Dependency Ratio: Total dependency ratio stands at 96.1 (2024)

Economy

Angola's economy is characterized as middle-income and heavily reliant on oil, which significantly affects its GDP. In 2024, the Real GDP (PPP) is projected to be $278.239 billion, with a growth rate of 4.4%. Despite its wealth in natural resources, the country struggles with rising inflation, estimated at 28.2% for 2024, and a poverty rate of 32.3%. Efforts are underway to diversify the economy, particularly into agricultural production.

Unemployment Rate: 14.5% (2024)
Agriculture Contribution to GDP: 16.4% (2024)
GDP Per Capita: Approximately $7,300 (2024)
Exports: Totaling $36.924 billion in 2024, primarily crude petroleum

Government

Angola is a presidential republic with its capital in Luanda. The government operates under a constitution that was adopted in 2010 and provides for a unicameral National Assembly. President João Lourenço has been in power since 2017, following a series of elections, including the most recent in 2022. The political landscape is characterized by significant challenges, including corruption and calls for reform.

Administrative Divisions: Comprises 18 provinces
Suffrage Age: Voting is allowed at 18 years
Constitutional Amendments: Requires two-thirds majority in the National Assembly
Legislature: National Assembly with 220 seats

Military and Security

The Angolan Armed Forces are comprised of the army, navy, and air force, with approximately 100,000 active-duty personnel. The country allocates about 1% of its GDP for military expenditures. The military not only focuses on external defense but also plays a critical role in domestic security and has participated in multinational peacekeeping exercises.

Military Service Obligation: Conscript service of 24 months
Military Equipment Origin: Predominantly Russian or Soviet-era
Military Age for Service: Compulsory from 20 to 45 years

Energy

Angola's energy sector is dominated by oil and natural gas, with total petroleum production reaching 1.175 million bbl/day in 2023. The country is focusing on improving electricity access, which currently stands at 48.5% of the total population. Hydroelectric power accounts for 74% of its total installed electricity capacity.

Electricity Generation: Total consumption at 16.214 billion kWh (2023)
Crude Oil Reserves: Estimated at 7.783 billion barrels (2021)
Natural Gas Exports: 4.928 billion cubic meters (2023)

Environment

Angola faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate water supply. The country is a signatory to various international environmental agreements and is actively working on sustainability initiatives.

Urbanization Rate: 4.04% annual increase (2020-2025)
Total Renewable Water Resources: Approximately 148.4 billion cubic meters (2020)
Air Pollution: Particulate matter emissions at 27.16 micrograms per cubic meter (2019)

Transportation

Angola's transport infrastructure includes 107 airports and a railway network of 2,761 km. The country has a total of 21 ports, with significant capacity for oil terminals, reflecting its reliance on the petroleum sector.

Merchant Marine: Comprises 64 vessels (2023)
Civil Aircraft Registration: D2
Heliports: 2 operational by 2025

Communications

Telecommunication services are developing, with approximately 25.7 million mobile subscriptions. The penetration of the internet stands at 45% of the population, indicating a growing digital landscape.

Fixed-line Telephones: Total subscriptions are about 87,000 (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: Totaling 137,000 (2023)
Radio Broadcasts: Dominated by state-owned media

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,202,061	2024 estimate
Area	1,246,700 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$278.239 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	9.146 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	41.1 births/1,000 people	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	14.5%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	62.9 years	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	48.5%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	68.7%	2023 estimate