Angola
History of Angola
Colonial History
Angola was a Portuguese colony from the late 16th century until it gained independence in 1975. During this period, the Portuguese exploited Angola’s resources and people, leading to resistance movements.
Key Historical Periods
Before colonization, Angola was home to powerful kingdoms, such as the Kongo and Ndongo empires. After independence, Angola went through a lengthy civil war from 1975 to 2002, which involved various factions.
President of Angola
First President
Agostinho Neto (1975–1979), the first president of Angola, led the country after it gained independence from Portugal.
Notable Presidents
- José Eduardo dos Santos (1979–2017) served for 38 years, overseeing the country's long post-war recovery.
- João Lourenço (2017–present) is the current president, focusing on economic reforms and anti-corruption measures.
Current President Angola
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Notable Leaders in History
Agostinho Neto
First president and independence leader, instrumental in Angola's early development.
José Eduardo dos Santos
Long-serving president, oversaw recovery and economic growth after the civil war.
Jonas Savimbi
Leader of UNITA, a central figure in Angola’s civil war.
Economy
Best Known Export
Crude oil and diamonds dominate Angola's export revenue.
GDP
Angola's GDP is approximately $73 billion (2023), heavily reliant on oil exports.
Agriculture
Secondary exports include coffee, sugar, and fish.
Movies
The Hero (2004): A drama about a man’s journey through Angola’s post-civil war era.
The White Sun (2016): A war film reflecting the struggles of Angola's civil conflict.
Books
- The Angola Train (2003) by José Eduardo Agualusa: A novel reflecting Angola’s post-war challenges.
- The House of the Dead (2006) by José Eduardo Agualusa: A historical fiction exploring Angola’s civil war.
- Angola: The Weight of History by P. N. S. Nwachukwu: A comprehensive study of Angola’s history and struggles.
Currency
Money Accepted
The official currency of Angola is the Angolan kwanza (AOA).
Languages Spoken
Official Language
Portuguese is the official language of Angola.
Major Indigenous Languages
Bantu languages, including Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo, are widely spoken, reflecting Angola’s diverse ethnic groups.
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