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Angola

Website: http://www.angola.gov.ao

BRIEF HISTORY

Angola attained its independence from Portugal on 11th November 1975. The country known for its riches in natural resources did not know peace immediately as a bitter rebel war ensued. Rebels belonging to UNITA led by Dr Jonas Savimbi fought a bitter guerilla war which lasted until 2002 when the rebel leader was killed.
Since then Angola has prospered with a booming economy and better production of oil and diamonds.
Angola is a member of ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO.

GEOGRAPHY

Angola borders the South Atlantic Ocean while its land borders stretch to a total: 5,198 kilometres.
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province), Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km.

CLIMATE

Semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April).

TERRAIN

Narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

NATURAL RESOURCES

Petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium.

POPULATION

12,127,071 (July 2006 est.)

ETHNIC GROUPS

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

LANGUAGES

Portuguese (official), and other African Languages

COUNTRY NAME

Conventional long form: Republic of Angola
Conventional short form: Angola
Local long form: Republica de Angola
Local short form: Angola

GOVERNMENT TYPE

Republic; multiparty presidential regime

CAPITAL CITY

Luanda

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

INDEPENDENCE

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

NATIONAL DAY

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

CONSTITUTION

11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992; note - a new constitution will likely be passed following the next legislative election

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS was appointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under the 1992 constitution.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms).

JUDICIAL BRANCH

Supreme Court and separate provincial courts (judges are appointed by the president)

ECONOMY BRIEF

Angola's high growth rate is driven by its oil sector, with record oil prices and rising petroleum production. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about half of GDP and 90% of exports. Increased oil production supported 12% growth in 2004 and 19% growth in 2005. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish.

INDUSTRIES

Petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship repair.

EXPORT COMMODITIES

Crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton.

IMPORT COMMODITIES

Machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles, military goods.

CURRENCY CODE

Kwanza (AOA)

INTERNET COUNTRY CODE

.ao

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