Angola

At a Glance

Angola is a country of enormous geographic variety, from Atlantic beaches and tropical rainforest to the strange desert landscapes of the Namib in the south, with a vibrant urban culture in Luanda shaped by Portuguese and African influences. It is a place of raw energy and resilience, and those willing to engage on its own terms will find warmth and creativity in abundance. Infrastructure outside the capital can be challenging, and it remains largely undiscovered by international visitors.

• One of Africa's largest oil producers, yet ranks poorly on almost every development index.
• Cuban military intervention in Angola's civil war extended the Cold War into Africa.
• Has one of the youngest populations in the world — median age under 16.