About Angola
Angola is situated in the central part of Africa, to the west of Zambia and along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the seventh largest African country with a total area of 1,246,700 square kilometers, five times the area of the United Kingdom.
The nation of Angola gained its independence from Portugal on 11th November 1975. It has a democratic system of governance. The executive branch of the government is composed of the President, the Vice-President and the Council of Ministers. The current president of Angola is José Eduardo dos Santos.
Angola is the second largest petroleum and diamond producer in sub-Saharan Africa. The country has vast mineral and petroleum reserves and its economy has on average grown at a two-digit pace since the 1990s, especially since the end of the civil war in 2002.
The country has experienced an upturn in tourism with visitors eager to experience the Portuguese history through architecture, as well as Angola's natural beauty, particularly 1,650 kilometers of coastline, thick forests, plains and rivers which define the landscape along with the sands of the Namib Desert. The geography and the climatic characteristics of the land provide Angola with a vast diversity of animal and vegetable species.
Connecting to Angola
Angola is open to international traffic through 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda. Flights to Angola are available from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Zambia using the Angolan Airline TAAG. Driving to Angola is another option which offers a rich experience. You can enter Angola using the Western and North Western Provinces of Zambia. It is also possible to enter via Namibia at the border post near Oshikango (Namibia) or Ngiva (Angola). An international and local driver's license is required to drive in the country.
A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required to enter the country. Well equipped clinics are available for visitors requiring immediate health care. To enter Angola visitors must obtain a visa at the country of origin's Angolan consular office.
Investment opportunities in Angola
Although Angola can be a challenging market, it presents plenty of investment opportunities. This country is one of Africa's fastest growing economies, potentially one of the richest countries in Africa due to its oil and other mineral reserves, its hydroelectric resources and the great extensions of cultivable terrain of which only a small part is being used. Assistance and advice on investing in Angola can be obtained from the Angolan Embassy in Lusaka.Angola – key facts
- Situated in the central part of Africa
- Second largest petroleum and diamond producer in sub-Saharan Africa
- Independence Day: 11th November, 1975
- The Angolan President is H.E. José Eduardo dos Santos
- Visa required on entry
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required on entry
