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Angola

✨ The land of diamonds

Angola is a country in southwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and sharing land borders with Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its capital, Luanda, lies on the Atlantic coast. Covering about 1.25 million square kilometres, Angola has a varied landscape, from coastal plains to broad plateaus in the interior. The central highlands contain some of the country's highest elevations, while the south and southwest become progressively drier.

Angola also includes Cabinda, a small territory separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Several important rivers cross Angola, including the Cuanza, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Angola has seasons that occur at different times from those in Europe and North America. Its climate varies considerably across the country. The north is generally more humid, whereas the south is much drier, particularly near the Namib Desert.

Along the coast, the cold Benguela Current reduces rainfall and influences temperatures, creating relatively dry conditions in some areas. Farther inland, rainfall is generally higher, especially in the central highlands, where it supports savannas, woodlands and agricultural land. Angola is also rich in natural resources. Petroleum is particularly important to its economy, while diamonds, iron ore and other minerals are also extracted.

Portuguese is the official language, and several African national languages, including Umbundu, Kimbundu and Kikongo, are widely spoken. Angola is divided into provinces and municipalities and has 18 provinces, including Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, Huíla, Namibe and Cabinda. Its varied relief, climate and ecosystems make the country an important geographical link between the Atlantic coast, the central African highlands and the drier landscapes of southwestern Africa.

💡 Did you know?

Angola is home to one of the strangest plants in the world: the Welwitschia mirabilis! It only grows in the Namibe Desert and only has two leaves that lengthen for centuries. Some of these specimens were born over 1,000 years ago! It looks like a plant from another planet.

Do you know the Kalandula Falls? They are giant horseshoe-shaped waterfalls, among the largest in Africa. They are located in the middle of a lush jungle. When the sun shines through the mist of the falls, you can see magic rainbows dancing on the water!

The symbol animal of Angola is the Giant Sable Antelope (Palanca Negra Gigante). It is a magnificent antelope with immense horns curved backwards. It was believed for a long time that it had disappeared, but scientists found it hidden deep in the forests! It is so loved that it is on the national football team's logo.