Country Profile: Angola
Angola, located in Southern Africa, boasts a diverse geography that spans 1,246,700 square kilometers, bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean. Its population of approximately 37.2 million is characterized by a youthful demographic, with a high birth rate and significant urbanization, particularly in the capital, Luanda. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, which fuels growth but is also marked by significant challenges such as widespread poverty and corruption. As a presidential republic, Angola has witnessed a transition of power to President João Lourenço, who was elected in 2022.
Geography
Angola is situated on the southwestern coast of Africa, bordered by Namibia to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. The country's terrain includes a narrow coastal plain that rises to a vast interior plateau, with diverse climates ranging from semi-arid in the south to tropical in the north. Major rivers include the Zambezi and the Cubango.
- 1,246,700 sq km - total area
- 1,600 km - coastline length
- 2,620 m - highest point (Moco)
- 5,369 km - total land boundaries
- 51.6% - forest coverage (2023 estimate)
People and Society
With a total population of around 37.2 million, Angola's demographic is predominantly young, with a median age of just 16.3 years. The main ethnic groups include Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo, while Portuguese serves as the official language. The society has strong religious affiliations, with a significant portion identifying as Roman Catholic or Protestant.
- 68.7% - urban population (2023)
- 41.1 births/1,000 - birth rate (2024)
- 62.9 years - life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 3% - health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021)
- 96.1 - total dependency ratio (2024)
Economy
Angola's economy is classified as middle-income yet highly dependent on oil exports, which account for a large share of government revenue. Economic diversification efforts are ongoing, focusing on agriculture and infrastructure investment. The nation faces challenges such as high inflation and a substantial public debt.
- $278.239 billion - real GDP (PPP 2024 est.)
- 14.5% - unemployment rate (2024)
- 16.4% - agriculture's share of GDP (2024)
- 32.3% - population living below the poverty line (2018)
- $36.924 billion - exports (2024 est.)
Government
Angola is a presidential republic with a political structure defined by a single legislative body, the National Assembly, and an executive led by President João Lourenço. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has a constitution that integrates principles from its Portuguese colonial past.
- 220 - total seats in National Assembly
- 18 - voting age
- 1% - military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
- 39.1% - percentage of women in National Assembly (2022)
- 11 November 1975 - Independence Day
Military and Security
The Angolan Armed Forces consist of the army, navy, and air force, with approximately 100,000 personnel. Military expenditure remains a modest percentage of GDP, with primary focus areas including national defense and regional stability.
- 1% - military expenditure of GDP (2024)
- 100,000 - active duty military (2025)
- 24 months - conscription service obligation
- Russian and Soviet-era - majority of military equipment origin
Energy
Angola's energy sector is anchored in its substantial oil reserves, which are complemented by hydroelectric power generation. Despite challenges in electricity access, the nation continues to develop its energy infrastructure.
- 1.175 million bbl/day - total oil production (2023)
- 48.5% - electrification rate of the total population (2022)
- 74% - hydroelectricity as share of installed capacity (2023)
- 16.214 billion kWh - electricity consumption (2023)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Angola include deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to potable water. The country is a signatory to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- 36.9% - agricultural land (2023)
- 148.4 billion cubic meters - total renewable water resources (2022)
- 4.214 million tons - municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
- 51.6% - forest coverage (2023)
Transportation
Angola possesses a developing transportation network with considerable investments in its road and rail systems. Its ports play a critical role in trade, particularly related to oil exports.
- 107 - airports (2025)
- 2,761 km - total railway length (2022)
- 21 - total ports (2024)
Communications
The communications sector in Angola is gradually expanding, with increased mobile and internet subscription rates, although access remains limited in rural areas.
- 25.7 million - mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 45% - internet user percentage of the population (2023)
- 87,000 - fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,202,061 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 1,246,700 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $278.239 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 14.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 41.1 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 62.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electrification Rate | 48.5% | Total population (2022) |
| Urban Population | 68.7% | Total population (2023) |
| Military Expenditure | 1% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption | 9.146 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
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