Interesting facts about Angola
Angola is one of the countries that lie on the west coast of Southern Africa. The country is very much popular in the world due to its expensive city. Angola become one of the wealthiest countries in Africa. The official name of Angola is the Republic of Angola and it is bordered by Zambia, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and the Atlantic Ocean. In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about Angola. Here we go.
Quick Facts about Angola
The official name of Afghanistan: The Republic of Angola
Area: 1,246,700 Square kilometers
Population(2020): 31.127 million
Population density: 24.97 per Square kilometre
GDP (PPP)(2020): $213.034 Billion
Continent: Africa
Capital: Luanda
Language: Kimbundu, Umbundu, Chokwe, Kikongo
Official Languages: Portuguese
Largest by area: 22nd largest country
Religion: Christianity: 93.4%, Other: 1.1%, No religion: 1.0%
Government: Unitary dominant- Party Presidential
Currency: Kwanza (AOA)
Time Zone: UTC+1 (WAT)
17 amazing Facts about Angola
1. Angola become independent from Portugal
Angola become independent from Portugal in 1975 and it is the last country in Africa to gain independence from Portugal. While Angola struggled for independence Cuba played a major role by supplying freedom fighters with technical support and weapons.
2. The most expensive city for ex-pats to live
Luanda the capital of Angola has been rated as one of the most expensive cities in the world for ex-pats to live in. Similarly, the capital city of Angola is also called the "Paris of Africa" due to the city's sophisticated culture and atmosphere. On one hand, the city is struggling to get basic services like clean water, health facilities, and electricity for its poorest residents. on the other hand, the capital city is the top 3 most expensive cities in the world, especially for ex-pats.
3. Youngest population in the world
Angola has one of the youngest populations in the world. You can find more than 70% of the total population is under the age of 24.
4. More women than men
You can find more women than men in Angola. It is a result due to 25 years of civil war in the country. Many men die during the civil war period which decreases the population of men.
5. Samba originated in Angola
The traditional music of Angola is known as Semba and Brazilian samba music (ballroom dance of Brazilian origin) is believed to have originated from Angola. The two are analogous. In Angola, people use traditional music semba to celebrate different occasions. Also, it is known as the music of the sea.
6. Dreadlock hairstyle birthplace
You know from which country the Dreadlock hairstyle is introduced. It is not other than Angola. Angola is the birthplace of the dreadlocks hairstyle and nowadays this hairstyle is popular all over the world.
7. Main religion and national language
Christianity is the main religion of Angola and more than 93% of people in Angola follow Christianity. Similarly, Portuguese is the national language of Angola. Other languages like Kimbundu, Umbundu, Chokwe, and Kikongo are also spoken all over Angola.
8. Illegal to use different equipment near a government building
If you are in Angola tours, then the use of cameras, GPS equipment, maps, and binoculars near a government building is illegal. Similarly, it is also illegal to take currency Kwanza out of the country. Be aware of it.
9. Angola has a vast mineral resource
Angola is one of the biggest exporters of Natural gas, petroleum, and diamond in the world. In 2016, Angola makes more than 30 million dollars from exporting diamonds. Due to this, Angola's economy is among the fastest-growing in the world.
10. National Animal of Angola
The Sable Antelope is the national animal of Angola. It carried its scimitar horns five feet long above its head. Similarly, this national animal is found on most national paraphernalia like money, airline brand logo, Postage stamps, passports, and many other places.
Additionally, the Red-Crested Turaco is the national bird of Angola.
11. Special tree for Angolans
There is a tree that is very much special to Angolans and it's called Imbondeiro. People a belief that God planted this tree. It is also known as Boa bob which means up and down. This tree also shows the Angola national symbol and it grows abundantly. Imbondeiro tree provides wood, food, and Shelter for Angolans for thousands of years. Imbondeiro tree lives up to 1500 years.
12. Home of Africa's largest waterfall
Angola is also home to one of Africa's largest waterfalls called The Kalandula Falls. The waterfall from 105 meters high and is extended up to 400 meters wide. This is considered one of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa.
Additionally, one of Africa's most beautiful natural wonders Ruacana falls also situated right on the border between Namibia and Angola. During the rainy season, the waterfall widens to about 700 meters which looks like paradise.
13. Give tips is not widespread in Angola
In Angola, if you plan to give tips to someone then the people of Angola might reject the tips. Tipping in Angola is not widespread. But if want to give tips in Angola then you highly prefer not to give cash but give them other things. For example, giving cigarettes is a very famous form of tipping in Angola.
14. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day in Angola
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day in Angola. In these countries, people take tea, coffee, omelette, and juice as breakfast. But in Angola, people take a full meal with beef or fish sided with beans and fringe as their breakfast.
15. The flag of Angola is pretty intriguing
The flag of Angola is pretty intriguing because it represents the nation and the people of that country. The colours of the flag are red and black and in the middle is the Angolan emblem. Black represents Africa and red represents the blood of those who fought for Angola and the emblem is a machete with half a cogwheel representing peasantry and agriculture. The half cogwheel represents industry and the star represents the progress of the country. The yellow colour of a machete with half a cogwheel represents the wealth of the nation.
16. Angola has a lot of different kinds of landscapes
In Angola, you can find different kinds of landscapes. In the north and northeast lots of tropical jungles and rainforests. Similarly in the central parts of Angola, you find lots of flat plateaus and Savannas. furthermore, in the eastern parts of Angola, you find dry hills and mountains, and in the western parts of Angola, you find the coast, desert lands, and dry arid landscapes. This country is very rich in resources and it has huge potential for land cultivation.
17. Civil war run up to 27 years in Angola
Angolan faced a ruthless civil war after independence. It run-up to 27 years. It started in 1975 and ended in 2002. During those periods Angola becomes one of the most dangerous countries in the world to visit. More than half a million people died during the civil war. The economy of the country become negative and it is considered one of the poorest countries. But nowadays the country has considered a developed country in the African continent.
These are some popular interesting facts about Angola.
Frequently Asking Questions
Frequently asked questions of interesting facts about Angola.
a. What is the capital of Angola?
Luanda is the capital city of Angola and it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Also, it is the large city of Angola.
b. What are the languages of Angola?
Portuguese and Bantu are the two languages of Angola.
c. What continent is Angola in?
Angola lies on Africa Continent.
d. The person who came up with the hairstyle dreadlocks in Angola
Angola tribes namely Ovimbundu women and Mbundu women came up with the hairstyle dreadlocks in Angola. Both tribe women who after braiding the hair of each other's used dried cattle dung, ochre mud, oil, butter, and herbs, to hold their hair in dreadlock patterns.
e. What is Angola best known for?
Angola is best known for being one of the biggest oil export nations and it is the home of many tribes. Similarly, Angola is rich in culture and traditions. Furthermore, its capital city Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
f. Why is Angola so poor?
Due to the civil war, the country become listed as the low developing country in the world. Despite being the biggest oil exporter nation, the GPD of the country has become not so good. People are not properly educated and you can even not find big industries in Angola. That is one of the main reasons it becomes so poor. But in the current situation, the country becomes to get high achievements in different sectors and is considered one of the highly developing countries in the African continent.
In conclusion, I think these are some interesting facts about Angola. If you have more to know about interesting facts about Angola then please share them with us by commenting. Also, if you have already visited the Anglo then share your experience of the Angola tours.
