Angola

National name: Republica de Angola

Government
Angola underwent a transition from a one party socialist state to a nominally multiparty democracy in 1992.

Geography
Angola, extends for more than 1,000 mi (1,609 km) along the South Atlantic in southwest Africa. Nearly all the land is desert or savanna, with hardwood forests in the northeast.

Historical Background
Angola is slowly 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. SAVIMBI’s death in 2002 ended UNITA’s insurgency and strengthened the MPLA’s hold on power. DOS SANTOS has pledged to hold legislative elections in 2006. In Angola's first national elections in 16 years, held in Sep. 2008, the governing Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won about 82% of the vote. The opposition, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita), took 10%. The landslide victory gave the MPLA a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Capital

Luanda

Government

Presidential republic

Language

Portuguese

Religion

There are about 1000 mostly Christian religious communities in Angola

Area

1,246,700 km2 (23rd) 481,354 sq mi

Population

18,498

Currency

Kwanza (AOA)