Introduction

Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but fighting picked up again by 1996. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. President DOS SANTOS held legislative elections in September 2008 and, despite promising to hold presidential elections in 2009, has since made a presidential poll contingent on the drafting of a new constitution.

Geographical Location

Located on the Atlantic Coast of Southern Africa, Angola is bordered by Namibia to the south and Zambia and the DRC to the east and north. Angola's 990 mile long coastline and its four major ports make it a natural trans- shipment point for the entire region. The geography of Angola is diverse. From the coastal plain, ranging from 30 to 90 miles in width, the land rises in stages towards the high inland plateau, covering almost two-thirds of the country, with an average elevation of 3,300 to 5,000 feet. Higher elevations are reached in the mountains of the central section.

Climate

The country is located in the equatorial tropical region, its climate being tempered by sea and altitude. In the northern half of the central plateau there are humid tropical conditions, and in the high regions of the south, a dry tropical climate prevails. On the northern part of the coastal plain it is humid and temperate, while the center and the southern part are affected by the relatively cool Benguela current.

Population

Angola's estimated population is 12,799,293 (July 2009 est.) Life expectancy at birth is 38.2 years. The population is overwhelmingly urban; 57% of the people live in urban areas. The population is made up these groups: Ovimbunda - 37%; Mbundu - 25%; Bakongo - 15%; mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%.

Languages

The official language is Portuguese. More than 90% of the population speaks Bantu languages, the most important of which are Kimbundu, Umbundu, and Kikongo. Only 67.4% of the population age 15 and older can read and write.

Religion

The main religions are: indigenous beliefs - 47%, Roman Catholic - 38%, and Protestant - 15%.