About Angola

President: José Eduardo dos Santos
Independence: November 11, 1975 (from Portugal)
Population (July 1999E): 12 million
Population density: 9hab/km2
Growth average: 3,3%
Life expectancy: 46,5 years
Population with less than 15 years: 48%
Population estimated in 2008: 16,6 million

Location/Size: Southern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (on the west), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (on the north and east); Zambia (on the east); and Namibia (on the south)/1,246,700 square kilometers (481,350 square miles)

MAJOR CITIES

Luanda (capital) estimated 3million of hab. in 1998;
Huambo: 400,000 in 1975,
Benguela: 340.000;
Lobito: 521.000;
Lubango: 175.000;
Malange: 193.000
Languages: Portuguese (official), over 60 local languages including Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Tchokwe and Ovambo
Ethnic Groups: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%
Religion: Traditional beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15%
Defense (1998E): Army (106,000), Navy (2,000), Air Force (6,000), Paramilitary Forces (15,000)