Angola

Description of Angola

Angola is located in Central Africa and is rich with natural resources. There are large reserves of both diamonds and oil. In addition, the land is rich for agriculture and also shows hydroelectric potential. However, even with all of these resources, the country remains very poor because of a horrible civil war that ravaged the country from the year 1975 until 2002. 

Angola shares a border with Namibia in the south, Congo in the north, and in the east the country shares a border with Zambia. 

The Angolan people are stoics. The people are extremely patient and avoid blaming the hardships of the country on the war. Most Angolans act like there was never a war at all  even though it is deeply rooted in each and every Angolan. The people use any type of excuse at all to throw a party and music is a very big part of their culture. There is a wide range of music in the country including Tarrachinha, Semba, Kizomba, and Kuduro. Angolans tend to be a fun loving group of people that all have a thirst for more of what life has to offer.

History 

From the 16^th century until the year 1975, Angola was an overseas territory of Portugal. The Portuguese who lived in the country were almost all exiled convicts. Most of these people became slave traders and many also participated in the forced labor trade. Once Angola gained its independence in 1975 a civil war broke out in the country that lasted until the year 2002. This civil war was devastating to the country and is one of the main reasons that the area is still rather poor. 

Angola is the 2^nd largest producer of diamonds and petroleum in the world. However, the riches from these two resources remain in the hands of the “big people.” The big people include the oilmen, miners, politicians, as well as many multinational corporations. The life expectancy of the country as well as the infant mortality rate is some of the highest in the world.

In 2006, there was a peace treaty signed with the faction of the FLEC. This is a group that is from the Cabinda exclave area in the north. This group still remains active in that area. This is where almost 65% of the oil of Angola is located.

Regions

The country of Angola is divided into several regions. The Greater Luanda region is the population center of the country. This is where the capital city of Luanda is located. Northern Angola shares most of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and has a significant amount of rainforest. The Central Angola Highlands offer a number of irregular escarpments that drop steeply into the Atlantic coast. Southwest Angola is an extremely arid region of the country and offers savanna plains as well as the northern part of the Namibian desert. The southeastern region of the country is mostly savanna plains that are intersected by 5 large rivers. Cabinda is located on the northern exclave of the country on the Atlantic Ocean. This is where a large number of the oil reserves of the country are located. It is also an area that has a very active secessionist movement.

Some of the major cities in the country are the capital city of Luanda, Kuito, Namibe, Lubango, Lobito, Huambo, Benguela, and Menongue.

Destinations

There are several destinations in the country that are worth visiting. The Cangandala National Park, Kissama National Park, and the Iona National Park are all great destinations to visit while in Angola. Located to the south of Luanda is Mussulo Island. This beautiful area is famous for its great natural beauty. If you are in the area it is a place that you will have to visit. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Luanda. Here you can find everything that you would want in a vacation destination. There are modern restaurants that are absolutely stunning, as well as many great beaches. You can find several aquatic sports available in the area as well.

While you are in the country you may want to consider one of the tours that are available. The eco tur Angola offers several tour options that will allow you to use game viewing vehicles. If you are looking for a gorgeous desert beach, make sure that you visit Baia Azul. In Beguela you will find wonderful art deco architecture. To finish off your day you want to stop by Lobito City for a cold draught beer as well as a view of the Benguela rail road and other great scenery.

In Kwanza Sul you will want to make sure to visit the Conde Hot springs for a relaxing time. You can also take in the gorgeous Binga Waterfalls. On the river Kwanza you will find the Cambambe Dam. One of the areas with fantastic scenery is the Waku Kungo Plains.

The Pungo n Dongo black stones as well as the Kalandula Waterfalls can be found while in Malange. In Huila there is the Mumuila tribe’s people, Tunbda Vala Gorge, Serra de Leba, and wonderful scenery. Arco Lagoon, fantastic beaches, a desert, and the Mucubais tribes people can be found in the Namibe area. Huambo offers a hot springs, great scenery, and fun city tours that are definitely worth your time. The Himba tribe’s people and Raucana Falls are located in the Cunene area.

When visiting Angola it is important to note that many of the people of the country will not speak any English. When travelling to the area you will want to have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language or be sure to have a local interpreter or guide with you.

Eating in Angola is going to be a bit difficult as the food here is very expensive. Many of the restaurants have poor conditions hygienically speaking. However, the local cuisine is tasty and varied and there are many local fish dishes and spicy stews to enjoy.

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