Country Profile: Angola
Angola is a southern African nation characterized by a rich history, diverse geography, and significant natural resources, particularly oil. Its population of approximately 39 million is comprised mainly of various Bantu ethnic groups, with Portuguese as the official language. The country operates as a presidential republic, having transitioned from a long civil war to a more stable governance under President João Lourenço since 2017. Despite its oil wealth, Angola faces challenges such as widespread poverty and economic dependence on resources.
Geography
Angola is located in southern Africa, bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean and neighboring Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The nation covers an area of about 1,246,700 square kilometers, making it roughly eight times the size of Georgia. The climate varies from semi-arid in the south to a cooler, dry season in the north, while the terrain features a narrow coastal plain that rises to a vast interior plateau.
- Area: 1,246,700 km² (total land)
- Coastline: 1,600 km
- Major rivers: Rio Zambezi and Rio Cubango
- Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, and gold
- Elevation: Highest point is 2,620 m (Moco)
- Land use: 36.9% is agricultural land (2023 est.)
People and Society
Angola's population is estimated at 38,984,796 (2025), with a majority residing in urban areas, particularly in the capital, Luanda. The society is ethnically diverse, with the Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo being the largest groups. Portuguese is the official language, and the predominant religions are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, reflecting its colonial history.
- Urban population: 68.7% of total population (2023)
- Birth rate: 39.75 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy: 62.9 years (2024 est.)
- Median age: 16.6 years (2025 est.)
- Literacy rate: 66.2% (2015 est.)
- Infant mortality rate: 46.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Economy
Angola has a middle-income, oil-dependent economy with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $278.239 billion for 2024. The economy is recovering from years of civil conflict but continues to grapple with challenges like inflation and widespread poverty. Agriculture is underdeveloped but is a focus for economic diversification.
- GDP growth rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 14.5% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 75.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
- Population below poverty line: 32.3% (2018 est.)
- Major exports: crude petroleum and diamonds
- Inflation rate: 28.2% (2024 est.)
Government
Angola is a presidential republic with a legislative body known as the National Assembly. The country gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, and has since experienced significant political developments, including recent elections in August 2022 that re-elected President João Lourenço.
- Capital: Luanda
- Government type: Presidential republic
- Legal system: Civil law based on Portuguese law
- Chief of state: President João Lourenço
- Next election: Expected in 2027
- Constitution adopted: February 5, 2010
Military and Security
The Angolan Armed Forces encompass the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 100,000 active duty personnel. Military expenditures account for about 1% of GDP, reflecting ongoing security needs and engagement in regional peacekeeping.
- Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military service age: 20-45 years for compulsory service
- Military history: Established in 1991 following the Bicesse Accords
- Main suppliers: Weapons primarily from Russia and other countries
Energy
Energy access remains a challenge in Angola, with only 48.5% of the population having electricity. The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power, accounting for 74% of its installed electricity-generating capacity, while oil production remains a key economic driver.
- Total petroleum production: 1.175 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Electricity generation: 16.214 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Natural gas production: 5.984 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
- Electricity access: 48.5% of total population (2022 est.)
Environment
Angola faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to clean water. The country has engaged in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at combatting climate change and conserving biodiversity.
- Forest cover: 51.6% (2023 est.)
- Total renewable water resources: 148.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 19.66 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste generated: 4.214 million tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
Angola has a developing transportation infrastructure, including 107 airports and approximately 2,761 km of railways. The nation relies on its extensive network of small ports to facilitate maritime trade, particularly important due to its oil industry.
- Airports: 107 (2025)
- Railways: 2,761 km (2022)
- Merchant marine: 64 ships (2023)
- Ports: 21 total, with 17 having oil terminals
Communications
In terms of telecommunications, Angola is witnessing growth in mobile phone subscriptions, with approximately 26.4 million mobile cellular users. Internet access remains limited, with only 45% of the population online as of 2023.
- Internet users: 45% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile subscriptions: 26.4 million (2024 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 80,300 (2024 est.)
- Telecommunication infrastructure: State-owned media dominate the broadcast sector.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,984,796 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 1,246,700 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $278.239 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electric consumption | 16.214 billion kWh | Total for 2023 |
| Birth rate | 39.75 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life expectancy | 62.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Military expenditures | 1% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban population | 68.7% | Total population (2023) |
| CO2 emissions | 19.66 million metric tonnes | Estimated for 2023 |
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