Country Profile: Angola

Angola is a southern African nation bordered by Namibia to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, with a coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean. The country has a population of approximately 39 million, with a diverse ethnic makeup primarily composed of Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo groups. Angola's economy is largely dependent on oil, which has led to significant wealth but also pervasive poverty and corruption. Despite its rich natural resources, the nation faces challenges such as rising inflation and a need for economic diversification. The political landscape is defined by the presidential republic structure, with a history of civil conflict that continues to influence governance and development.

Geography

Angola is located in Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a narrow coastal plain that rises to a vast interior plateau. The country experiences a semi-arid climate in the south and a more temperate climate in the north, with a rainy season from November to April. Angola's terrain includes significant natural resources, including oil and diamonds, and has a total area of about 1,246,700 square kilometers.

1,246,700 sq km: Total area of Angola
1,600 km: Length of the coastline
2,620 m: Highest point is Moco
5,369 km: Total land boundaries
26%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)

People and Society

Angola has an estimated population of 39 million, with a median age of 16.6 years and a high population growth rate of 3.32% (2025 est.). The country is home to several ethnic groups, with Portuguese as the official language. Despite a relatively young population, challenges like low literacy rates and high maternal mortality rates persist, reflecting the need for improvements in health and education services.

39 million: Estimated population (2025 est.)
46.9%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years
68.7%: Urban population as a percentage of total population (2023)
39.75 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
62.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)

Economy

Angola's economy is classified as middle-income and is heavily reliant on oil, contributing significantly to GDP. However, the nation faces issues such as poverty and ongoing inflation. The government is aiming for diversification of the economy, particularly in agriculture, while also undergoing substantial public investment to improve infrastructure.

$80.4 billion: GDP in 2024 (official exchange rate)
1.1%: Real GDP growth rate for 2023
14.5%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
32.3%: Population living below the poverty line (2018 est.)
$6.31 billion: Current account balance (2024 est.)

Government

Angola operates as a presidential republic, with Joao Lourenço serving as president since 2017. The country has a unicameral National Assembly and conducts elections every five years. While Angola has made strides in governance, issues of corruption and human rights challenges remain prevalent.

2017: Year Joao Lourenço became president
220: Seats in the National Assembly
39.1%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly
11 November: Independence Day (from Portugal, 1975)

Military and Security

The Angolan Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and play a crucial role in national defense and domestic security. Military expenditures are around 1% of GDP. The military has emphasized maritime security and participates in regional peacekeeping missions.

100,000: Approximately active duty military personnel (2025)
1% of GDP: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
20-45 years: Age range for compulsory military service
Russian/Soviet-era: Majority origin of military equipment

Energy

Angola is rich in energy resources, particularly in oil and natural gas production. The electricity generation is primarily from hydroelectric sources, but access remains limited with just under half of the population having electricity. The government continues to invest in expanding energy access.

1.175 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
48.5%: Percentage of the population with electricity access (2022 est.)
16.214 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
343.002 billion cubic meters: Proven natural gas reserves (2021 est.)

Environment

Angola faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to potable water. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aiming to address issues like biodiversity and climate change.

51.6%: Forested land (2023 est.)
38%: Rural access to improved sanitation (2022 est.)
368.5 million cubic meters: Total water withdrawal (2022 est.)
19%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Angola's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive network of railways and a number of airports. The government's investment in infrastructure is essential for improving connectivity and economic development.

2,761 km: Total railway length (2022)
107: Number of airports (2025)
64: Total ships in the merchant marine (2023)

Communications

The communications sector in Angola is growing, with an increasing number of mobile and internet subscribers. However, fixed-line subscriptions remain low.

45%: Percentage of the population with internet access (2023 est.)
26.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
80,300: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	38,984,796	2025 estimate
Area	1,246,700 sq km	Total area
GDP (official exchange rate)	$80.397 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	14.5%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	39.75 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	62.9 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	48.5%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	68.7%	2023 estimate
Total Energy Consumption	9.146 million Btu/person	2023 estimate