Country Profile: Angola
Angola, located in Southern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean, features a diverse geography characterized by a narrow coastal plain and vast interior plateaus. With a population of approximately 39 million, the country is primarily made up of Bantu-speaking ethnic groups, with Portuguese as the official language. The economy is heavily dependent on oil, with efforts being made towards diversification. Angola operates as a presidential republic, where governance has been shaped by its tumultuous history of colonialism and civil war, yet the nation continues to face challenges such as widespread poverty and corruption.
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 covers an area of approximately 1,246,700 square kilometers, making it about eight times the size of Georgia. It features a semi-arid climate in the south, with a cooler dry season in the north, and is rich in natural resources including petroleum and diamonds.
- 1,246,700 km²: Total area of Angola
- 1,600 km: Length of the coastline
- 5,369 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries
- 2,620 m: Highest point (Moco)
- 51.6%: Percentage of forested land (2023)
- 36.9%: Agricultural land use (2023)
- 860 km²: Irrigated land (2014)
People and Society
Angola has a projected population of about 38.98 million as of 2025, with a youthful demographic where 46.9% are under 15 years old. The country is home to several ethnic groups, with the Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo being the most prominent. Portuguese is the primary language spoken, while Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations are the predominant religions.
- 38,984,796: Estimated population in 2025
- 46.9%: Population aged 0-14 years
- 66.2%: Literacy rate (2015 est.)
- 5.45 children: Average fertility rate per woman (2025 est.)
- 62.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 39.75 births: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
- 68.7%: Urban population (2023)
Economy
Angola's economy is classified as middle-income and heavily oil-dependent, contributing significantly to its GDP. Despite substantial oil revenues, the nation grapples with challenges like widespread poverty, inflation, and currency depreciation. Recent efforts are directed towards agricultural diversification and attracting foreign investment, particularly from China and the US.
- $278.239 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024
- 44.2%: Percentage of GDP from the industrial sector (2024 est.)
- 14.5%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 32.3%: Population living below the poverty line (2018 est.)
- 1.175 million bbl/day: Petroleum production (2023 est.)
- $36.924 billion: Exports estimated for 2024
- $22.683 billion: Imports estimated for 2024
Government
Angola operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral National Assembly. The current president, João Lourenço, has been in office since 2017, succeeding José Eduardo dos Santos after decades of MPLA leadership. The country’s legal framework consists of a civil legal system based on Portuguese law.
- 11 November 1975: Independence from Portugal
- 220: Seats in the National Assembly
- 39.1%: Percentage of women in the legislature
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 1% of GDP: Military expenditure as of 2024
- $80.397 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)
- 2027: Expected date for next presidential election
Military and Security
The Angolan Armed Forces consist of an army, navy, and air force, totaling around 100,000 active personnel. Military expenditures account for about 1% of the GDP as of 2024. The military plays a crucial role in national defense and has been involved in regional peacekeeping operations.
- 100,000: Active duty military personnel (2025)
- 1% of GDP: Military expenditure (2024 est.)
- 24 months: Conscription service obligation
- Russian and Soviet-era: Predominant origin of military equipment
Energy
Angola's energy sector is dominated by oil and hydroelectric power, with a significant portion of its electricity generation capacity derived from hydroelectric sources. However, access to electricity remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
- 48.5%: Electrification rate of total population (2022 est.)
- 7.6 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
- 1.175 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
- 16.214 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Environment
Angola faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification. The government is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues and promoting sustainable development.
- 36.9%: Agricultural land usage (2023 est.)
- 51.6%: Forest cover (2023 est.)
- 19%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
- 148.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
Transportation
Angola's transportation network includes an extensive railway system and several airports, facilitating domestic and international travel. The country has faced infrastructure challenges but is making improvements with foreign partnerships.
- 107: Total airports (2025)
- 2,761 km: Total railway length (2022)
- 64: Number of merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
Communication infrastructure in Angola is developing, with increasing mobile and internet subscription numbers. However, fixed-line access remains limited predominately to urban areas.
- 26.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
- 45%: Percentage of the population utilizing the internet (2023 est.)
- 137,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,984,796 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 1,246,700 sq km | Total area of Angola |
| GDP (PPP) | $278.239 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 14.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 39.75 births/1,000 people | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life Expectancy | 62.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electrification Rate | 48.5% | Estimated for 2022 |
| Installed Electricity Capacity | 7.6 million kW | Estimated for 2023 |
| Military Expenditure | 1% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 68.7% | Estimated for 2023 |
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