Source: World Factbook 2009

Recent History

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 fighting picked up again by 1996. 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. President Dos Santos held legislative elections in September 2008, and announced plans to hold presidential elections in 2009.

Culture and People

Angola has a population of 12,799,293 (July 2009 est.). The population is more urban than some developing countries with 57% of total population living in cities. The country has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, with an average of 6 births per woman. Life expectancy is one of the lowest in the world, with a life expectancy at birth being only 38.2 years. There are several prominent ethnic groups in Angola:  Ovimbundu (37%), Kimbundu (25%), and Bakongo (13%). Portuguese is the official language, but Bantu and other African languages are also spoken.

Religion

Indigenous beliefs are the most common in Angola, with several Christian religions also being prominent, with Roman Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%).

Economics

Angola's high growth rate is driven by its oil sector, which has taken advantage of high international oil prices. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Increased oil production supported growth averaging more than 15% per year from 2004 to 2007. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Much of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war. Remnants of the conflict such as widespread land mines still mar the countryside. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food must still be imported.

Education

(definition: age 15 and over can read and write)
Total population: 67.4%
Male: 82.9%
Female: 54.2% (2001 est.)