The country of Angola appeared on the maps as an independent state after the Portuguese colonialists left Africa, granting the former colonies independence. But these lands were ruined for a long time, and after their departure, chaos began altogether, which does not finally stop to this day.
Interesting facts about Angola
There is not a single McDonald’s fast food restaurant here.
When the Portuguese arrived here, they met with fierce resistance. Then, on the site of modern Angola, the state of Ndongo existed, but the European conquerors prevailed over it and established their control over all the surrounding lands.
The capital of Angola, the city of Luanda, rightfully deserves the title of a city of contrasts. Prices here are higher than in many European capitals, while impoverished slums can be located across the street from fashionable restaurants. Luanda has repeatedly ranked first in the list of the most expensive cities in the world.
Many slaves captured in Africa once went to North and South America precisely through the port of Luanda.
For some unknown reason, the most popular style of music in Angola is Brazilian. However, Brazilian musical traditions have African roots, so this is understandable.
Luanda has been the Angolan capital since the 16th century.
Throughout the country, except for the part that the Namib Desert occupies, baobabs are widespread.
Most Angolan establishments do not serve meat dishes on Fridays, following a fast.
About 90% of Angolans are Christians. About half of them are Catholics.
Only in Angola and Namibia is the amazing Welwitschia plant found. It can live for over 1000 years, and it has only two leaves that grow continuously throughout its life.
Angola’s economy is approximately 85% dependent on the production and sale of oil. At the same time, there are enough other values in the depths of the country. In particular, there are many diamond deposits here.
Although about 80% of working Angolans are employed in the agricultural sector, about 80% of all food consumed is imported. Because extremely primitive technologies are still in use here, and yields are low.
Angola’s economy is growing faster than all other South African countries. But the gap between the poor and the rich remains one of the strongest in the world.
About half of Angolans are not literate.
The official language of Angola is Portuguese. This is one of the few African countries where a significant proportion of the population actually speaks the official.
After gaining independence in 1975, Angola was engulfed in a protracted civil war that lasted 27 years.
About 50% of the local population lives below the poverty line.
About 1% of the country’s population is made up of Europeans, mostly Portuguese.
Almost all paved roads in Angola were built in colonial times, so now they are slowly deteriorating. Moreover, there are even deposits of natural asphalt in the country.
