Angola

Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but UNITA renewed fighting after being beaten by the MPLA at the polls. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. While President DOS SANTOS had pledged to hold legislative elections in 2007, he has since announced that legislative elections will be held in 2008, with Presidential elections planned for 2009. A specific election timetable has yet to be established.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 12,263,596 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Angolan(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Angolan

Official Language(s): Portuguese

Major Languages Spoken: Kwanyama, Portuguese

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Angola

Country Name (short form): Angola

Country Name (local long form): Republica de Angola

Country Name (local short form): Angola

Name of Capital: Luanda

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Angola: Zambia, Namibia, St. Helena, Congo, Congo Dem. Rep. of

Land Area: 1246700 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Total Land Boundry: 5,198 km

Coastline: 1,600 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

International Phone Code: 244

Currency Code: kwanza (AOA)

Internet Country Code: .ao

US Embassy Location: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of Luanda), Luanda

US Embassy Mailing Address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda; pouch: US Embassy Luanda, US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place, Washington, DC 20521-2550

Services In, and Related to Angola

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