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Angola(port. Angola), full official form - Republic of Angola(port. República de Angola ʁɛˈpublikɐ dɨ ɐ̃ˈɡɔlɐ) - state in . A former Portuguese colony, it gained independence in 1975. Member of the UN since December 1, 1976.
In the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south it borders, in the northeast and north with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the east with, as well as the Republic of the Congo (exclave).
Geography
Relief of Angola
The Atlantic coast of Angola is occupied by a coastal lowland, which rises steeply onto a plateau that occupies more than 90% of the country's territory. The central part of the plateau is occupied by the Bie massif with the highest point of the country - Mount Moko (2620 m). Among mineral resources, Angola is rich in oil, diamonds, iron ores, bauxite, phosphorites, gypsum, gold, uranium, copper, titanium, and manganese ores.
The climate of the coastal lowland is tropical trade wind, arid due to the cold Benguela Current passing along the coast, which lowers the temperature of coastal air to 24-26 °C in the warmest month (March) and to 16-20 °C in the coldest month (July). Annual precipitation on the coast decreases from north to south from 250-500 to 50-100 mm (in the Namib Desert). The plateau has an equatorial monsoon climate with long wet summers (October - May) and dry winters (June - September). The air temperature, depending on the height of different parts of the plateau, varies from 13-23 °C in winter to 17-28 °C at the beginning of the rainy season. The annual precipitation decreases from north to south of the plateau from 1000-1500 to 600-800 mm.
Rivers flowing from the western slopes of the plateau flow into the Atlantic Ocean, from the northern slopes they flow into the Congo, from the southeastern slopes into, and from the southern slopes they are lost in the sands of the Kalahari Desert. During the long rainy season, the rivers overflow heavily, become shallow during the dry season, and dry up in the south.
Forests and woodlands occupy about 40% of Angola's territory. Tropical rainforests are concentrated in the northeast of the country; the rest of the plateau is occupied by dry deciduous tropical woodlands and grass savannas. The vegetation of the coastal lowlands varies from grassy and shrubby savannas with baobab in the north to Welwitschian deserts in the south.
Minerals
Angola has significant natural resources, of which the main ones are oil (in particular, the Begonia, Jasmine, Dalia deposits) and diamonds, as well as iron ore, phosphates, copper, gold, bauxite, uranium.
In addition, the republic has significant natural gas resources: in 2009, its reserves amounted to about 300 billion cubic meters. The fields of Angola are characterized by a large depth of formations and shelf, which increases the cost of production.
Live nature
The fauna of Angola is typical for savannahs: elephants, zebras, antelopes, buffalos, jackals, lions, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, aardvarks, monkeys, various reptiles and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish.
Story
- At the beginning of the 6th century BC. e. Bantu tribes with skills in metalworking, ceramics production and agriculture came to the territory inhabited by the Bushmen.
- In the XIII-XVI centuries. part of modern Angola was part of the Kingdom of Kongo, with its capital. In the XVI-XIX centuries. part of the territory was occupied by the kingdom of Lunda. In the north of Angola in the 16th-17th centuries. the state of Ndongo was located.
- 1482 - the coast of Angola was discovered by the expedition of the navigator Diogo Cana.
- 1576 - The Portuguese establish a fort, which later becomes the capital of Angola. Until the mid-19th century, the main occupation of the Portuguese in Angola was the slave trade; According to rough estimates, over 300 years, about 5 million people were taken out of the country (mainly to). Angola as a whole was more connected with Brazil than with the mother country. After the proclamation of the Brazilian Empire, Angolan colonists more than once expressed a desire to join it.
- 1641 - capture of Luanda by the Dutch. Dutch occupation of Angola.
- 1648 - The Portuguese regain control of Luanda. Dutch troops leave Angolan territory.
- 1885-1894 - Portugal, and conclude agreements that determined the modern borders of Angola.
- 1951 - Angola receives the status of an "overseas province" of Portugal.
- 1958 - An oil refinery was built in Luanda.
- 1950s - the first rebel groups emerge - MPLA ( People's movement for the liberation of Angola - Labor Party), UPA.
- 1961 - anti-Portuguese uprising led by Holden Roberto (leader of the UPA group and then the FNLA). Rebel camps are located in neighboring Congo (Kinshasa). The beginning of the War of Independence, which lasted 14 years. At the same time, the confrontation between the MPLA and the FNLA begins.
- 1962 - The provisional government of the Angolan Republic in exile is formed, led by Holden Roberto. The Angolan National Liberation Army was established under the command of Roberto.
- 1966 - the creation of UNITA led by Jonas Savimbi, a left-wing radical Ovimbundu nationalist, a former associate of Holden Roberto in the FNLA. Combat operations of UNITA's military wing, the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FALA), begin.
- 1974 - “carnation revolution” in Portugal. Portugal grants freedom to all its colonies.
- 1975 - The MPLA uses the help of the regular Cuban army, UNITA - the help of South Africa, the FNLA - neighboring Zaire. The FNLA and UNITA offensive on Luanda, supported by Zaire and South Africa, was thwarted at the Battle of Quifangondo. MPLA troops launch a successful counter-offensive.
- 1975, November 11 - Angola's independence is declared. The leader of the pro-Soviet MPLA group, Agostinho Neto, becomes the first president of Angola, whose troops occupy Luanda, the administrative center of Angola. However, independence does not bring peace to Angola. A long-term civil war for power in the country began between the pro-Soviet MPLA and the pro-American UNITA and FNLA. This war is complicated by interethnic contradictions. Streams of weapons are pouring into the country. Government troops are trained by Soviet and Cuban instructors.
- 1977 - May Rebellion of "factionalists" led by orthodox communist Nito Alvis. Suppressed by President Neto and General E. Carreira with the help of Cuban troops. Tens of thousands of people have been subjected to repression by the State Security Service DISA.
- 1977, 1978 - detachments of the pro-Angolan organization FNLC under the command of General Mbumba, with the sanction of the MPLA government, invade the Zairean province of Shaba. The 1977 invasion was repulsed by the Zairian army with decisive military assistance. The following year, the FNLC formations were defeated in Kolwezi by paratroopers of the French Foreign Legion. After two defeats in Shaba, the Angolan government is moving to normalize relations with Zaire.
- 1979 - death of Agostinho Neto. The new leader of the MPLA, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, becomes President of Angola. DISA was disbanded somewhat earlier; functions were divided between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of State Security.
- 1980 - Enrique Carreira, the second figure in the party-state hierarchy during the time of Agostinho Neto, is removed from the post of Minister of Defense. Power is concentrated in the hands of President dos Santos. FNLA leader Holden Roberto stops fighting in Angola. UNITA, led by Jonas Savimbi, intensifies guerrilla warfare.
- 1985 - in the city of Jamba, in territory controlled by UNITA rebels, a international Conference anti-communist partisans.
- 1987-1988 - The Battle of Quito Quanavale, the turning point of the war. South African troops leave Angola.
- 1989 - in accordance with international agreements, Cuban and South African troops leave Angola. Direct military support from outside the participants in the Angolan war officially ends.
- 1990 - under the influence of perestroika in the USSR, the MPLA proclaims the rejection of communist ideology and declares its intention to carry out fundamental democratic and market reforms.
- 1991 - Bicess Agreements on a political settlement were signed in Lisbon between the ruling MPLA and the opposition UNITA. Holden Roberto returns to Angola.
- 1992 - Having lost Soviet support, the MPLA reoriented towards the United States. The first multi-party elections in the country's history are held in the fall. It is announced that the MPLA has received a majority in parliament and dos Santos first place in the first round. UNITA disputes the announced election results. MPLA responds with Halloween massacre. The civil war resumes with new ferocity.
- 1993 - 55 Days War, UNITA's last major military victory. Savimbi's troops recapture.
- 1994 - new peace agreements between the MPLA and UNITA are signed in Lusaka. A ceasefire and the creation of a coalition government are expected. Both sides ignore the agreements, the agreement is broken.
- 1998 - aggravation of the political situation, resumption of clashes between the MPLA and UNITA. Creation of the pro-government party Renewed UNITA.
- 1999 - massive offensive of government troops on UNITA positions, on December 24 the city of Jamba was captured.
- 2002 - February 22 Jonas Savimbi dies in battle with government forces near the town of Lucousse (eastern Moxico province). On March 15, negotiations begin between representatives of the government and the new leadership of UNITA, led by Paulo Lukmba and Isaias Samakuva. On April 4, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed - a new peace agreement. UNITA basically accepts the settlement terms put forward by the ruling MPLA and becomes the legal opposition.
- 2010 - The African Cup of Nations football tournament was held in Angola.
- 2011 - protests by opposition youth led by rapper Iconoclast, influenced by the Arab Spring. The authorities counter them with mass demonstrations of civil servants expressing loyalty to President dos Santos.
- 2012 - The MPLA again wins a large majority of seats in parliament. According to constitutional amendments, Jose Eduardo dos Santos automatically retains the presidency.
- 2013 - a new wave of protests organized by the CASA party (Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola) led by former UNITA activist Abel Shivukuvuku. The authorities respond with a harsh crackdown using firearms. There have been killings of opposition activists. The government claims priority protection of Angolan “spiritual and cultural heritage.” In Luanda and some others populated areas Mosques are being demolished.
- 2016 - The MPLA Central Committee approved the list of party candidates for the parliamentary elections upcoming in August 2017. The first number on the list is the Minister of Defense of Angola, Vice-Chairman of the MPLA, Joao Lourenço. Thus, Lourenço was declared the successor of President dos Santos.
- 2017 - On August 23, elections were held in which the MPLA again received a parliamentary majority, although the opposition - UNITA and CASA - significantly strengthened their positions. On September 26, Joao Lourenço became the new president of Angola (José Eduardo dos Santos remained chairman of the MPLA).
Military parade in Luanda during the Civil War
1976 - MPLA troops win the first stage of the civil war. The FNLA is defeated, the troops of South Africa and Zaire leave the territory of Angola. A group of FNLA mercenaries is on trial in Luanda. UNITA turns to many years of guerrilla warfare.
State structure
Angola is a presidential republic. The head of state is the President. Since 1979, this post has been held by José Eduardo dos Santos. On September 26, 2017, he was replaced by Joao Lourenço.
The government is headed by the Vice President, who is appointed by the President. Since September 26, 2017, Bornitu di Souza has been vice president.
The legislative branch is a unicameral parliament (People's Assembly) consisting of 220 deputies elected for 4 years. Fernando da Piedade dos Santos, who previously held this post in 2008-2010, again became the Speaker of Parliament on September 27, 2012.
Political parties represented in parliament (based on election results in August 2017):
- UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) - 51 places;
- MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) - 150 seats;
- CASA (Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola) - 16 seats;
- Social Renewal Party - 2 seats;
- FNLA (National Front for the Liberation of Angola) - 1st place.
According to the new constitution of 2011, direct presidential elections are abolished in the country, and the leader of the party that wins the parliamentary elections becomes president. The post of prime minister was also abolished, as a result of which all power passed to the president.
Foreign policy
Has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR on November 11, 1975).
Relations with the United States - see American-Angolan relations.
Administrative structure
Administrative map of Angola
Map of Angola with numbered provinces
Administratively, Angola is divided into 18 provinces (port. província), which, in turn, are divided into 157 municipalities (port. município).
| № | Provinces | Administrative center | Square, km² |
Population, people (2014) |
Density people/km² |
Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bengo | 31 371 | 356 641 | 11,37 | ||
| 2 | Benguela | 31 788 | 2 231 385 | 70,20 | ||
| 3 | Bie | Quito | 70 314 | 1 455 255 | 20,70 | |
| 4 | Cabinda | 7270 | 716 076 | 98,50 | ||
| 5 | Quando Cubango | 199 049 | 534 002 | 2,68 | ||
| 6 | Northern Kwanzaa | 24 190 | 443 386 | 18,33 | ||
| 7 | Southern Kwanzaa | 55 660 | 1 881 873 | 33,81 | ||
| 8 | Kunene | 89 342 | 990 087 | 11,08 | ||
| 9 | Huambo | 34 274 | 2 019 555 | 58,92 | ||
| 10 | Huila | 75 002 | 2 497 422 | 33,30 | ||
| 11 | Luanda | 2418 | 6 945 386 | 2872,37 | ||
| 12 | North Lunda | 102 783 | 862 566 | 8,39 | ||
| 13 | South Lunda | 45 649 | 537 587 | 11,78 | ||
| 14 | Malanje | 97 602 | 986 363 | 10,11 | ||
| 15 | Moshico | Luena | 223 023 | 758 568 | 3,40 | |
| 16 | Namibe | 58 137 | 495 326 | 8,52 | ||
| 17 | Ouige | 58 698 | 1 483 118 | 25,27 | ||
| 18 | Zaire | 40 130 | 594 428 | 14,81 | ||
| Total | 1 246 700 | 25 789 024 | 20,69 |
Population and demographics
Ethnic composition of the country
Angola's first census since independence was conducted from 16 to 31 May 2014. The previous census was conducted by the Portuguese colonial administration in December 1970. The 2014 census results recorded a population of 25,789,024. Population estimate for July 2017 - 29,310,273
The main part of the people of Angola are made up of three ethnic groups: Ovimbundu (37%), Northern Mbundu (25%) and Congo (13%). The remaining Bantu-speaking peoples inhabiting the country are the Lunda, Chokwe, Gangela, Nyaneka-Umbe, Ovambo, Herero and Shindonga. Non-Bantu-speaking peoples include the Bushmen. About 2% of the population are African-European mulattoes, 1% are white, mostly assimilated Portuguese.
Ethnic names are Angolans, Angolans and Angolans.
The population growth in the country is about 2% annually. The average fertility rate is 6.05 births per woman. Angola has a very high infant mortality rate - an average of 178 out of 1000 die in the first year of life (1st highest in the world).
Average life expectancy is 51.7 years (2012).
In 2007, 2.1% of the population was infected with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Every year about 11 thousand people die from this disease.
The official state language is Portuguese. The population uses African languages Bantu: Southern Mbundu, Northern Mbundu, Kongo, Chokwe, Kwanyama.
Cities of Angola
Largest cities in Angola:
- - 2 325 700
- - 513 000
- - 325 000
- - 222 000
- Cabinda - 195,600
Economy
In recent years, Angola's economy has been developing rapidly. In the photo - construction of new houses in Luanda
Angola's economy is based on oil production and exports - 85% of GDP. Thanks to its oil component, the country's economy is the fastest growing among sub-Saharan African countries. Thus, in 2008, Angola’s GDP growth was 15%, while the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole showed only 5% growth. Per capita gross domestic product in 2008 was $5,020, which is a very high achievement for this region of the world. The oil fields of Angola consisted (as of the early 2010s) of 50 concession blocks, each with an area of approximately 5 thousand km². This number included 30 concession blocks on the shelf (13 deepwater and 17 ultra-deepwater zones): actual production in 2011 was carried out in only 11 of them. The concession for oil production in Angola was issued (as of the early 2010s) for 20 years. In 2013, the country produced 87.4 million tons of oil, part of which was processed at the plant in Luanda (its capacity is 65 thousand barrels per day).
In addition, the Angolan economy received from the PRC in 2003-2009. loans totaling $17.4 billion. Large loans also came from Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain and the European Union.
Agriculture
IN agriculture over 80% of workers are employed, but approximately 80% of the volume of food consumed is imported. Bananas, sugar cane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, cassava, tobacco, and vegetables are cultivated. Livestock is raised.
Industry
Oil, diamonds, granite, marble, inert building materials, and natural asphalt are extracted. Old oil refineries are being reconstructed and new ones are being built. Export of natural gas (in liquefied form): the liquefaction plant came into operation in 2013, and the first batch was sent in June of the same year.
Intensive preparation of iron ore and manganese deposits is underway to resume their exports. Detailed geological exploration is being carried out on previously recorded occurrences of phosphates, bauxite, copper, and gold.
New enterprises for the production of cement, the processing of granite and marble, and the production of food industry products (beer, cigarettes, coffee, mineral water, meat and dairy products) have been restored or built. Textile production is being revived, using local raw materials.
Energy
There are more than 6 hydroelectric power plants in Angola:
- HPP Lomaum
- Cambambe hydroelectric station
- HPP Lauca
- Gove hydroelectric station
International trade
Exports ($51.7 billion in 2010) - crude oil, diamonds, coffee, sisal, fish (industrial fishing has been discontinued since 2004, the products of artisanal coastal and river fishing are consumed by the population, the bulk of consumed fish is imported under quotas), cotton.
Main buyers: China - 35.7%, USA - 26.0%, France - 8.8%, South Africa - 4.1%.
Imports ($18.1 billion in 2010) - industrial goods, vehicles, medicines, food, textiles, weapons.
Main suppliers: Portugal - 18.7%, China - 17.4%, USA - 8.5%, Brazil - 8.2%, South Korea - 6.7%, France - 4.5%.
Culture
Religion
Cathedral of Luanda
The majority of Angola residents profess Christianity (according to various estimates from 88 to 94% in 2010).
The country remains predominantly Catholic (57%), but the share of Protestants is noticeably increasing (more than 30% in 2010). The latter are represented primarily by the Assemblies of God (2 million), the Worldwide Church of the Kingdom of God (0.4 million) and other Pentecostal denominations. Several hundred thousand believers include congregations of Congregationalists, Adventists, Baptists, Reformers and Plymouth Brethren. There are 115 thousand Jehovah's Witnesses in the country, united in 1,565 congregations.
Local traditional beliefs are adhered to by 4.5% of the Angolan population, but the number and proportion of supporters of these cults continues to decline.
Migrants from West Africa and from the Middle East profess Islam. The number of Muslims in the country is estimated at 80-90 thousand people. Foreigners living in the country include Buddhists, followers of Chinese folk religion, Hindus and Jews.
On August 31, 2015, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos issued an appeal for the adoption of a law decreeing the closure of all mosques in the country. “This is the final end of Islamic influence in our country,” the head of state said. The Minister of Culture added to the President's words: "The process of legalizing Islam has not been approved by the country's Ministry of Justice, and the mosques will be closed until further notice."
mass media
The Angolan public broadcaster TPA (Televisão Pública de Angola - Public Television of Angola), founded in 1973 under the name RPA (Radiotelevisão Portuguesa de Angola - Portuguese Radio Television of Angola) as part of RTP, launched its second channel TPA 2 in 2000.
The state radio company of Angola RNA (Rádio Nacional de Angola - National Radio of Angola) was founded in 1977 and includes 6 radio stations - Canal A, Radio Cinco, Radio N'gola Yetu, Radio Luanda, Radio Estereo and Canal Internacional.
Armed forces
Notes
- States and territories of the world. Reference information // World Atlas / comp. and preparation to ed. PKO "Cartography" in 2009; Ch. ed. G. V. Pozdnyak. - M.: PKO "Cartography": Onyx, 2010. - P. 14. - ISBN 978-5-85120-295-7 (Cartography). - ISBN 978-5-488-02609-4 (Onyx).
- World Atlas: Maximum detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - P. 72. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
- Angola (English) . The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
- 2014 Census (INE Angola) Archived May 6, 2016.
- Human Development Report 2013. UN (2013). Retrieved March 14, 2013. Archived May 10, 2013.
- Mayorets M., Simonov K., 2013, p. 215.
- Angola - history of Angola. War in Angola // Africa: African countries
- http://www.histant.ru/sites/default/files/inafran/Rassohin_disser.pdf P. 20.
- Angola is a country of contrasts // “Expert Online”, 09/03/2012.
- United Nations Statistics Division
- World Bank data
- pp. 20-21.
- , S. 94
- , S. 27
- Christian Population as Percentages of Total Population by Country. Pew Research Center (January 2011). Retrieved March 15, 2014. Archived January 7, 2012.
- J. Gordon Melton. Angola // Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices / J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann. - Oxford, England: ABC CLIO, 2010. - P. 134. - 3200 p. - ISBN 1-57607-223-1.
- The Portuguese Fire Bible is now available to pastors in Africa! (English) . Assemblies of God Bible Alliance. Retrieved May 19, 2013. Archived May 23, 2013.
- Evangelical churches blooming in Angola. 24.com (29 January 2013). Retrieved January 2, 2015.
- 2016 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. - Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2016. - P. 178. - 192 p.
- Aristides Cabeche and David Smith. Angola accused of "banning" Islam as mosques closed, The Guardian(November 28, 2013).
Literature
- Maxim Mayorets, Konstantin Simonov. Liquefied gas is the future of world energy. - M.: Alpina Publisher, 2013. - 360 p. - ISBN 978-5-9614-4403-2. Great Russian · Brockhaus and Efron · Small Brockhaus and Efron · Encyclopedic Lexicon · Britannica (online) · Brockhaus · Swiss Historical
Regulatory control BNF: 11930899k GND: 4002050-2 ISNI: 0000 0004 0498 3083 LCCN: n80046439 NDL: 00560254 VIAF: 152395020
Angola is considered a traditionally friendly state to Russia. You need to look for Angola on the world map in southern Africa. The state is part of a small group of countries in which Islam is officially prohibited. Despite the fact that it is located in Africa, every tenth resident is Chinese.
Angola on the map of the world and Africa in Russian
One of the country's attractions is Namib Desert. Most of Angola's territory is plateau.
The most attractive part of Angola for tourists is the Atlantic coast. Most foreigners come to relax on its beaches surrounded by tropical forests.
Timezone
There is no summer time in Angola. The country's standard time zone is UTC/GMT+1. The time difference from is 2 hours.
Visa for Russians
For Russians there is no visa-free entry to country. Even for a transit visit to Angola, it is necessary to obtain permits to enter the country. This can be done at the embassy or consulates of Angola. The cost of a tourist visa for Russians is 100 US dollars (about 5900 rubles). For urgent registration - $200 (≈11,800 rubles). A transit visa will cost $30 (≈1800 rubles).
In the Russian Federation issue entry documents You can visit Angola in the following places:
- embassy at the address: Moscow, st. Olof Palme, 6;
- consulate at the address: St. Petersburg, st. Shpalernaya, 36.
In order to get to the consular department of Angola in the Russian Federation, no prior registration is required. You can submit documents through third parties. The period for reviewing documents does not exceed 5 working days. Tourist visa is issued to Russians for 30 days.
One of main requirements The documents required for obtaining a visa are the validity period of the foreign passport. It must be at least 90 days.
Embassy Russian Federation in Angola located at: Republic of Angola, Luanda, Miramar district, st. Huari Boumediena, building 170, post office box 3141.
Photos and information about the country
Angola can safely be called Christian country. Most of its citizens profess this religion. The country is a member of COMESA, the UN and the African Union.
History of the state
For a long period of its history, Angola was a colony of Portugal. She managed to get rid of her colonial dependence only in 1975. There is information that in the 6th century on the territory of modern Angola there lived Bushmen and Bantu tribes.
Until now, the country is inhabited by various tribes that arouse interest among tourists.
The Old World discovered Angola in 1482, when a Portuguese naval expedition led by Diogo Can. Until the mid-19th century, their main occupation in Angola was the slave trade. They robbed the country and did not develop it. Historians claim that over 300 years of colonization, the Portuguese sold more than 5 million of the country's inhabitants into slavery.
Angola managed to get rid of colonial dependence as a result for long years struggle. After gaining independence, the country was in a state of civil war for 27 years. Currently the Republic of Angola is presidential republic.
General information
Many people are interested in what language is spoken in the country - state language in Angola it is considered Portuguese. The country's territory is 1.247 million km². It is home to just over 29 million people.
The country is divided into 18 provinces which consist of municipalities. The largest province in the country by area is Moxico (223 thousand km²), by population - Luanda (6.5 million people).
Population The country is made up of three main ethnic groups: the Ovimbundu, the Northern Mbundu and the Congo. The white population consists mainly of Portuguese. The official currency of the state is the Kwanza.
Climate and weather
Throughout the country you can find various natural landscapes. It is divided geographically into three zones, which determine the climate of the country. The two main zones are the Atlantic coast and the Angolan plateau. They are separated by a transition zone. It consists of a large number of terraces.
Southern climate countries - trade wind subtropical. It is characterized by dry, cool winters and hot summers with lots of rain. The average annual temperature in this region of the country is between +21-23 degrees Celsius. In winter it can drop below +16 degrees.
Northern part The country belongs to a zone with monsoon winds. This is a region with a tropical climate, it is characterized by a large amount of rain, which occurs here much more often than in the south. The rainy season lasts in this area from October to .
The air temperature in the north of the country is 3-5 degrees Celsius lower than the south.
In the desert located in this part of the country, sightings are observed at night. sudden changes in temperature. The thermometer scale can drop to 0 degrees at night.
Capital and major cities
The capital of the state is Luanda. It is considered the most expensive city in the world. Most Angolans live in the capital. Luanda's population is more than 2.3 million people. The city was built near the confluence of the Kwanzaa River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded on all sides by savannah, which has preserved its pristine flora.
All other cities in the country are much smaller. In the list of large settlements:
- Benguela(513 thousand people);
- Huambo(325 thousand people);
- Malanje(222 thousand people).
National holidays
The main national holiday of the country is National Hero Day, it takes place on September 17 and is dedicated to the memory of Antonio Agostinho Neto. Under his leadership, the country was freed from colonial dependence.
Every year on the fourth of January the country celebrates the Day of Victims of Colonial Repression.
On the 4th of February, the country celebrates the Day of the Beginning of the Armed Struggle. In May, on the 25th of May, Africa Day is celebrated in Angola. In November, the country celebrates All Souls' Day on the 2nd, and National Independence Day on the 11th. Christmas The country officially celebrates December 25th.
During rituals in honor of weddings, births, harvests, hunting and others important events in Angola they use ceremonial masks. They are made from a whole piece of wood with the addition of plant fibers in the form of human heads; they have elongated foreheads, wide lips and narrow eyes. This is one of the most popular souvenirs in the country.
Tourism
Unique nature is the main attraction of the country. Most tourists travel to Angola for its rainforests, savannas and Atlantic coastline beaches.
Holidays in the country
One of the exotic tourism destinations is ethnographic tours. They are dedicated to introducing the lifestyle of local tribal peoples. Many of them continue to live their lives in Stone Age traditions. Such tours can also be classified as ecotourism. Among the popular tourist routes in Angola are hikes deep into the desert.
The beach infrastructure in the country is still poorly developed. Their length is 1600 km. The beaches of Angola can attract holidaymakers with their picturesque landscapes. Most Angolan beaches are wild, surrounded by tropical forests filled with various animals and exotic birds. The rich underwater world of the ocean can delight diving enthusiasts.
The most amazing landscapes in the country can be found in Namibe. This area of Angola is where sea, desert and savannah meet. This area is perfect for hunting. In the Angolan savannah you can hunt African animals.
Kitchen
The massive poverty of the country's population and long years of Portuguese colonization influenced its national cuisine. Distinctive feature National cooking traditions include mixing a large number of ingredients in one dish.
Local fruits are always present on the Angolan table: pineapples, guavas, bananas and others. In villages far from the coast, various dishes are prepared from corn, beans and rice. National dishes These places have jerky and muamba - fried chicken.
In cities and towns located on the coast, dishes from seafood. The most common dish here is grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. Among the exotic Angolan dishes: cuttlefish cooked in its own ink. Telapia fried in palm oil can compare with this dish in its originality.
Hot piri-piri sauce is served with all meat and fish dishes, and residents of the country like to drink local beer and wine as drinks.
Sights and nature
There are few attractions in the country. The main architectural monuments are concentrated in Luanda. The main feature of the capital of Angola is mosaic paved sidewalks.
Once in Angola you can’t help but visit the city Benguela. It houses a perfectly preserved fort built by the Portuguese during the colonial period. The building dates back to the 16th century. Such structures were erected to protect the coasts of a country that has experienced a large number of different wars in its history. A tour of the fort in these places can be combined with sea fishing. She's excellent in these places.
The country's greatest national treasure is its parks. The most famous of them is Kisama. It is located in Bengo. This place is located about 70 km from Luanda in the northwestern part of the country. One side of the park faces the ocean. The coastal line is 120 km.
In the park, whose area is 9.9 thousand km², you can find tropical forest zone, fields and savannah. In the park you can see elephants, red buffalos and even black sable.
In addition to Kisama Park, the following are popular among tourists: National parks:
- Porto Alexandri;
- Kwanza-Soul;
- Milando and others.
For healing with miraculous healing water, tourists go to the springs in Bibala County.
The waters have a rejuvenating effect - they are ideal for human body mineral ratio.
Best hotels
Most of the country's hotels are located in Luanda. One of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the capital - EPIC SANA Luanda. The hotel has a convenient location - it is just 2 km from the city center. There is everything for a comfortable stay: 5 restaurants, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. All hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and internet.
You can book a room in this or any other hotel in Angola by using the convenient search form. You just need to indicate city name, dates of entry and exit, and number of guests.
Most hotels in the country are not so luxurious and are small family hotels. They do not have a high level of service. Despite this, the price of living in them is high even by European standards. Among the hotels we can note:
- five star— Hotel de Convenções de Talatona HCTA and Talatona Convention Hotel in Talatona;
- four star— Aparthotel Mil Cidades in Benguela, Chik-Chik Namibe in Namibe, Tropico in Luanda;
- three-star— Ibis Styles Iu Luanda in Cacuaco, Mariuska in Luanda, Panguila Hotel in Panguilla.
You will learn many more interesting things about Angola from this video:
ANGOLA (Angola), Republic of Angola (Reptiblica de Angola).
General information
state in South West Africa. In the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Angola also includes the province of Cabinda, a semi-enclave on the Atlantic coast, between the territories of the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Area 1246.7 thousand km2. Population 12.9 million (2005). Capital Luanda. Official language- Portuguese. The currency is the kwanza. Administrative division: 18 provinces (Table 1).
Angola is a member of the UN (1976), the African Union (1999; in 1976-98 - OAU), IBRD (1989), IMF (1989), WTO (1996).
L. A. Aksyonova.
Political system
Angola is a unitary state. The Constitution of Angola was adopted on November 11, 1975 (valid with amendments). The form of government is a mixed republic.
The head of state and executive power is the president, elected by universal and direct suffrage for a term of 5 years (can be re-elected twice more). The President is at the head of all state institutions. His powers include protecting the state and coordinating relations between branches of government; the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces.
The highest legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly (220 deputies), elected by general and direct elections for 4 years: 130 deputies are elected by a proportional system throughout the country, 90 deputies by a majoritarian system. The Standing Committee is a body of the Assembly that performs its functions during the intersessional period.
The government includes the president, prime minister and ministers; it is responsible to the National Assembly.
Angola has a multi-party system. Among the parties: Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA; founded in 1956), National Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA; founded in 1966), etc.
V. V. Maklakov.
Nature
Relief. Most of the country is occupied by a plateau, rising in a steep ledge above a narrow (50-160 km) coastal lowland (see map). The plateau is more elevated in the western part (height 1500-2000 m), here individual mountains rise in places, including the Bie massif with the highest point of the country - Mount Moko (2620 m); it gradually decreases to the north (towards the Congo Basin), east (towards the Zambezi River valley) and southeast (towards the Kalahari Basin).
Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Angola is located within the African Plate. Outcrops of the crystalline basement, composed of Archean and Lower Proterozoic rocks, form the Kasai, Angolan, Bangweulu shields and the Kwanza ledge. Upper Precambrian deposits form the Western Congo fold belt in the northwest and fragments of the Kibarid-Katangida and Damarid fold systems in the east and south of the country. The platform cover is developed in the Congo and Okavango basins, and also forms perioceanic troughs. Its composition includes sediments of the Upper Precambrian and Upper Paleozoic - Triassic with traces of ancient glaciations, continental rocks of Cretaceous age and sandy strata of the Cenozoic are widespread. Large deposits of oil, iron ores, diamonds (see Angola-Congo diamond province), gypsum, phosphorites, bauxite, rock salt, as well as ores of uranium, copper, gold, manganese, titanium, vanadium, lithium and other minerals are known.
Climate. In the interior (larger) part of Angola the climate is equatorial monsoon, on the coast it is tropical trade wind, arid. Two seasons are clearly distinguished: wet summer (October-May with a short dry period in January-February) and dry winter (June-September). Average temperatures in the warmest month (September or October) range from 17°C in the upper part of the slopes to 28°C in the lower part; the coolest (July or August) respectively from 13 to 23°C. Precipitation ranges from 1000-1500 mm per year in the north to 600-800 mm in the south. In the coastal lowland, the cold Benguela Current lowers the air temperature in July (the coolest month) to 16-20°C, in March (the warmest month) to 24-26°C. Precipitation ranges from 250-500 mm per year in the north to 50-100 mm in the south. In winter, kasimbo night fogs are typical.
Rivers. In the northeast of Angola, the rivers belong to the Congo River basin (the largest is the Kasai River with the left tributary of the Kwango), in the west - the Atlantic Ocean (Kwanza and Cunene). In the east and southeast flow the Zambezi River (upper course) with its tributary Kwando and the Kubango River. During the dry season, the rivers become very shallow or dry up (especially in the south and southwest), and during the summer rains they overflow catastrophically. Almost all of them are rapids, rapid and unsuitable for navigation, but they have large reserves of hydropower.
Soils, flora and fauna. Almost 40% of Angola's territory is occupied by forests and woodlands. In the northeast, mainly along river valleys, there are tropical rainforests with valuable tree species (ebony, Toddalia lanceolata, etc.). In the interior regions, dry deciduous tropical woodlands predominate, alternating with extensive grass savannas on poor ferralitic (brown-red, etc.) soils. In the north and central part of the coastal lowland there are grassy and shrubby savannas with baobab on red-brown ferruginous and black tropical soils. In the valleys there are thickets of papyrus and palm trees. In the southern part there are deserted savannas and semi-deserts on reddish-brown soils, in the extreme south of the desert, where a peculiar dwarf tree grows - amazing Welwitschia, characteristic only of the rocky arid deserts of Western and South-West Africa.
Angola is home to elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, warthog, jackal, zebra, various antelopes, aardvarks, monkeys; In the province of Malanje there is a black antelope. Reptiles and insects are numerous. Coastal waters are rich in fish. Angola has 13 protected natural areas with a total area of about 8.2 million hectares, including the national parks of Cameo, Iona (the location of the amazing Velvichia), Mupa, Kisama, and Kangandala.
Population
The majority of the population of Angola are Bantu peoples; of which the largest are Ovimbundu (25%), Ambundu (23%), Kongo (13%), Luena (8%), Chokwe (5%), Kwanyama (4%), Nyaneka (4%), Luchazi (2% ), Ovambo (2%), Mbwela (2%), Nyemba (2%), Northern Lunda (1%), Mbunda (1%), Herero (103 thousand people) (2000, estimate). Bantu languages are also spoken by Pygmies (Twa; 0.1%). Khoisan peoples (Kwadi, Hukwe, various Kung groups) make up 0.5%. A special group is the so-called Euro-Africans: mulattoes who speak Portuguese or its creolized version (1%). There are less than 0.09% of Portuguese left in the country.
Waterfall on the Kwanza River.
Lit.: Perventsev V. A. Angola. M., 1987; Angola: a country study. 3rd. Wash., 1991.
L. A. Aksyonova; P. A. Bozhko (geological structure and minerals).
Current demographic statistics for Angola are based on estimates since the last census was conducted in 1970. Feature the population of Angola is young: over 43% are young people under 14 years old, people over 65 years old - 2.8%, average age population 18 years old. High levels of birth rate (45 per 1000 inhabitants) and fertility (6.33 children per 1 woman) ensure rapid natural population growth, despite high mortality (25.9 per 1000 inhabitants) and extremely low life expectancy (36.9 years; men 36.1, women 37.6 years). The infant mortality rate (192.5 per 1000 births; 2004) in Angola is one of the highest in the world. In 1990-2000, Angola ranked 3rd in Africa (after Libya and Niger) in terms of average annual population growth (3.3%). There is a significant preponderance of the female population over the male population. The average population density is 10.4 people/km 2 . Traditionally, the most densely populated coastline is around the cities of Luanda, Lobito, Benguela and Cabinda (over 1,100 people/km2). Relatively high population density in the central and western parts of the interior plateau. In the southern (including the ocean coast) and eastern regions, as well as in the highest parts of the internal plateau, the population density generally does not exceed 1 person/km 2. More than 28% of the population lives in cities. Largest cities (thousands of people, 2003): Luanda - 2300, Huambo (formerly New Lisbon) - 171, Lobito - 136, Benguela - 133, Quito - 86, Lubango (formerly Sada Bandeira) - 75, Malanje - 70, Mbanza - Congo - 64. Economically active population 5.6 million people (2003), of which more than half are unemployed and underemployed (2001). Agriculture accounts for 85% of employment, industry and services - 15% (2003).
L. Angola Aksyonova; P. I. Puchkov (ethnic composition).
Religion
The majority of the population of Angola are Christians, of which over 44% are Catholics, about 15% are Protestants (Baptists, Methodists, Congregationalists). The remaining residents of Angola are adherents of various Afro-Christian syncretic cults (for example, Quimbangism) or profess local traditional beliefs. In the 16th century, King Afonso I converted to Catholicism, and his son Enrique became the first black bishop in Christian history in 1518.
Historical sketch
The early history of Angola is poorly studied. In the 13th century, the state of Congo was formed on the territory of Northern Angola. Later, other early class state formations arose on Angolan soil. By the time the first Europeans arrived (the Portuguese expedition of Diogo Cana in 1482), the states of Ndongo, Lunda, and Benguela existed here; in the 16th and 17th centuries Matamba and Kassanje arose. In the 16th century, the Portuguese founded several fortified forts on the Angolan coast, including São Paulo de Luanda (1576). From the end of the 16th century they began to penetrate into the interior of Angola. Nzinga Mbandi Ngola, who ruled in the 1st half of the 17th century in the states of Ndongo and Matamba, put up stubborn resistance to the invaders. It was only at the end of the 17th century that Angola was again subjected to Portuguese conquest.
Until the mid-19th century, the main occupation of the Portuguese in Angola was the slave trade; It is estimated that over 3 centuries, about 5 million people were exported from the country (mainly to Brazil).
The state of Lunda resisted the colonialists the longest (until the end of the 19th century). In 1885-91, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and England determined the modern borders of Angola, the full occupation of which was completed by Portugal only in the early 1920s. In 1951, the colony of Angola received the status of an “overseas province”.
The colonial regime more than once caused spontaneous popular uprisings. In the mid-20th century, the first patriotic organizations arose underground: in 1954, the Union of Peoples of the North of Angola (since 1958, the Union of Peoples of Angola - UPA) and in 1956, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The UPA relied on the Bakongo ethnic base and initially sought the separation of Northern Angola and the re-establishment of the Congo state within its medieval borders. The MPLA advocated the independence of a united Angola. On February 4, 1961, the MPLA raised an uprising in Luanda, marking the beginning of the armed stage of the anti-colonial struggle. 15.3.1961 The UPA organized attacks on a number of plantations in Northern Angola, which were of a racial and ethnic nature. In response, the colonialists intensified mass terror, from which hundreds of thousands of Angolans fled to neighboring countries. At the same time, the Portuguese government tried to carry out reforms: in the 1960s, forced labor regulations were abolished, Angolans were granted some civil rights, and the prerogatives of local authorities were expanded. But these measures had almost no impact on the situation of the bulk of the indigenous population.
After the unification of the UPA with the Democratic Party of Angola (March 1962), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) was created; On April 5, 1962, its leadership, autonomous from the MPLA, created the “Provisional Government of Angola in Exile” (GRAE), headed by J. Roberto. The MPLA, led by A. Neto, managed to create in 1961-72 a number of military-political regions (VPR) with elected authorities.
In March 1966, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) arose in the eastern regions, led by J. Savimbi, who was based on the Ovimbundu ethnic base. UNITA soon began to cooperate with the colonial authorities. Since 1961, the Angolan issue has been repeatedly discussed in the UN, the OAU and other international organizations. At the call of the OAU, most African states broke off diplomatic relations with Portugal and declared an economic boycott of it. The USSR supported the anti-colonial war in Angola, providing political, economic and military assistance to the MPLA.
After the 1974 revolution, the Portuguese democratic government ended the colonial war and granted Angola the right to independence. 1/15/1975 Portugal, MPLA, FNLA and UNITA signed an agreement on practical ways for Angola's transition to independence. But internal Angolan contradictions and outside interference led to civil war and foreign intervention. The territory of Angola was invaded by troops of South Africa and Zaire, supporting the FNLA and UNITA. On November 11, 1975, in Luanda, which was under the control of the MPLA, the independence of the People's Republic of Angola (PRA) was proclaimed and a government was formed; A. Neto became president of the NRA. He proclaimed a policy of non-alignment, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, the creation of a “prosperous and democratic country completely free from all forms of exploitation of man by man.” By the end of March 1976, the armed forces of the NRA, together with the Cuban formations that came to their aid, ousted the troops of Zaire and South Africa from the territory of the NRA, but the civil war continued until 2002.
In 1977, the MPLA transformed into the MPLA Party - Labor Party (MPLA PT) with Marxist ideology. In 1979, after the death of A. Neto, J. E. dos Santos became the leader of the MPLA - PT. Since the late 1970s, assistance to UNITA from Western countries, primarily the United States, has increased. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the support of the South African army, UNITA captured significant territory in the south and east of the country. In 1988, after long negotiations with the participation of representatives of the NRA, South Africa, the USA, Cuba and the USSR, the New York Agreement was signed on the cessation of assistance to UNITA from South Africa and the withdrawal of Cuban troops from the country.
In 1990, the MPLA-PT returned to its former name MPLA and declared its goals to be “democratic socialism,” a market economy and a multi-party system. In May 1991, agreements were reached to end the war, create a unified army, and hold presidential and parliamentary elections under international control by the end of 1992. Official observers of the implementation of the agreements were Portugal, the USSR and the USA. Since 1992, the name of the country is the Republic of Angola.
In the elections (September 1992), J. E. dos Santos was elected president, and in the National Assembly the MPLA received 129 seats out of 220. Although international observers recognized the legitimacy of the election results, J. Savimbi refused to accept them and resumed hostilities. However, with the liquidation of the apartheid regime in South Africa, foreign support for UNITA decreased significantly. Under pressure from the United States, Portugal and other countries, Savimbi was forced to conclude the Lusaka Agreement (11/20/1994) to end the civil war and form a coalition government, but in fact neither this nor subsequent agreements was fulfilled. 22.2.2002 Savimbi was killed in battle. His successor was P. Lukamba Gatu. On April 4, 2002, an agreement was reached between the leadership of Angola and UNITA on a cessation of hostilities and reconciliation.
Lit.: Oganisyan Yu.S. National revolution in Angola (1961-1965). M., 1968; Andrade M., Ollivier M. Guerra em Angola. Lisboa, 1974; Henderson L. Angola: Five centuries of conflict. Ithaca, 1979; Bridgland F. J. Savimbi: the key to Africa. N.Y., 1986; Correia R. Descolonizaiao de Angola: a joia da coroa do Imperio Portugues. Lisboa, 1991; Khazanov A. M. History of Angola in modern and recent times: [until 1975]. M., 1999.
Yu. S. Oganisyan, A. A. Tokarev.
Farm
Angola is an agricultural country with a developed mining industry, and at the same time has significant industrial potential on an African scale. The absolute size of GDP is $20.4 billion, GDP per capita is $1,900 (2003). Industry accounts for 67% of GDP, services - 25%, agriculture - 8%. Angola is undergoing socio-economic transformation. Most industries are nationalized, agricultural associations and cooperatives are created, and state farms are created on large plantations. Almost continuous wars have a negative impact on the economy. Over the past 15 years alone, direct material damage from hostilities has amounted to about $20 billion. Most developed economic regions: North with coffee plantations, Cabinda with oil fields and Northeast with large diamond deposits. Largest economic centers: Luanda - the main administrative, industrial and financial center, a major port; Lobito is an industrial center and the largest seaport; Beira Lobito Trans-African Railway Terminal; Namibe and Benguela are centers of fishing and fish processing; Huambo, Malanje, Lubango and Quito are the administrative, agricultural and transport centers of the country's interior.
Industry. The basis of Angola's economy is the mining industry. 
In terms of oil production (37 million tons in 2001; 45% of GDP), one of the best in quality in the world, Angola ranks 5th in Africa (after Nigeria, Libya, Egypt and Algeria). The destruction of the war years had little effect on the oil industry. Over the past 10 years, more than 20 fields have been put into operation, and by 2005 it is planned to double production. About 100 oil wells are in operation. Almost 90% of oil is produced in the province of Cabinda, of which up to 65% comes from offshore production on an area of 5.6 thousand km 2 (fields: Takula-Cabinda, Numbi-Cabinda, Kokongo-Cabinda, Pacassa Block-3, Como-Pambi Block- 3). Oil is also produced in the lower reaches of the Kwanza (7.5%) and Congo (2.5%) rivers. Under the Petroleum Law (1978), Angola's oil industry is monopolized by the state-owned Sonangol, but the state can enter into agreements with foreign companies in the exploration and development of these resources. After the adoption of the law, the development of new deposits is carried out with the active participation of foreign (American, British, French, etc.) capital - such well-known TNCs as Chevron, Exxon, Shell ( Shell, Petrofina, Texaco, British Petroleum, etc., especially in the continental shelf area off the coast of Cabinda. The main oil terminals are Luanda, Malongo (Cabinda), Palanca, etc. Income from oil exports accounts for 80-90% of the value of the country's total exports.
The second source of foreign exchange earnings after oil is diamonds. Angola ranks 6th in the world in terms of production (after Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Russia and South Africa) and 3rd in the total value of mined diamonds (after Botswana and Russia), since Angola produces mainly high-quality jewelry stones. quality. In 2000, diamond production in Angola was estimated at 5.17 million carats, including 4.4 million carats for jewelry. In 1981, the state enterprise Endiama was created, which controls all diamond mining and trade in Angola. Diamonds are mined mainly in the province of North Lunda, at one of the world's largest producing deposits, Catoca. The share of illegal mining is high (UNITA and private miners) - 55% (1998).
Marble mining in the Namibe province. Textile factory in Benguela province.
Iron ore is mined in mines in Kasala Kitungu (Northern Kwanza Province). Ores of non-ferrous (particularly copper in the Mavoyo and Tetelu areas), noble and radioactive (uranium) metals are mined in small quantities. Phosphorite deposits are promising, the largest of which is located in the province of Zaire, in Kindonakashi (up to 10 thousand tons per year), as well as in the province of Cabinda. In addition, granite, marble, and quartz deposits are being developed.
Angola is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of energy resources: oil, gas and hydropower, which is used only by 65%. The installed capacity of power plants is estimated at 430 MW. In 2001, 1.45 billion kWh of electricity was produced (of which 60% was generated by hydroelectric power plants). The largest hydroelectric power stations: Kambambe (with a capacity of up to 50 thousand kW) on the Kwanza River, Matala on the Kunene River, Biopio on the Katumbela River and Mabubas on the Dande River; modern thermal power plant - in Porto Alexandri. The power grid is divided into 3 large electrical systems: North, South and Center. Less than 40% of power lines are in working condition. Most of the booster substations have been destroyed or are not operating at full capacity due to recent hostilities.
The location of the manufacturing industry is focal: the area of the cities of Luanda (over 50%), Lobito, Benguela, Huambo, Namibe. There is an oil refinery in Luanda (1.6 million tons per year), which fully meets the country's domestic needs for petroleum products. There are factories producing textiles, matches, soap and detergents, chemical fertilizers, medicines, tires, foam plastic, cement (for export to Nigeria and Portugal). There are a number of small ferrous metallurgy and metalworking factories, several workshops for the assembly of Volvo, Fiat, Volkswagen cars, Japanese motorcycles and bicycles from imported parts and components. The food industry is mainly focused on the production of flour, palm oil, sugar, beverages, canned fish, fishmeal, etc.
Agriculture. Agricultural land occupies 0.57 million km 2 (21.8% of the territory), of which arable land - 2.4%, perennial crops - 0.4%, meadows and pastures - 97.2%. Irrigated lands account for 0.75 thousand km 2.
After the declaration of independence, large plantations were nationalized and turned into state farms, which produce the bulk of sisal, coffee, palm oil, sunflower, bananas, cotton, tobacco, and citrus fruits for export (Table 2). Along with this, there are associations, farms, cooperatives and private farms. Corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and vegetables are grown for domestic consumption. The supply of agricultural machinery is extremely low (there are 3.5 tractors per 1000 hectares, or per 100 workers in the industry). Angola has favorable conditions for grazing, especially in the south (Hila and Namibe provinces), as well as on the central plateau (Huambo, Benguela, Cuanza Sud provinces). Meat and dairy cattle breeding, pig farming, poultry farming, and beekeeping are developed (Table 3). Fishing (especially near Benguela and Lobito), including river fishing, plays an important role. Fish is the staple food of the Angolans, and fishmeal and canned food are important exports. China, Portugal, Japan, South Korea and Russia are allowed to fish in Angolan waters. Tropical timber is being harvested. Handicraft production is developed.
Transport. The length of the railways is 2.8 thousand km; density 22.5 km/10000 km 2. There is no unified railway network. The railways run from the interior to the coast, have different gauges and are not interconnected. Designed for the export of raw materials from the interior of the country to the ports of Luanda, Namibe and Lobito. The main trans-African railway (Benguela Railway) connects the Atlantic (Lobita) and Indian (Beira) oceans, crosses Angola from east to west in its central part. All railways need modernization. Length highways 76.6 thousand km (including 19.2 thousand km with hard surface); density 61.4 km/1000 km 2. Air traffic dominates within the country: 244 airports, 32 of them with paved runways. Luanda has an international airport. River transport is not of great importance; only the lower reaches of the Kwanza (for 240 km from the mouth) and Kunene are navigable. Coastal shipping has been developed. The largest seaports: Lobito (deep-water), Cabinda and Luanda (oil export ports), Namibe, Porto Amboin. The merchant fleet consists of 7 vessels (6 cargo and 1 oil tanker, over 1000 gross registered tons each; 2004) with a total tonnage of 26.1 thousand registered gross tons (or 42.9 thousand deadweight tons). There are no large-capacity trawlers. The total length of pipelines is 179 km (1997).
Foreign economic relations. In 2003, the value of exports was $9.7 billion, imports - $4.1 billion. Main exports: crude oil, diamonds, petroleum products, natural gas, coffee, sisal, cotton, fish, timber. In 2003, the United States accounted for 47.7% of exports, China - 23.4%, Taiwan - 8%, France - 7.4%. The bulk of imports are machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts for them, medicines, food, textiles, and weapons. Main trading partners (2003) - Portugal (18.2%), South Africa (12.4%), USA (12.2%), Netherlands (11.6%), France (6.5%), Brazil (6 .1%), Great Britain (4.2%).
Lit.: Khazanov A. M., Pritvorov A. V. Angola. M., 1979; Fituni L.L. Angola: nature, population, economy. M., 1985; Angola: Current state. Development prospects. Relations with Russia // Scientific notes of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1999. Vol. 7.
L. A. Aksyonova.
Armed forces
The Armed Forces (AF) consist of the ground forces (ground forces), air force and navy (2004). The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the President, who exercises leadership of the Armed Forces through the Ministry of Defense and General base. The main type of aircraft is SV (more than 11,300 people). Their combat composition includes tank, motorized infantry, infantry, artillery, anti-aircraft units and units, as well as units special purpose. The SV is armed with: tanks (about 280 units); artillery systems (more than 2,000 guns, mortars and MLRS, most of which are guns with a caliber of less than 100 mm); BMP and armored personnel carriers; weapon; anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. The Air Force includes 5 air bases and an air defense regiment. They consist of combat squadrons: fighter, fighter-bomber (2), reconnaissance, transport, communications, helicopter (2), training. The Navy includes a division of landing ships (1 ship), a division of patrol ships (4 boats) and 4 companies of marines. The Angolan Armed Forces are recruited on the basis of the Law on Universal Conscription (1982), according to which Angolan citizens (men and women) aged 18 to 23 are required to undergo 3 years of military service. Officer training is carried out in national military educational institutions and abroad.
G. A. Nalyotov.
Healthcare
In Angola, there are 8 doctors per 100 thousand inhabitants (1 doctor per 12,500 inhabitants), 115 paramedical personnel, 4 midwives. Expenditures on health care in 2001 amounted to 3.6% of GDP.
V.S. Nechaev.
Sport
The Angolan Olympic Committee was recognized by the IOC in 1980. Angolan athletes have been participating in the Olympic Games since 1980. The most developed sports are athletics and football. Leading Angolan football clubs Primeiro de Agosto and Inter Club played in the finals of the African Cup Winners' Cup (1998 and 2001).
Education. Scientific and cultural institutions
The education system includes (late 1990s) kindergartens for children 3-4 years old; preparatory (initiative) classes for children from 5 years old, general education and vocational schools, including for adults; universities Primary education (grades 1-4) is compulsory and free. Based on the basic general education provided by 8-year secondary schools, educational establishments for the training of qualified workers (from 1 to 4 years of training). Completing them gives the right to enter vocational educational institutions: technical schools, vocational schools and schools with a period of study of 3-4 years. Due to economic and political difficulties, since the late 1980s, the final two-year cycle has been excluded from the course of complete secondary education. The implementation of this task and the formation of a contingent of applicants is entrusted to special preparatory courses or faculties of universities. Higher education is provided by the state A. Neto University in Luanda (founded in 1963) and 3 private universities. There are 8 research institutes (all in Luanda): Hydrometeorology and Geophysics (1879), Geological Survey (1914), National Documentation Center and historical research(since 1933), medical research(1955), Veterinary Research (1965), Cotton Center (1970), Institute for the Study of African and foreign languages(1978), Educational and Social Research (1980).
The largest libraries are located in Luanda: Municipal (founded in 1873) and National (1968). The largest museum is the National Museum of Angola in Luanda (founded in 1938).
Literature
Angola's literature originated in the mid-19th century. Developed primarily in Portuguese. The beginning was laid by lyrical poetry (J. da Silva Maia Ferreira, J. D. Cordeiro da Matta) and everyday life novels (P. F. Machado, A. Troni, A. di Asis Junior), which were characterized by ideas of national self-affirmation. The 2nd stage of the development of Angolan literature (late 1940s - 1970s) is characterized by the strengthening of anti-colonial motifs (the works of poets A. Neto, A. Jacinto, M. Antonio, A. Lara, prose writer F.M. di Castro Soromenho) . The 3rd stage, the so-called period of national reconstruction (1970s - early 1990s), coincides with the rise of the socio-political and cultural life of the country (the works of J. Luandino Vieira, O. Ribas). The historical novel (M. Pacavira, E. Abranches) is becoming widespread, and dramaturgy is developing (Pepetela's plays). The 4th, “post-socialist” stage in the development of Angolan literature is characterized by a new look at events in Angola and Africa, a rejection of revolutionary pathos and political engagement (Pepetela, J. E. Agualuza).
Lit.: Ryauzova E. Angola Portuguese-language literatures of Africa. M., 1972.
E. A. Ryauzova.
Architecture and fine arts
In the north of the country, ancient rock sketchy images of animals have been preserved. In the medieval states that existed on the territory of Angola (Lunda, Congo, etc.), wood carving reached the greatest artistic perfection, including the production of complex sculptural compositions for decorating the chairs of leaders, figurines of ancestors “Nawazeya”, and masks. The peoples of Angola have a high level of skill in weaving from grass, branches, and straw; products are decorated with clear colored geometric patterns. The Portuguese mentioned carving and weaving in Angola already in the 17th century. With the arrival of Europeans, fortresses appeared in Angola that controlled the coast (San Miguel, 1576, and Benguela, 1617). In the architecture of Angola, both traditional forms coexist (rural dwellings on a frame with a grass or thatched roof) and urban development according to the European type in the provincial style of the Portuguese Baroque and early classicism. Since the beginning of the 20th century, buildings have been erected in the spirit of modern European architecture. Since the mid-1970s, professional fine art has been developing.
Lit.: Mirimanov V.B. The Art of Tropical Africa. M., 1986.
Music
Monuments of archaic culture (before the 8th century AD) - iron idiophones (found in the Bie highlands). The medieval culture of the states of Lunda and Ndongo is represented by ceremonial orchestras; It is known that ivory pipes were used when the King of Congo met the Portuguese mission in 1491. Since the 1490s, European wind instruments began to penetrate into Angola through the Portuguese. With the spread of Christianity, bells were introduced into church practice, along with choral singing, and small bells with rattles were also used. A description of the military music of the Bakungo and Ambundu peoples dates back to 1578, and traditional xylophone playing in Northwestern Angola dates back to 1648. Various types of idiophones are recorded in the 17th century, including the marimba, the one-sided ngaba drum, longa bells (2 hand bells on a handle); horn epugu, musical bow nsambi (pluriark). The musical traditions of Angola penetrated with the export of slaves to Latin America. The city's musical culture was shaped by Portuguese and (at an earlier time) Brazilian influence. Specific forms of urban music: the ensemble of “military music” of Calukut (South-Eastern Angola), which appeared after the 1st World War, which included traditional idiophones; music of the Likembe lamellaphones (since 1920s; Northeast Angola). In the 20th century, music plays an important role in the ambundu-Portuguese dance culture of Luanda (caduca, semba, rebita dances). In 1957, the ensemble “Ngola Rhythmush” was founded (performs Latin American dances rumba, merengue and samba, uses a guitar and traditional idiophones); its director, Liceu Vieira Dias, was officially recognized as the leader of contemporary music in Angola in 1982. In the mid-1960s, songs with political content spread, among the performers were A. Mingash, R. Mingash, K. Lamartine. In the 1960-1980s, the ensembles “Kisanzhe” and “Illya”, singers M. Tete, P. Castro, performed. Representatives of the composer tradition are F. Mukenga, J. M. Machado, F. da Sis. After 1975, the singer and guitarist Ambundu Massano gained fame, and cultural ties with neighboring countries developed. The first recordings of traditional music of the largest people of Angola - the Ovimbundu - were made in 1913, the Chokwe and Luvale peoples - in the 1950s. In 1956, the School of Music and Dance was founded in Luanda. Collections of instruments are kept in the Dundu Museum in Angola, as well as in the Ethnological Museum in Lisbon (Portugal).
Angola on a map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)
In this African country, the wealthy are the people who don't have stones on their roofs. Poor people have them because they don’t have the money to repair their roofs. Angola has not yet fully recovered from the long military conflict that lasted on its territory from 1975 to 2002. But the state is actively increasing the pace of oil and diamond production and mastering incoming financial investments.
The capital of Angola, Luanda, looks quite modern city with spectacular buildings, wide avenues and well-developed public transport. Remembering its difficult past, the country is ready to build new life and develop the economy.
Geographical position
The Republic of Angola belongs to the Central African region. Along the entire western border, the country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the east is the border with Zambia. Adjacent to Angola to the north and northeast is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The northern exclave of Cabinda, which has access to the Atlantic, is also surrounded by Congo territory. Namibia is Angola's southern neighbor.
More than 90% of the country's area is occupied by a plateau, with a height of about 1,000. The hill breaks off with a sharp ledge to a narrow coastal lowland. The country has a dense river network; all rivers belong to the basins of the largest African rivers, the Congo and Zambezi.
The equatorial regions remote from the ocean coast are located in the equatorial monsoon climate zone. They clearly distinguish two seasons of the year: dry and wet.
In central Angola, the wet season is from October to May. The amount of precipitation during this season reaches 1500 mm. Dry time is from June to September. The warmest months are September and October; during these months the average temperature on the plains reaches +29 °C, in the high areas of the plateau +22 °C. In cold June and July on the plains +22 °C, on the hills +15 °C.
Contrary to expectations, the climate in the coastal lowland is arid, tropical trade wind. The cold Bengal Ocean Current passing off the coast of Angola has a cooling and drying effect. In the extreme south of the lowlands in the Namib Desert, annual precipitation is only 25 mm per year, in the north - up to 300 mm.
The coldest month is July (+16 °C), the warmest month is March (+24 °C), and the rainy season is February-March.
Flora and fauna
The tropical forests that dominate the north of the country are replaced by savanna as you move south. In the northeast, the forests are tropical, while the rest of the “forest” territory of Angola is dominated by tropical open forests of the deciduous type. The total area of forested areas occupies almost half of the country's area.
In the flat expanses close to the ocean, savannas dominate in the north, and deserts in the south.
The fauna of Angola is rich and interesting. Elephants, rhinoceroses, zebras, buffalos, and antelopes live freely in the vastness of the savannas. There is also enough space for predators: cheetahs and leopards. The forests are home to many monkeys and birds. The national parks and reserves of Angola have excellent living conditions for animals.
State structure
Angola Map
Angola is a presidential republic. The head of state, government and Commander-in-Chief of the country's Armed Forces is the president. He is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term and is eligible for re-election only for a 2-year term.
The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, which meets in session twice a year. There are more than 120 political parties in Angola.
The country's territory is divided into 18 administrative provinces. The capital of Angola and its largest city is Luanda.
Population
Almost the entire population of the country belongs to three black ethnic groups. Only 2% of the inhabitants are mulatto (descendants of marriages between Africans and Europeans) and only 1% are white, mainly Portuguese, heirs of former colonialists.
To this day, the official language of communication is Portuguese. But the population often uses African dialects in everyday life; the Bantu language is the most popular. The vast majority of Angolan residents are Catholic Christians.
In sparsely populated areas of the country live tribes living in Stone Age conditions. These unique groups of people attract various ethnic expeditions here to study the life of people who have preserved their way of life since prehistoric times.
The population growth in the country is due to the high birth rate; there are more than 6 births for every woman of childbearing age. But child mortality is still very high in Angola, especially many children die in the first year of life. According to this sad indicator, the country ranks 1st in the world.
The average life expectancy of Angolans is no more than 52 years. The state is actively fighting diseases and epidemics and preventing the spread of HIV infection (in Angola, more than 2% of the population is infected with this terrible virus).
The low standard of living of the population and wars do not contribute to the rapid establishment of a prosperous life for twenty million people in the country. The percentage of migration is high; Angolans are looking for a better life outside their homeland.
Economy
The Angolan economy is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. GDP growth rates are achieved mainly through oil production. Old oil refineries are being reconstructed and new ones are being built. Funds are allocated for this from investments coming into the country.
Diamonds, marble, granite, and building materials are mined in Angola. Deposits of iron and manganese ores, bauxite, phosphorites, and uranium are being revived. The food and light industries are increasing their pace.
80% of the country's total working population works in agriculture. Bananas are grown in Angola and then sent to our store shelves. A good harvest of coffee, cotton, tobacco, corn, and vegetables is being harvested. Angolans are also involved in livestock breeding.
The part of the Atlantic coast where the modern Angola, was captured by Portugal in 1482. For 400 years the country became a Portuguese colony. Only in 1975 did the state gain independence after a liberation war that lasted more than 15 years.
But then Angola again plunged into the abyss of civil war for 27 years. Since 2002, the country has been living a peaceful life and building its future.
Attractions
There are many interesting places in Angola. But the main attraction and pride of the people of the country is its unique nature. The picturesque ocean coast, the mysterious Namib Desert, spacious savannahs and dense forests captivate with their beauty and pristine nature.
There is a lot to see in the capital of Angola, Luanda. This is the center of the country's cultural life. There are many museums, libraries, and amazingly beautiful churches. San Miguel is famous for its castles and medieval buildings. In the city of Tombwa, together with the fishermen, you can go to the ocean for exciting fishing.
Every year the flow of tourists to this exotic and very beautiful African country increases.
The content of the article
ANGOLA, Republic of Angola, a state in southwest Africa. Capital– Luanda (4.51 million people – 2010). Territory– 1.247 million sq. km. Administrative division– 18 provinces. Population– 13.3 million people (2011 estimate). Official language– Portuguese. Religion– Christianity and traditional African beliefs. Currency unit- Kwanzaa. National holiday– November 11 – Independence Day (1975). Angola has been a member of the UN since 1976, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1976, and since 2002 its successor - the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and South Africa(COMESA) and, since 1996, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (PALOP).
Geographical location and boundaries.
Continental State. The province of Cabinda is separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of territory, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC - former Zaire). The western part is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It borders in the northeast with the Republic of Congo, in the east with Zambia, and in the south with Namibia. Length coastline- OK. 1600 km.
Nature.
Most of the territory is plateau. The heights of its highest part - the Bie massif - reach more than 2000 m. The highest point is Moko (2620 m). Minerals: diamonds, iron, gold, quartz, manganese, copper, natural gas, petroleum, lead, mica, radioactive ores and zinc.
The climate of the interior regions is equatorial, monsoon. Two seasons are clearly defined - wet (October-May) and dry (June-September). The warmest months are September-October (+21–29° C), the coldest are June-July (+15–22° C). From 600 to 1500 mm of precipitation falls annually. The climate of the coast is tropical, trade wind. The average temperatures of the warmest month (March) are +24–26° C, the coldest (July) is +16–20° C. Precipitation mainly falls in February-March - from 50 to 500 mm per year. Dense river network, most of the rivers are replete with rapids and waterfalls. The water level in them fluctuates throughout the year. Major rivers: Kwanza, Quito, Cubango and Cunene. Kwanza and Shilvango are navigable.
OK. 40% of the territory is covered with tropical forests (red and sandalwood, limba, tola, chitola, etc. grow) and deciduous woodlands. There are an abundance of palm trees on the sea coast. In the north, south, east and central regions there are extensive savannas (acacias, baobabs, Berlinias, brachystegia, dende palms). In the north of the province of Cabinda there are mangrove forests. In the Namib Desert (south of the country), there is a dwarf tree called Welwitschia amazing. Rich fauna - hippos, white and black rhinoceroses, warthogs, buffalos, gazelles, cheetahs, giant black antelopes, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, kaffir striders (large rodents), crocodiles, leopards, lions, monkeys, pangolins (lizard-like mammals), elephants , aardvarks and jackals. The avifauna is diverse - bustards, sunbirds, parrots, hornbills, secretary birds, weaver birds, hoopoes, etc. There are many reptiles and insects, including the tsetse fly. Several national parks have been created. The coastal waters are rich in fish, crustaceans and mollusks, and there are black whales and sea turtles.
Population.
The average population density is 10 people. per 1 sq. km (2009). Average annual population growth is 2.10% per year (2009). The birth rate is 42.91 births per 1000 population. Mortality – 23.4 deaths per 1000 population (July 2011). Infant mortality is 175.9 deaths per 1000 births. 43.2% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents who have passed the age of 65 make up 2.7%. Life expectancy – 38.76 years (men – 37.74, women 39.83 years) (all indicators for 2011)
The vast majority of the population is classified as poor.
Angola is a multi-ethnic state (110 ethnic groups). 96% of the population belongs to the nations language family Bantu: Ovimbundu (37%), Ambundu (23%), Bakongo (13%), Ngangela (approx. 9%), Chokwe (more than 8%), Nyaneka (4.2%), Ovambo (2.4%) et al. (2000). Each of the listed peoples consists of several ethnic groups: the Ambundu of 21 (Ambundu, Luango, Ngola, etc.), the Ovimbundu of 16 (Bieno, Mbiu, Sele, etc.). In addition to the Bantu, the country (northeastern provinces) is inhabited by Twa pygmies, and in the south and southwest by Bushmen (San). 2% of the population are mulattoes, 1% are Europeans. From local languages The most common languages are Kikongo, Kimbundu and Umbundu.
In cities live approx. 30% of the country's inhabitants.
Large cities: Huambo 979 thousand people. (2009), Benguela (155 thousand people), Lobito (150 thousand people), Namib (125.4 thousand people) - 2002. According to estimates in neighboring countries (most of all in Zambia - about 250 thousand . people) there are 470 thousand Angolan refugees (2003). Angola is one of the largest labor exporters on the continent.
Religions.
53% of the population profess Christianity (Catholics - 38%, Protestants - 15%), 44% of the population adhere to traditional African beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors and forces of nature, etc.), approx. 3% are parishioners of Afro-Christian churches. Christianity began to spread in the late 15th century In 2001, there were 87 officially registered religious sects, and their number continues to grow.
STATE STRUCTURE
The Constitutional Law of 1975 with subsequent amendments is in force. The head of state is the president, elected on the basis of direct and secret ballot under a majoritarian system for 5 years. He has the right to be re-elected for three more terms. Parliament is a unicameral National Assembly, 220 deputies of which are elected for a 4-year term by direct secret ballot using a system of proportional representation (130 - according to the national list, 90 - 5 deputies from each of the 18 provinces).
The national flag is a rectangular panel divided into two equal-sized horizontal stripes of red (above) and black. In the center of the flag, superimposed on the stripes is an image of crossed machetes and half a geared machine wheel and a five-pointed star (between them) in yellow.
Judicial system. There are Supreme and Courts of Appeal, civil and criminal local and provincial courts, and a military tribunal.
Defense. National army of 50 thousand people. formed in May 1991 in accordance with the peace agreement concluded between the government and UNITA. After the ratification of the ceasefire agreement (April 2002), 5 thousand UNITA militants were integrated into the Angolan army. In 2002, the national armed forces numbered 100 thousand people: the army (90 thousand people), the Navy (4 thousand people) and the Air Force (6 thousand people). There are also paramilitary forces numbering 10 thousand people. 90% of the army's weapons are Soviet and Russian-made. Defense spending – 265.1 million US dollars (1.9% of GDP) – 2003.
Foreign policy.
The basis is the policy of non-alignment. Maintains relations with the Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa (joined the so-called “Lusophone Commonwealth” - the PALOP organization - created by them together with Portugal and Brazil in 1996).
Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Angola were established on November 11, 1975 (the MPLA government was recognized as one of the first). After the outbreak of the civil war, the USSR provided significant material and military assistance, as well as moral support to the MPLA in the fight against the opposition groups UNITA and FNLA. Russia is a member of the “troika” of observers to resolve the situation in Angola and a participant in UN peacekeeping operations in the country. In 1998, the President of Angola, J. dos Santos, visited Moscow. A Declaration on the foundations of friendly relations and cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Angola and agreements on trade and economic cooperation and the development of the diamond complexes of the two countries was signed. In the beginning. In the 2000s, the Russian company ALROSA built a mining and processing plant in Angola, owned by the joint diamond mining enterprise KATOCA (annually produces diamonds worth $150 million), in which ALROSA owns a 32% stake.
Embassy of the Republic of Angola in the Russian Federation – Moscow, st. Olof Palme, 6. Tel. (095) 143–63–24, 143–65–21, fax (095) 956–18–80. Ambassador (since 2000) – Mr. Monteiro Roberto Leal Ramos (General "Ngongo").
ECONOMY
Its basis is the oil business (80% of profits - 2004) and diamond mining. Angola is on the list of the main 17 debtor countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Agriculture.
The share in GDP is 8%, 85% of the population is employed. (2003). 3% of the vast areas of fertile land are cultivated (one of the reasons is the presence of a large number of mines in the fields). Commercial production of wheat has been developed. They grow bananas, coffee, corn, cassava (cassava), vegetables, sugar cane, sisal, tobacco and cotton. The development of livestock farming is hampered by the spread of tsetse flies in 14 (out of 18) provinces. Cattle are raised only in the south. Fishery is developed (catch of conger eel, tuna, etc.). In the economic zone of Angola, Russian vessels annually catch approx. 25 thousand tons of fish and seafood. Forestry: logging is carried out; cypress and eucalyptus trees are grown for the production of paper and pulp.
Industry.
Share in GDP – 67% (2001). In 2002, the share of the mining industry in GDP, the main component of which is oil and diamond production, was 54.7%. Angola ranks 4th in the world in diamond production (2003). There are enterprises for oil refining, production of building materials, factories for processing agricultural raw materials (including sugar production and fish processing), tobacco, textile and chemical industry. Motorcycles are assembled at a joint venture with China.
International trade.
Exports significantly exceed imports. In 2003, exports amounted to 9.67 billion US dollars, and imports – 4.08 billion US dollars. The main export commodities are diamonds, coffee, crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, fish and seafood, sisal, timber and timber products, and cotton. Main export partners: USA (41%), China (13.6%), France (7.9%), Taiwan (7.5%), Belgium (6.2%), Japan (4.9%) , Spain (4.3%) – 2002. Main import goods: military equipment, medicines, machinery and electrical equipment, food products, textiles, vehicles and spare parts. Main import partners: Portugal (19.2%), South Africa (14.7%), USA (13.2%), Brazil (7.1%), France (6.4%) and Belgium (5%) – 2002.
Energy.
63.6% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, 36.4% by thermal power plants using petroleum products as fuel. In 2003, construction of the first stage of the Kapanda hydroelectric complex was completed, interrupted due to hostilities in 1990. The restoration of damaged power plants is underway.
Transport.
The transport system was destroyed as a result of a long civil war. The railway network (total length of roads is 2.76 thousand km) and 76.63 thousand km of roads (2003) need restoration and repair. The main ports are Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda and Namib. The merchant fleet consists of 124 vessels (2002). In 2003, as part of the NEPAD (New Partnership for African Development) program, a plan for the restoration of the port of Lobito was developed. The air transport system is well developed: in 2003 there were 244 airports and runways (32 with hard surfaces). In 2003, the restoration of airports in Biya, Luanda, Lobito, Namiba and Huambo began. Cargo and passenger transportation is carried out both within the country and to countries in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.
Finance and credit.
The monetary unit is the new kwanzaa (AOA, introduced in September 1990), consisting of 100 leva. In February 2004 the course national currency was: 1 USD = 80.1 AOA.
Administrative device.
The country is divided into 18 provinces, consisting of 163 municipal districts.
Political organizations.
A multi-party system has emerged (about 120 political parties and organizations). The most influential of them: “ People's Liberation Movement Angola», MPLA(Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola, MPLA), Chairman. – José Eduardo dos Santos, General. sec. – Lourenço João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. Ruling party, main in 1956; " National Union for Total Independence Angola», UNITA(União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola, UNITA), gen. sec. – Lukamba Paulo “Gato” (Paulo Lukamba “Gato”). Founded in 1966; " National Liberation Front Angola», FNLA(Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola, FNLA), Chairman. – Ngonda Lucas (Lucas Ngonda). Founded in 1962; " Liberal Democratic the consignment», LDP(Partido Liberal Democrático, PLD), Chairman. – Anália de Victória Pereira; " Social Renewal Party», PRS(Partido Renovador Social, PRS), leader – Eduardo Kwangana; " UNITA-Renewed"(UNITA-Renovador), Chairman. – Ngolu Manuvakola Eugenio (Eugenio Ngolo Manuvakola). Created by former UNITA members in 1998.
Trade union associations. National Association of Angolan Workers, NOAT (União Nacional de Trabalhadores Angolanos, UNTA). Created in April 1960, has approx. 600 thousand members. Chairman - Manuel Diogo da Silva Neto, Secretary General - Manuel Augusto Viage.
Education.
Officially mandatory elementary education(4 years), which children can receive from the age of 6. Secondary education (7 years) begins at age 10 and takes place in two cycles of 4 and 3 years. In 2004, 29 thousand new school teachers. 3 million schoolchildren and students study (2004). University named after A. Neto (Luanda) was founded in 1963. 423 teachers work at the agricultural, engineering, medical, law and economics faculties and 6.29 thousand students study (2002). In 1997, the Catholic University of Angola was created in Lubango. The University of South Africa (South Africa) opened its extramural. There are research institutes of agrochemistry (Huambo), veterinary medicine (Lubango), geology and medicine (both are located in Luanda). In 2002, the National Petroleum Institute was created - the only university in Africa engaged in special training for the oil, geological exploration and mining sectors of the economy. In 1998, 42% of the population were literate (men - 56%, women - 28%).
Healthcare.
Hepatitis, intestinal infectious diseases (32% of the population has access to clean drinking water), measles, malaria, meningitis, trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”), tuberculosis, schistomatosis, etc. Cases of typhus have been registered. The main health problems are related to the low standard of living of the vast majority of the country's population (45% of children suffer seriously from malnutrition). Besides high level mortality of newborns, there is a high mortality rate among children under 5 years of age. Only 27% of children under 1 year of age receive required vaccinations. In 2001–2003, with the assistance of international organizations, more than 7 million children were vaccinated against measles.
In 2001, there were 350 thousand people with AIDS and HIV-infected people (5.5% of the population), 24 thousand people died. For every 1000 people in 1997 there were 0.08 doctors (the shortage of doctors and medical personnel is explained, among other things, by the mass departure of Portuguese specialists from the country after independence). In 2000, health care expenditures amounted to 3.6% of GDP.
Press, radio broadcasting, television, Internet.
Daily newspapers are published in Portuguese: Jornal de Angola (Angolan Newspaper - party and government newspaper), Diário da República - Government Newspaper, monthly newspaper Leader do Trabalhador" (A Voz do Trabalhador - "Voice of the Worker"), newspaper "Progresso" ("Progress"). The magazines "Mensagem" ("Message") and "Novembro" ("November") are published. Angolan information Agency AIN (Agencia Angola Press, ANGOP) has been operating since 1978. State-owned national radio and television have been broadcasting since 1975. There is an official government website on the Internet. There are 41 thousand people. Internet Users (2002).
Tourism.
The country has good conditions for the development of the tourism industry - diversity natural landscapes, rich flora and fauna, beautiful waterfalls (Duque de Braganza on the Lucala River, as well as Kambabwe and Luando on the Kwanza River), conditions for sport fishing and the original culture of local peoples. The development of tourism is significantly hampered by the presence of a large number of unrecovered mines left after the civil war. In 1997, 45.14 thousand foreign tourists visited Angola, in 2001 – 67.38 thousand: from Portugal (12.60 thousand people), France (9.13 thousand people), England, Brazil, Spain , Norway, USA, Philippines and South Africa. In 2001, 1,726 Russian tourists visited the country (in 1999 – 1,365 people).
Sights: in Luanda - the Angola Museum, the Museum of Slavery and the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, the Portuguese fortress of San Miguel (17th century), the ethnographic museum in Cabinda, the Dundu Museum in the town of the same name, as well as archaeological and anthropological museums in the city .Bengela, Iona, Cameo, Kisama and Milando national parks.
Visa regime. Visa-free transit is not permitted. Entrants must provide a medical certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. The import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required). It is exchanged in banks and exchange offices; there is a black market for currency. The export of national currency is prohibited. The export of weapons, unprocessed precious stones and ivory handicrafts is also prohibited. The national cuisine combines African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Hot sauce popular piri-piri hot pepper (served with chicken, shrimp and fish). When planning travel around the country, it is necessary to take into account holidays: January 1, February 4, March 8, May 1, September 17, November 3 and 11, December 10 and 25.
Architecture and fine arts.
Folk dwellings among the peoples inhabiting Angola are usually rectangular in shape, but there are also huts that are round in plan. They are placed on a frame made of stakes entwined with tree twigs or coated with clay. Roofs made of grass or thatch are gabled or laid in the form of a tent. Doors and walls are decorated with burnt or painted designs and carved figures of people, spirits and animals. Some peoples build their huts on wooden stilts. Buildings made of reinforced concrete structures and glass have become a hallmark of modern large cities.
The visual arts of Angola have their origins long before our era. – rock paintings in Kaningiri date back to 5–8 thousand BC. Traditional sculpture (cult objects, figurines of sea monsters and fetishes made of wood, stone and ivory) among the peoples of Cabinda, brightly colored sculptural compositions among the Yak people, as well as female figurines resembling antelopes among the Chokwe are distinctive.
Among professional Angolan artists there are many world-famous masters - Victor Teixeira (pseudonym “Viteix”), Antonio Ole, Roberto Silva. The National Union of Angolan Artists (UNAP) operates. There are several art galleries in Luanda (Viteix, the gallery of the Union of Angolan Artists, etc.). In 1999–2002, Moscow hosted exhibitions of works by contemporary Angolan artists - Alvaro Macieira, Victor Manuel Teixeira (“Vito”), Jorge Gumbe, Francisco Van Dunem (“Vana”) and Feliciana Dias dos Santos (“Kida”).
Among the crafts and arts, wood carving (the production of ritual masks and figurines that decorate the doors of houses, household utensils and furniture), pottery (molded ceramics are decorated with impaled ornaments), as well as weaving mats and dishes from wood fiber with a geometric pattern of red and black color.
Literature.
Began to develop from the second floor. 19th century (mostly in Portuguese). A book was published in 1891 Folk wisdom in Angolan proverbs local writer and folklorist J. Dias Cordeiro da Matta. The first poets were J. da Silva Mai Ferreira, J. Dias Cordeiro da Matta. Major writers: Agostinho Neto, Alda Lara, Antonio Jacinto, Antonio Cardoso, Jose Luandino da Vieira, Octaviano Correia, etc. One of the youngest (27 years old) and popular contemporary writers is Ndalu de Almeida (pseudonym Onjaki). In 2002 his new book was published - Inari, the girl with five pigtails. In the same year, his poetry collection was published in Portugal. Bloody act. Modern young poets - Graciano Francisco Dominogosa, Luis Kanjimbu and others. Since 2001, Angola annually participates in the Moscow International Book Fair. At the next exhibition in 2004, several hundred books from Angolan publishers were presented.
Music.
It has ancient traditions and is distinguished by ethnic diversity. Music exists in an inextricable connection with dance, an important element of which is rhythm. Original ritual dances batuke(among the Kongo people) kauema(“fire dance” by Nangela), numbers(among Chokwe), etc. When performing traditional music, accompanying songs and dances, various drums (puita, etc.) and xylophones (kissanji, marimba), shingongu guitar, longu bells, otiikumbu lyre, mbulumbumba musical bow, 3-string violin are used kalyal, Pan flutes, etc. Composers: Mashado J.M., Mukenga F., F. da Sis, etc.
The music of Angola also absorbed the traditions of Portuguese musical culture, and in the 20th century. she is influenced by Latin American melodies and modern pop culture. National popular music has been developing since the 1950s. Since 1978, colorful so-called events have been held in the capital. "victory carnivals" The 24th carnival was already held in 2002. In the 1900s–2000s, the performances of the dance ensemble “Moyo Etu” were popular.
Theater and cinema.
Theatrical extravaganzas since the 17th century. Church holidays were accompanied by religious schools organized at monasteries and churches. The first semi-professional theater group, called Providencia, arose in Luanda in 1847. In the 1960s and 1970s, the CTA Theater (the name's acronym in Portuguese) and the Angolan Theater Club were active. After independence, most theater workers (Europeans) left the country. Amateur groups began to be created. Documentary chronicles have been developing since the second half of the 1970s (11-episode film I am Angolan and I work hard, Volodya, people's commander dir. L. Vieira and others). First feature film - Be brave, comrade!– filmed by director R. Duarte di Carvalho in 1977. Filming of the feature film began in 2003 Empty city(about the national tragedy - the 27-year civil war) jointly produced by Angolan-French. Directors: Maria João and François Gonot.
STORY
Ancient history.
Archaeological finds confirm the fact of human habitation on the territory of modern Angola back in the Neolithic era. It was inhabited by the ancestors of the modern San (Bushmen), who were engaged in hunting and gathering. In the 5th–6th centuries. they were pushed to the southern regions by the agricultural and pastoral Bantu tribes who came from the north and knew iron smelting. The first early state formation - Congo with its capital Mbanza-Kongo - arose on the territory of modern Angola in the 13th century. It occupied the northern regions, but the power of the manikongo (supreme ruler) extended beyond the borders of this state. Congo was the largest and most developed early state in Angola. Its heyday was from the 15th to the first half of the 16th centuries; it collapsed at the end. 19th century In the pre-colonial period, there were also state and political associations of Benguela, Kassanji (17th - early 19th centuries), Lunda (also known as "Mwata-Yamvo", late 16th - 2nd half of the 19th century, capital - Musumba), Matamba (1635 - late 17th century) and Ndongo (15th - late 17th centuries, capital - Mbanza-Kabasa). The population of these early states was mainly engaged in agriculture, pottery and weaving, and also skillfully smelted metals. In Ndongo, livestock farming and the extraction of nzimbu shells were well developed, which at that time served as a means of exchange in many African countries. It was also distinguished by the presence of a large army.
Colonial period.
The first Europeans to land on the Angolan coast were the Portuguese. In 1482, an expedition led by Diogo Can discovered the mouth of the Congo River, and in 1484 an agreement was concluded with the Manikongo. In the beginning. 16th century The Portuguese built several forts; in 1576, Fort Sao Paulo de Luanda (the modern capital of Luanda) was founded. The influence of Portugal in the Congo intensified during the reign of King M. Nzinga (1506–1543), who converted to Christianity and received the name Afonso I. In the 17th century. Major uprisings of the indigenous population broke out - in 1570 under the leadership of Mbula Matadi, and in 1591 - led by Nsoyo. Attempts by the Portuguese at the end. 16th century to penetrate into the interior of Angola encountered stubborn resistance from the states of Ndongo and Matamba, ruled by Queen Anna Nzinga Mbandi Ngola (she received the Catholic name Anna at baptism in 1622 at the age of 40). She led the anti-Portuguese coalition, which also united the states of Congo and Kassangi. Having concluded a military alliance with the Dutch (ships of the Dutch East India Company landed in Luanda in 1621), she managed to return independence to the Ndongo state in 1648. For 31 years (out of 81 years lived), the brave Anna Nzinga Mbandi Ngola fought against the colonialists, as a result of which the Portuguese seizure of the interior was stopped. The Portuguese succeeded in subjugating Ndongo in 1671, and Matambu in the very end. 17th century
The main source of enrichment for the colonialists was the slave trade, legislated by decree of the Portuguese king on January 11, 1758. (Over three centuries of colonial rule, about 5 million slaves were exported from Angola - mainly to Brazil on coffee, rubber and sugar plantations). Lacking the strength for direct military expansion into the interior of the country, the Portuguese, trying to weaken the resistance of the indigenous population, incited armed conflicts between different peoples. For information about natural resources Angola Portugal organized expeditions of A.F. da Silva Porto (1852–1854) and A.A. Serpa Pinto (1877–1879). The prohibition of the slave trade by the King of Portugal in 1836 (however, slave smuggling continued until 1852) caused serious damage to the colonial economy. At the same time, the internal slave trade continued for several more decades - slave labor was actively used on cotton plantations, as well as rubber harvesting. A system of forced contracting of the local population was introduced, most of the workers were sent to work in salt mines and road construction, some were sent to cocoa plantations on the island of Sao Tome and Principe.
The final boundaries of Angola were determined by the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, convened on the issue of territorial division in the Congo River basin between England, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and France), as well as individual agreements between Portugal and the listed states, signed in 1885–1891. Attempts by Lisbon at the end. 19th century to subjugate the remaining internal territories of the country again encountered resistance from Africans: the uprising of the Bassorongo people (1900), unrest in the Damba, Zombo and Kimbubuge regions (1909–1910), etc. All of them were suppressed by Portuguese troops. After the fall of the monarchy in Portugal (1910) and the introduction of an administrative system in Angola (1920), the exploitation of the colony intensified. The discontent of the indigenous population led to new armed uprisings (uprising in Benguela in 1917, etc.). Introduced in 1929 Political, civil and criminal statute concerning the natives, according to which the African inhabitants of the Portuguese colonies were divided into “indigenos” (natives) and “assimilados” (assimilated). Indigenous were subject to discrimination, forced labor, and arbitrary taxation. Africans who converted to Christianity, are fluent in Portuguese, have a regular income and lead a European lifestyle could become “assimilados.” By 1940, 0.6% of the population (24 thousand people) received the status of “assimilated”. Action Political, civil and criminal statute concerning the natives(indigenata system) abolished in 1961.
The first political organizations of the African population of Angola were the “Angolan League” (founded in 1912, banned in 1922) and the “National African League” (NAL) and the “Regional Association of the Residents of Angola” (RAJA), created in 1929. Their activities were educational in nature. Until Wednesday In the 1950s, the anti-colonial movement was disunited, often taking the form of religious sectarianism - Tokoist sects were created (named after their founder S. Toku), who refused to work on farms owned by Europeans. After Angola was granted the status of an “overseas province” of Portugal (1951), the colony began to strengthen the state-capitalist sector of the economy. After World War II, Angola became one of the world's largest suppliers of coffee, intensive construction of roads began, serving mainly the mining industry (including its new branches - the extraction of oil, manganese and iron ores), and diamond mining volumes increased.
The rise of the anti-colonial movement began in the 1960s. It was led by the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA, leader - Agustinho Neto), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA, leader - Holden Roberto, created in neighboring Congo on the basis of emigrant organizations) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. (UNITA, leader - Jonas Savimbi), created in 1956, 1962 and 1966 respectively. The MPLA was an association of several leftists political organizations. It advocated the independence of a united Angola, and in 1960 began an armed struggle against the Portuguese colonialists. FNLA and UNITA are anti-colonial separatist movements that relied on the support of the Bakongo (FNLA) and Ovimbundu (UNITA) peoples. On February 4, 1961, the MPLA raised an uprising in Luanda, which resulted in some concessions by the colonial authorities - forced labor was abolished, and the powers of local authorities were expanded. In April 1962, the FNLA independently created the “Provisional Government of Angola in Exile” (GRAE), headed by J. Roberto. In 1961–1972, the MPLA managed to create several military-political regions with elected authorities. The leadership of UNITA agreed to cooperate with the colonial authorities.
The new Portuguese government, formed after the victory of the 1974 revolution, granted Angola the right to independence. On January 15, 1975, an agreement was signed between Portugal, on the one hand, and the MPLA, FNLA and UNITA on the other, on practical ways of transition to independence. It was not possible to form a transitional government due to the outbreak of armed clashes between the MPLA and the FNLA. UNITA took the side of the FNLA, however, the MPLA was able to oust their armed units from the capital. In October, troops from South Africa and Zaire invaded Angola to support the FNLA and UNITA.
Period of independent development.
On November 11, 1975, the independent People's Republic of Angola (PRA) was proclaimed in Luanda. A. Neto became the president of the country. The 1975 Constitution established the leading role of the MPLA in the state. In March 1976, the MPLA army, with the help of arriving Cuban military units, forced the troops of South Africa and Zaire to leave Angola. FNLA and UNITA continued to resist the authorities.
In December 1977, the MPLA was transformed into the vanguard party "MPLA - Labor Party" (MPLA - PT). The government proclaimed the course of building socialism. The country faced serious difficulties: with the outbreak of the civil war, almost all the Portuguese left Angola (including engineers, doctors and other specialists), industrial production fell, most of the coffee and cotton plantations left by the peasants were destroyed by the rebels or fell into disrepair, who were forced to leave their homes to escape attacks by UNITA militants. After the death of A. Neto (September 1979), Jose Eduardo dos Santos became the chairman of the MPLA-PT. The main source of income for the MPLA-PT government was the export of oil, which was produced by American companies. UNITA, which continued to resist the government, from the end. In the 1970s, it began to receive assistance from the United States and other Western countries. She managed to capture significant territories in the south and east of Angola. UNITA's source of stable income (about $600 million per year) was diamonds, large deposits of which were located in the territories under its control. Diamonds were sold through a smuggling network to other African countries, and through intermediaries throughout the world.
In 1988, the NRA, South Africa, the USA, Cuba and the USSR signed the New York Agreement on the cessation of assistance to UNITA from South Africa and the withdrawal of Cuban units from Angola. The internal political settlement in Angola was aggravated by new actions by UNITA, which continued to persistently demand that the authorities establish a multi-party system. Until 1990, mutual accusations of violating the terms of previously reached agreements prevented the warring parties from making peace. Since 1990, MPLA-PT began to be called MPLA again. The party proclaimed a change in the political course of Angola - the new goals were the achievement of democratic socialism (the term was taken from the MPLA program document), market economy and multi-party system. With the start of economic reforms in 1991, 100 companies were returned to their previous owners, and up to 48% of the shares of large state-owned enterprises were transferred to private firms. Since August 1992, the country began to be called the “People's Republic of Angola”.
General elections were held on September 29–30, 1992, amid new clashes between the warring factions MPLA and UNITA. Of the 12 candidates in the multi-party presidential elections, the largest number of votes (but without an absolute majority) was received by Zh.E. dos Santos (49.57%) and J. Savimbi (40.07%). The latter refused to participate in the second round of elections. Zh.E. became the president. dos Santos. In the parliamentary elections, the MPLA received 129 seats, UNITA - 70, Social Renewal Party - 6, FNLA -5, LDP - 3, other parties - 7 seats.
The UNITA leadership did not recognize the election results, did not agree with the distribution of posts in the new government and resumed military operations against the MPLA. Particularly fierce battles took place in the area of Huambo. With the assistance of the UN, on November 22, 1994, the Lusaka Agreements on Peace and National Reconciliation in Angola were concluded. In April 1997, a government of unity and national reconciliation was created, which, in addition to the MPLA, included representatives of UNITA and other opposition parties represented in parliament. In December 1998, after UNITA violated the Lusaka Agreements, large-scale hostilities were resumed. The 60 thousand UNITA militants were armed with hundreds of armored personnel carriers and tanks, heavy and light artillery, several combat aircraft, air defense systems, modern systems radio communications, tens of thousands of units small arms, purchased with funds from the sale of diamonds. After the fall of the racist regime in South Africa, the main assistance to UNITA was provided by Zaire. However, the ANC, which came to power in the Republic of South Africa, did not immediately manage to establish control over private traders and South African organizations that helped UNITA.
In September 1994, the MPLA government adopted a new investment code, which significantly increased interest in Angola from foreign investors. The US has intensified cooperation with the legitimate MPLA government. Exports of Angolan oil, in the production of which American corporations participated, went mainly to the United States. The war in Angola impeded the normal activities of not only American, but also British, French, Brazilian and Israeli transnational corporations (TNCs) interested in developing mineral resources countries.
The world community almost unanimously named J. Savimbi as the culprit of the war that broke out in Angola. The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in December 1998, which stated that the root cause of the crisis was the failure of the UNITA leadership to fulfill its obligations under the peace agreements. The European Parliament adopted a resolution the same month with a similar assessment of UNITA's actions. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) joined these decisions in January 1999. The OAU announced its intention to declare UNITA leader J. Savimbi a war criminal. UNITA's bank accounts abroad were frozen, following the work of two expert commissions UN on Angola (under the leadership of R. Fowler) The UN in 2000 decided to strengthen measures to cut off UNITA's arms supply and diamond smuggling channels. In response to these sanctions, UNITA militants shot down several UN planes and killed several dozen employees of the relief mission. In March 1999, the UN was forced to lower the flag over its headquarters in Angola. In the first half of 1999, the preponderance of forces was on the side of UNITA, but the population did not support its actions. The MPLA government quickly rearmed the army (new weapons were purchased and military equipment in the amount of 1 billion US dollars), and its number was increased to 100 thousand people. There have been reshuffles in the government - control of security ministries and key departments has been transferred to military generals. The UNITA parliamentary group split into three factions: those supporting J. Savimbi, representatives of the UNITA-Renewed party (created after a split in UNITA in September 1998, the Angolan government recognized the party as the official UNITA), the third, largest group, consisted of deputies -centrists.
In September 1999, as a result of a major offensive by government troops, the main UNITA bases were taken - Andulo, Bailundo (the spiritual center of the Ovimbundu people - the ethnic base of UNITA) and Zhamba, and huge arsenals of equipment and weapons were captured, incl. 27 tanks and 40 infantry fighting vehicles. The offensive of government troops continued in 2000. Fearing reprisals, some senior officials UNITA went over to the side of the legitimate government. UNITA fighters, hastily retreating under the pressure of government troops who launched a counter-offensive, abandoned a large amount of weapons and equipment. UNITA formations again switched to guerrilla warfare methods, captured villages and brutally dealt with civilians. In the beginning. 2000 92 municipal district Angola was under the control of government forces (including 11 of the 13 areas where diamonds are mined). UNITA prevented the establishment of normal life in the liberated areas: militants attacked orphanages, took children hostage, and kidnapped priests and government officials. The forced mobilization of boys aged 10–14 years began, whom the militants used in battles and punitive expeditions. February 22, 2002 as a result military operation government troops in the province of Mochico killed J. Savimbi. On April 4 of the same year, the UNITA leadership, weakened after the death of its leader, signed a ceasefire agreement. However, isolated militant groups in remote areas continued to rob and kill civilians.
As a result of the long civil war, the Angolan economy was almost completely destroyed, approx. half a million Angolans, more than 50% of the adult population were unemployed, and 3/4 of the inhabitants were in extreme poverty. Inflation in 1990–1995 was 500%; in 1996 it reached a record level of 1650%. In 1999, revenues received by the government from oil exports helped reduce inflation to 329%.
Angola in the 21st century
In December 2002, the first post-war budget was approved (amended in April 2003). In April 2003, the government also considered new laws regarding the investment regime for foreign firms. The basis of Angola's economy is the extraction of oil and diamonds. In terms of oil production, the country ranks 2nd in Africa (after Nigeria). In the 1980–1990s, the pace of development of the oil and gas industry in Angola was one of the highest among African countries. Foreign partners in joint ventures are the largest TNCs - the American group Chevron-Texaco (owns 39.2% of the assets of enterprises in Cabinda), the French-Belgian company Total-Finna-Elf and the Italian Agip-ENI. The Angolan state, represented by the Sonangol company, owns 20–41% of the assets of the country's oil joint ventures.
Angola's share in world diamond production is 15% (after South Africa, Botswana and Russia, it ranks 4th in the world). A serious problem for the government is illegal diamond mining (according to unofficial data, 290 thousand people are employed in underground diamond mining). In January 2004, in the province of Bie, the first operation of the Angolan armed forces in the post-war period was carried out, aimed against clandestine diamond mining.
In October 2003, President Zh.E. dos Santos said that the next presidential and parliamentary elections will not be held until 2005, since for them to be held, 14 preconditions must be met, primarily the adoption of a new constitution. In the same year, a special commission was created to develop a new constitution. It included 25 representatives of the MPLA and 15 from UNITA. The opposition demanded that general elections be held no later than the end of 2005. In December 2003, Zh.E. dos Santos was re-elected chairman of the MPLA.
The Angolan government faces a set of complex post-war development tasks - the fight against hunger and poverty (thousands of people die from hunger, the country ranks 5th in the world in terms of infant mortality), restoration of war-damaged infrastructure, destruction of anti-personnel mines (in the provinces of Huambo, There are approximately 4 thousand minefields left in Mochique, Malanje and others), problems associated with the settlement of returning Angolan refugees, as well as the transition of former militants to peaceful life. As a result of the dissolution of the rebel forces (completed by mid-2003), approx. 90 thousand people More than 35 camps have been created to temporarily accommodate them, as well as their families. The last source of tension remains the oil-rich (89% of Angolan oil production) province of Cabinda, in which at the beginning. In 2004, the activities of the separatist group FLEC intensified (it has been active since 1975, since the second half of the 1990s it has undertaken only small actions). The separatists put forward a demand for the secession of the province, whose population supposedly constitutes an ethnic community separate from the Angolans.
Since 2003, the investments of the American oil company Chevron-Texaco in the implementation of three oil exploration projects on the Angolan shelf (calculated for 2003–2005) amounted to approx. $9 billion. The circle of consumers of Angolan oil is expanding - having supplanted Saudi Arabia, Angola has become the largest oil exporter to China. GDP growth in 2003 was 7.14% (in 2002 – 3.5%). Inflation in 2002 was reduced to 106%.
A serious problem for Angola is the reduction in foreign aid. The IMF accuses the Angolan government of corruption and mismanagement. Between 1997 and 2002, $4.2 billion (10% of GDP) in oil revenues “disappeared” from Angolan public accounts, the amount the government claimed was spent on social needs. The IMF said that further international assistance to the country should be provided only if it maintains transparency in the expenditure of state budget items. An obstacle to new investments by Portugal in the Angolan economy is Angola's unpaid debt (as of August 2004, 25% of the debt was paid - 258 million US dollars).
In May 2004, after unsuccessful attempts to persuade the government to hold elections in 2005, representatives of opposition parties resigned from the commission to develop a new constitution. A government report released in July 2004 stated that the simultaneous organization of presidential and parliamentary elections requires an amount of $430 million, and the preparation time for them is estimated at 9-18 months. In August 2004, the MPLA government announced a provisional date for general elections of September 2006.
The Angolan Parliament adopted a new constitution on January 21, 2010, which strengthens presidential power and declares all land the property of the state. The country's new constitution was approved yesterday by 186 out of 220 parliamentarians.
Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, who has led the country for the past 30 years, will remain in office under at least until 2012, when the country will hold parliamentary elections.
Lyubov Prokopenko
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