Interesting Angola Facts
Angola is a country located in Southern Africa on the coastline of the South Atlantic Ocean. It is the 7th largest country on the continent of Africa where it stretches over approximately 1,246,700 km2 (481,400 square miles) of land. The overall population of Angola is over 25,800,000 people.
Find out interesting Angola facts and information about this Southern African country with our fact file for kids. Explore important facts about the exact location, border countries, population, size, language, main religion, landscape, geography, history, landmarks and culture of Angola.
Learn key information about Africa with our interesting country facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Angola in? What color is the flag of Angola? How big is Angola ? What is the main religion of Angola? What is the culture of Angola like? What are the bordering countries of Angola?
Angola Fact File: Continent: Africa *** Country Name(s): Republic of Angola, República de Angola *** Location: Southern Africa *** Bordering Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia *** Capital City: Luanda *** Size: 1,246,700 km2 (481,400 square miles) *** Estimated Population: over 25,800,000 *** Main Religion(s): Roman Catholic *** Currency: Kwanza (AOA) *** Language(s): Portuguese, Umbundu, Kimbundu and Kikongo. *** Country Code for Angola: +244 *** Largest Cities / Towns: Luanda, Huambo, Lobito, Benguela, Lucapa, Kuito, Lubango, Malanje, Namibe and Soyo *** Geography of Angola: low coastal strip, highlands and plateau land incorporating the Namib Desert, beaches, rivers, savanna grasslands, tropical rainforest, forests, mountains, Miradouro da Lua (Lunar landscape formed by a cluster of cliffs), and the Black Rocks at Pungo Andongo (stunning rock formations in the shape of animals) *** Famous Landmarks of Angola: Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (church), Miradouro da Lua (moon viewpoint), Christ the Statue, Ship's Cemetery, National Slavery Museum, Cidade Alta (parliament building), Palacio de Ferro (Iron Palace), old fortresses, churches and cathedrals
Interesting Angola Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Where is Angola located?
Angola is located on the continent of Africa. It is positioned in Southern Africa, on the coastline of the South Atlantic Ocean and its border countries are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Angola population and size
Angola is the 7th biggest country in Africa. Its estimated total area size is 1,246,700 km2 (481,400 square miles). It is predicted that this country has a population of over 25,800,000 inhabitants with the most populated region of Angola being the capital city of Luanda.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: The capital of Angola
The capital city of Angola is Luanda which is situated in the north-west of the country. Luanda is the most populous city in Angola and has an estimated population of 2,776,100 . The region is known for its beautiful coastline and impressive buildings. There are several interesting landmarks in the country's capital city including the Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (church), Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint), Ships Graveyard, and Palacio de Ferro (iron palace attributed to Gustave Eiffel). Luanda is an important city as it is core to the industry and economy of Angola. The country's primary sea port is located in Luanda.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Angola major cities
There are several major cities in Angola, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Luanda, and Huambo, Lobito, Benguela, Lucapa, Kuito, Lubango, Malanje, Namibe and Soyo. Huambo is the second largest city in Angola. Known formerly as Nova Lisboa, the city is situated in the central Highlands of the country. Huambo serves as the main hub of the Benguela Railway which runs from Lobito on the Atlantic coast of Angola to Katanga in the Republic of Congo.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Angola flag facts
The national flag of Angola, which is based on the same background as the MPLA flag, was first used on November 11, 1975, and can be described as having a red and black background formed by two horizontal bars equal in size. The color red is representative of liberty, and the color black represents the continent of Africa. The Angolan flag is identified by having a distinct yellow symbol central to its design which represents the workers. The symbol on the flag of Angola is formed by a yellow half gear wheel crossed by a machete with a five pointed star just above it.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Language of Angola
The main languages of Angola include Portuguese, Umbundu, Kimbundu and Kikongo.. The official language is Portuguese and although it is a first language for many of the country's inhabitants, other languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu and Kikongo are also widely spoken.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: What is the main religion of Angola?
The main religion of Angola is Roman Catholic. However, the Christian population is estimated as being almost as high. Religion plays an important part in the lives of many people living in Angola with numerous Roman Catholic and Protestant congregations actively helping and supporting poorer communities by improving their agricultural, educational and health care systems.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Angola food facts
The cuisine in Angola can be described as being heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine. The most popular types of ingredients used in Angolan cuisine include flour, rice, beans, fish, chicken, pork, vegetables and spices. The most traditional types of Angolan foods include funge, funge de bombo (made from cassava flour), chicken moamba, cabidela (meat cooked in blood and served with rice and funge), stews made from goat meat or fish, and farafa (rice and beans) .
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Angola climate facts
The climate can be described as hot and semiarid in South Angola and along coastal regions to the capital city of Luanda. Central and northern regions of Angola tend to experience cooler temperatures. The average daily temperature recorded in the capital city of Luanda, which has a coastal position, is approximately 22 to 28 degrees Celsius with average annual high temperatures ranging from 23 to 30 degrees Celsius and average annual low temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. The second largest city in Angola, Huambo, has a more central location and therefore, slightly lower temperatures. The average annual daily temperature ranges from around 16 to 20 degrees with average highs of 24 to 28, and average lows of 7 to 14 degrees. The most rainfall is received during the months of November through to May. Luanda receives around 400mm of rainfall per year on average.
Interesting Facts for Kids 10: What animals live in Angola?
Angola was once home to thousands of beautiful animal species that roamed its forests and savannah grasslands. The wildlife population has fallen significantly as a result of human impact. The 27 year Civil War which came to an end in 2002, landmines and animal poachers are some of the main causes of this devastation. Wildlife experts are working hard at the Quiçama National Park in the Kwanza River Valley to reintroduce various species of animals such as antelope and elephants. Angola is home to different types of mammals including zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, Angolan columbus monkeys, hyenas, hippopotamuses, giraffes, lions, leopards and pangolins. The geography of Angola, which consists of rich savannah grasslands, rainforests, forests, mountainous and coastal areas, attracts hundreds of bird species including rare birds such as the Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Swierstra's Francolin and the Pulitzer's Longbill. Many types of reptiles and amphibians can be found in this African country including various species of lizards, turtles, river frogs, tree frogs and toads.
Interesting Facts for Kids 11: Angola geography facts
The geography of Angola is very interesting as this Southern African country has various geographical areas which include its low coastal strip, highlands and plateau land. Angola is located on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean where part of the Namib Desert occurs, and as we move inland towards the central-eastern regions, the landscape becomes mountainous. The highest peak of Angola occurs at 2,620 meters on Mount Moco. This mountainous area thrives in rich forest land where an array of flora and fauna can be found growing. Tropical rainforests are located in the north of the country, but a large proportion of Angola's geography is formed by plateau land. These areas of fairly level high ground average around 1000 to 1400 meters high.
Interesting Facts for Kids 12: Angola plants and fauna facts
There are many types of trees, plants, herbs and grasses found growing in Angola such as Palm, Mangrove and Acacia trees. The names of plants that are native to this Southern African country include Piptophyllum welwitschia, Aframmi, Benguellia, Streptolophus, and Sprokieswoud Succulent Trees.
Interesting Facts for Kids 13: Angola famous landmarks
There are a number of unusual landmarks, monuments and buildings in Angola including the Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (church), Miradouro da Lua (moon viewpoint), Christ the Statue, Ship's Cemetery, National Slavery Museum, Cidade Alta (parliament building), Palacio de Ferro (Iron Palace), old fortresses, churches and cathedrals of Angola.
Interesting Facts for Kids 14: Angola economy facts
Angola has many important natural resources which are central to the country's economy. Angola is still recovering from a long and damaging civil war but its economy continues to strengthen and is in fact, one of the fastest growing economies not only in Africa, but in the world. The country is rich in diamonds, copper, gold and oil which are core to it major exports. Many products and foods are produced locally in Angola for export including bananas, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, maize and tobacco.
Interesting Facts for Kids 15: Angola tourism facts
Despite having stunning scenery, great beaches and many interesting landmarks, Angola is not a popular country with tourists. This African country suffered a long and damaging civil war and is still regaining its infrastructure.
Interesting Facts for Kids 16: What is Angola famous for?
Angola is famous for its beautiful scenery and unique geographical features. One of the most interesting tourist attractions is located approximately 40km from the capital city of Luanda at the Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint). Formed by a cluster of cliffs, this incredible beauty spot has become one of the most popular sights in Angola as it offers stunning views of the area's lunar-type landscape. Many interesting geographical features have occurred in this region as a result of erosion caused by wind and rain. Another interesting sight in Angola, which is somewhat a historical mystery, are the Black Rocks at Pungo Andongo. The rock formations are simply stunning with many of them forming the shape of animals.
Interesting Facts for Kids 17: Angola culture facts
Due to Angola's long-standing history with Portugal, most of the population has been heavily influenced by both Portuguese and African customs. Portuguese is the official language of Angola, however, many people speak Bantu. Music, dance, art and local traditions form part of the African culture in this country. Angolan cuisine has been influenced significantly by Portuguese cuisine.
Interesting Facts for Kids 18: Angola history facts
Angola was once a Portuguese colony. The first arrivals from Portugal began settling in Angola following its discovery by Portuguese explorer, Diogo Cão, in 1484. They occupied areas alongside the coast where they established forts and trading posts. The Portuguese were heavily involved in the Atlantic Slave Trade which existed from the 15th to 19th centuries, and they primarily traded Angolan slaves. In 1836, slavery was abolished in Angola, however, the colonial government did not free all slaves until 1854.
The borders of Angola were established following the Berlin Conference in 1884-1885. Portuguese rule forbade black Angolan people from forming political parties. The first nationalist movements did not occur until after World War II. Portugal refused to listen to the demands of the Angolan people who wished to be a separate nation with their own self-rule. This sparked the Baixade Cassanje Revoke in 1961 which started the Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974).
The Angolan War of Independence Facts
The Angolan War of Independence began on February 4, 1961 and lasted for more than 13 years, coming to an end on November 11, 1975. The Portuguese were fighting three primary nationalist movements: MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), UNITA (The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), FNLA (The National Front for the Liberation of Angola). During the War of Independence, the nationalist movements were hindered by their failure to unite in their fight against the Portuguese. In 1974, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal caused the collapse of the Portuguese government which resulted in the end of all Portuguese military activity in Africa, which brought on a ceasefire and led to the end of the Angolan War of Independence. Angola was granted independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975 following the signing of the Alvor Agreement on January 15, 1975.
The Angolan Civil War Facts
Following the Portuguese withdrawal from Angola, the three nationalist organizations rushed to capture strategic positions. The Angolan Civil War immediately followed the War of Independence, breaking out on November 11, 1975. This major civil conflict lasted more than 26 years and resulted in the deaths of thousands. Angola lost its infrastructure and its economy was left severely damaged. The Soviet Union and Cuba financed ammunition and arms to the MPLA nationalist movement. Victory was finally claimed by the MPLA in 2002 bringing the Civil War to an end on April 4, 2002. The leader of the UNITA, Jonas Savimbi, was killed in action in 2002 which resulted in the UNITA (The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) giving up its arms and taking on the role of the main opposition political party, and the formation of a new constitution in 2010 which began to strengthen and stabilize this African country.
Interesting Angola Facts for Kids 19: Kwanza River Facts
The longest river in Angola is called the Kwanza River, also known as the Cuanza, Coanza and Quanza. The river is approximately 960km long and begins in the country's central plateau area and empties out into the Atlantic Ocean, around 60kms south of the capital city of Luanda. The river is home to many species of fish such as giant African threadfin, jack crevalle, senegal jack, snapper and barracuda. Another interesting fact is that the currency of Angola, Kwanza, derives from the name of this river.
Interesting Angola Facts for Kids 20: Miradouro da Lua Facts
One of the most interesting tourist attractions in Angola is located approximately 40km from the capital city of Luanda at the Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint). Formed by a cluster of cliffs, this incredible beauty spot has become one of the most popular sights in Angola as it offers stunning views of the area's lunar-type landscape. Many interesting geographical features have occurred in this region as a result of erosion caused by wind and rain.
Interesting Angola Facts for Kids 21: Ship Cemetery (Graveyard) Facts
Although the tourist industry is poor in Angola, those that do visit and feel up for a bit of an adventure, can visit Angola's very own Ship Cemetery (Graveyard). Here, on an almost deserted beach, abandoned ships of all shapes and sizes are scattered along the shore where they have been left to rust.
Interesting Angola Facts for Kids 22: Isabel dos Santos Facts
Isabel dos Santos is a female billionaire, and one of the richest, if not the richest woman in Africa. She was born in Azerbaijan on 20 April, 1973 and now resides in the capital city of Luanda in Angola. Isabel dos Santos is the daughter of the President of Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, and she is an Angolan investor.