Angola
Angola is a vast, resource-rich nation in Middle Africa known for its extensive 1600 km (994 mi) coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and its significant role as a regional energy producer. Current estimates show the population has reached approximately 40.2 million people, while the GDP per capita is projected at $2,907.
Where is Angola?
Angola
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Angola
- Coordinates
- -12.50°, 18.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 40M
- Area
- 1,246,700 km²
- Density per km²
- 32 / km²
- Growth rate
- +3.04%
- Annual growth
- +1.2M people
- Daily growth
- +3.4K people
- World population share
- 0.50%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Angola
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Luanda
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 1,246,700 km²
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Angolan kwanza (Kz)
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy is heavily influenced by the petroleum and diamond industries, which drive a total GDP that ranks 72nd globally and 8th in Africa. Recent data indicates an annual GDP growth rate of 4.42%, while the GDP per capita ranks 160th in the world and 18th within the continent. The unemployment rate is approximately 14.1%, which places the country 18th of 186 globally when ranked from the highest percentages to the lowest.
Society
Social development in the nation is characterized by a literacy rate of 68.2%, ranking 143rd globally. Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 64.8 years, placing the country 189th in the world according to the latest rankings. While internet connectivity is expanding, current data shows that 40.7% of the population uses the internet, a figure that ranks 173rd of 212 globally.
Climate & Environment
The country experiences a tropical climate with a distinct alternating wet season and a dry season known locally as the Cacimbo. Temperatures typically range from 15 °C (59 °F) in the central highlands to 30 °C (86 °F) in the coastal regions, with the north generally being much more humid and rainy than the arid southern border near Namibia.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1975-11-11 (Portugal)
Angola operates as a presidential republic where the President holds significant executive authority as both head of state and head of government. The political system is dominated by the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since the country gained independence. The President, currently João Lourenço, is elected through the legislative process rather than a direct popular vote; the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the National Assembly automatically assumes the presidency. The National Assembly is a unicameral body composed of 220 members who serve five-year terms. Administratively, the country is divided into 18 provinces, each led by a governor appointed by the President. The judiciary includes a Supreme Court and a Constitutional Court, though it often faces challenges regarding institutional independence. Recent reforms have focused on increasing government transparency and addressing long-standing issues with public sector efficiency. The legal system is based on Portuguese civil law and customary law, reflecting the nation's colonial heritage and indigenous traditions.
History
Angola's historical narrative is defined by centuries of Portuguese colonial presence, which established Luanda as a major port for the transatlantic trade. The struggle for liberation gained momentum in the 1960s as various nationalist groups, including the MPLA and UNITA, launched armed campaigns against colonial rule. Sovereignty was formally achieved on 11 November 1975, following a military coup in Portugal. However, the departure of the colonial administration did not bring peace; instead, it triggered a brutal civil war that lasted nearly 3 decades. This conflict became a Cold War proxy battleground, with international involvement further complicating the internal power struggle. The war claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and devastated the national infrastructure until a definitive peace agreement was reached in 2002 following the death of Jonas Savimbi. Since the end of hostilities, the country has focused on large-scale reconstruction, fueled by its immense oil wealth. Modern efforts are centered on national reconciliation and the transition from a war-torn state to a major regional economic player. The government continues to manage the complex legacy of its past while attempting to improve the living standards of its population, which is approximately 38 million according to the official 2024 figure and projected to reach an estimated 2026 population of 40 million.
Notable Facts
- The Giant Sable Antelope, known locally as the Palanca Negra Gigante, is an extremely rare subspecies of antelope endemic to the Luando Game Reserve and Cangandala National Park.
- Kalandula Falls, located in Malanje Province, is one of the largest waterfalls in Africa by volume, plunging 105 m (344 ft) over a width of approximately 400 m (1,312 ft).
- The exclave of Cabinda is a separate province of Angola located to the north, separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The Tundavala Gap is a massive canyon and spectacular viewpoint near the city of Lubango, where the high central plateau drops abruptly 2,200 m (7,218 ft) toward the coastal plains.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mount Moco (2,620 m)
- Lowest Point
- Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 1,600 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in AngolaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Angola
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Luanda
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 25°C | 37°C / 29°C | 11days (58 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 76% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| February | 33°C / 25°C | 38°C / 30°C | 9days (60 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 76% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | 33°C / 26°C | 39°C / 31°C | 11days (59 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 77% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| April | 32°C / 25°C | 38°C / 30°C | 15days (116 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 82% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| May | 32°C / 25°C | 38°C / 29°C | 3days (19 mm) Excellent | 11h Excellent | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| June | 30°C / 22°C | 33°C / 25°C | 0days (1 mm) Excellent | 10.6h Excellent | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| July best | 27°C / 20°C | 30°C / 23°C | 0days (1 mm) Excellent | 10.1h Excellent | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 27°C / 20°C | 29°C / 22°C | 0days (3 mm) Excellent | 9.8h Good | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 28°C / 21°C | 31°C / 24°C | 1days (5 mm) Excellent | 10.1h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| October | 30°C / 23°C | 34°C / 27°C | 4days (15 mm) Good | 9.8h Good | 76% Humid | Good | View Details |
| November | 31°C / 25°C | 35°C / 29°C | 12days (77 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 78% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| December | 31°C / 25°C | 36°C / 29°C | 13days (70 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 78% Humid | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 32°C / 25°C . Feb: 33°C / 25°C . Mar: 33°C / 26°C . Apr: 32°C / 25°C . May: 32°C / 25°C . Jun: 30°C / 22°C . Jul: 27°C / 20°C . Aug: 27°C / 20°C . Sep: 28°C / 21°C . Oct: 30°C / 23°C . Nov: 31°C / 25°C . Dec: 31°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 58 mm. Feb: 60 mm. Mar: 59 mm. Apr: 116 mm. May: 19 mm. Jun: 1 mm. Jul: 1 mm. Aug: 3 mm. Sep: 5 mm. Oct: 15 mm. Nov: 77 mm. Dec: 70 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Angola is approximately 40M (2024).
The capital of Angola is Luanda.
Angola's GDP per capita is $2.9K (2024).
Life expectancy in Angola is 64.81 years (2024).
Angola covers 1,246,700 km² (481,353 sq mi).
Angola is sparsely populated, averaging 32 people per km², below the global average of 60.
Angola's population is growing rapidly at 3.0% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Angola falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Angola's intentional homicide rate is 4.1 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.
The official language of Angola is Portuguese.
Angola uses the Angolan kwanza (Kz) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Angola are July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show that Angola has a population of approximately 40.2 million people. According to the latest available data, the country's population ranks 40th globally, 12th within Africa, and 2nd in the Middle Africa subregion. This reflects a rapid annual growth rate of approximately 3.04%.
Angola's total GDP of approximately $101 billion ranks 72nd globally and 8th in Africa. While the nation is a major petroleum producer, its GDP per capita of $2,907 ranks 160th in the world. The economy recently recorded a stable annual growth rate of approximately 4.42%.
The latest data indicates that the adult literacy rate in Angola is 68.2%. This figure places the country 143rd out of 170 nations in global literacy rankings. Education efforts continue to address historical gaps as the country develops its human capital following decades of post-independence reconstruction.
Approximately 70.7% of the Angolan population resides in urban areas, reflecting a high level of urbanization compared to many of its regional neighbors. Luanda, the capital, serves as the primary urban hub and economic center. The remaining population lives in rural districts where agriculture remains a significant livelihood.
Life expectancy at birth in Angola is currently 64.8 years, which ranks the country 189th of 215 nations globally. While this figure has seen improvements due to better healthcare access, it remains in the lower tier of global rankings. The nation continues to invest in public health to address these outcomes.
Angola is exceptionally rich in natural resources, primarily petroleum and diamonds, which form the backbone of its export economy. The country also possesses significant deposits of iron ore, phosphates, copper, gold, and uranium. These minerals are central to its status as the 8th largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP.
Angola's latest population ranking is 40th in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Within Africa, it ranks as the 12th most populous nation, and it holds the 2nd position in the Middle Africa subregion. This high rank reflects the country's rapid demographic expansion over recent decades.
Recent data indicates that Angola's population is growing at an annual rate of 3.04%. This is one of the highest growth rates globally, driven by a high birth rate of 37.158 per 1,000 people and a fertility rate of 5.05 births per woman, according to latest estimates.
The estimated 2026 population density for Angola is 32.3 people per km² (83.7 people per sq mi). This places the country 170th globally for density. While the national average is relatively low, the population is heavily concentrated in the capital, Luanda, and other coastal urban areas.
According to the latest available data, the fertility rate in Angola is 5.05 births per woman. This is the 7th highest fertility rate in the world. Such a high rate is the primary driver behind the country's rapid population growth and its predominantly youthful demographic structure.
Current estimates show that 70.66% of Angola's population resides in urban areas. This urbanization rank is 86th globally. The high percentage is largely due to the migration toward cities like Luanda for safety during the civil war and for economic opportunities in the oil and service sectors.
All Indicators
Explore Angola's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
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