What is the language in Angola? Angola map in Russian. Capital of Angola, flag, history of the country. Where is Angola located on the world map. Period of independent development

ANGOLA
Republic of Angola, a state in southwestern Africa. It borders on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the north and northeast, Zambia in the southeast, and Namibia in the south. From the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the coastline is approx. 1600 km. The province of Cabinda, located on the Atlantic coast north of the mouth of the Congo River, is separated from the main territory of the country by a small strip of DRC territory. The area of ​​the country is 1246.7 thousand square meters. km. Population 10.9 million people. In the mid-1990s, the country's largest city, the capital Luanda, was home to more than 2 million people. The name Angola comes from "ngola" - the hereditary title of the rulers of the medieval state of Ndongo, located in the north of modern Angola. From the end of the 19th century. Angola was a colony of Portugal and gained independence in 1975.

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NATURE
Surface structure. Most of the territory of Angola is occupied by a plateau with heights of more than 1000 m. Its most elevated part, the Bie massif, in some places has heights of more than 2000 m. The highest mountain in the country, Moco (2620 m), is also located there. In the west, the plateau ends with steep ledges and gives way to a strip of coastal plains ranging from 50 to 160 km wide. In the northern, northeastern and southeastern directions the plateau decreases. Most of the rivers belong to the Congo and Zambezi basins. Two large rivers - Kwanza and Kunene, originating in the Bie massif, as well as many small ones flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The rivers are navigable mainly in the lower reaches, since there are many rapids and waterfalls at the contact of the plateau and the coastal plain. On the rivers Kwanza with a length of more than 1000 km and Kunene - approx. 950 km only the lower 200 km are navigable. The highest (100 m) waterfall is Duqui di Braganza on the Lucala River (a tributary of the Kwanza). Angola's rivers are an important source of electricity.
The climate in the interior of the country is equatorial monsoon. Two seasons are clearly distinguished - wet and dry. The wet season is from October to May (interrupted by a short dry interval in January and February). During this period, an average of 1300-1500 mm of precipitation falls. The dry period lasts from June to September inclusive. The warmest months of the year are September-October (the average monthly temperature in the higher parts of the plateau is 21-22 ° C, and in the lower parts of the slopes - 24-29 ° C), the coldest are June-July (the average temperature is 15 ° C and 22° C).
The climate on the coastal plain is tropical, trade wind, and arid. There, only 300 mm of precipitation falls annually in Luanda, 230 mm in Lobito and 25 mm in the far south in Namibe. The warmest month is March (average temperature 24-26 ° C), the coldest is July (average temperature 16-20 ° C. Precipitation falls mainly in February-March. Coastal areas experience the cooling influence of the Benguela Current.
Vegetation and fauna. Almost 40% of Angola's territory is occupied by forests and woodlands. The densest tropical rainforests are concentrated in the northwest, north of the river. Kwanzaa - mainly along the river valleys of the Congo Basin and in the province of Cabinda. In the interior, dry deciduous tropical woodlands are common, interspersed with extensive grass savannas. On the sea coast there are grassy and shrubby savannas, palm trees grow in abundance. South of Luanda their groves become thinner, and south of Benguela the area becomes increasingly deserted. Grasslands are especially characteristic of the southern and eastern regions. Among the poor vegetation cover of the Namib Desert in the extreme south of the country there is a unique xerophytic dwarf tree, Welwitchia mirabilis.
Animal world Angola is very rich. Large mammals include elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, antelopes and monkeys. However, humans have caused serious damage to their populations. For example, the once large population of African elephants in southeastern Angola has declined by at least half since 1980 due to poaching of animals for the purpose of exporting ivory. The numbers of black rhinoceros, cheetah and leopard have decreased significantly. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, including whales, turtles and shellfish, not to mention huge fisheries resources. A serious problem in last years there was overfishing. Several national parks have been created to protect wildlife.
POPULATION AND SOCIETY
Population. Current demographic statistics for Angola are based on estimates since the last census was conducted in 1970. As a consequence civil war There was not only death of people during hostilities and from hunger, but also mass emigration. In 1997, the country had a population of approx. 10.9 million people. High birth rates (3.06% per year in 1997) and fertility rates (6.27%) ensure rapid population growth despite one of the world's highest under-five mortality rates. The average population density is 8.8 people per 1 sq. km. The eastern and southern regions of the country, as well as the highest parts of the internal plateau, are especially sparsely populated.
Most Portuguese settlers arrived in Angola after World War II. In 1940, only 44 thousand Europeans lived there, in 1960 - 172 thousand, and in 1974 - approx. 330 thousand. After the declaration of independence of Angola, 90% of the Portuguese left the country. During the War of Independence (1961-1975), several hundred thousand Africans fled to neighboring countries, mainly Congo (Zaire). Although many later returned to their homeland, many people remained in a foreign land. A new wave of refugees left Angola in the 1980s after the civil war resumed. However, the main migration flows after the declaration of independence were associated with internal migration, mass relocation of people to cities and their forced movements within rural areas, since many areas in the war zone changed hands more than once. By the end of 1987, approximately 2 million people (about 20%) left their homes. Between 1975 and 1985, Luanda's population tripled to approximately 1.3 million people. In other cities, the population increased even faster.
During the brief peace of 1992-1994, many Angolans returned to their homes, but with the resumption of civil war even more people flocked to the overcrowded cities. At the end of 1998, the number of displaced people was at least 1.4 million, and the population of Luanda was 2.5 million.
Ethnic roots and languages ​​of the peoples of Angola. The people of Angola, who are of African descent, speak Bantu languages. Angolans of European and mixed descent usually use Portuguese as their primary language. It is also spoken by a significant portion of Africans living in cities. The main differences between African ethnic groups are determined by linguistic principles. Approximately 38% of the African population is made up of the Ovimbundu people, who speak the Umbundu language. Ovimbundu are concentrated in the central, most elevated part of the plateau (mainly in the provinces of Southern Kwanza, Benguela, Huambo). The Ambundu (Mbundu), who speak the Kimbundu language, make up approximately 23% of Angola's Africans and live in the provinces of Luanda, Kwanza Norte, and Malanje. The Bakongo, or Kongo (approx. 14% of the African population), speak the Kikongo language. Small ethnic groups include the Lunda and Chokwe living in the east of the country, and the Kuanyama in the south. Inter-ethnic marriages, internal migration processes and the fact that many Africans are fluent in two, three or even more languages ​​mean that ethnic differences rarely coincide with the European stereotype of fixed “tribal” boundaries. Perhaps equally important in determining these differences is the consideration of factors such as degree of proficiency in Portuguese, residence in rural areas or urban centers, place of origin, adherence to ancestral traditions, connection between them labor activity with traditional farming or the modern sector of the economy. The process of interpenetration of Portuguese and African cultures most dynamically occurs in the cities of Luanda and Benguela and in places where the Quimbundu-speaking population is concentrated in the province of Luanda.
Confessional composition. According to rough estimates, approx. 38% of Angolans are Catholics, 15% are Protestants, the rest adhere to traditional local beliefs. The Protestant Church is represented in Angola by Baptists, Methodists and Congregationalists. During the period of Portuguese rule, Catholicism was the state religion, and therefore many identified it with colonialism. After independence, tensions arose between the country's Marxist leadership and the Roman Catholic Church.
Protestant churches, usually concentrated in certain areas, conducted services and sermons in local African languages. As a result, certain Protestant missions became associated with specific regions and ethnic groups, which subsequently caused the fragmentation of the national liberation movement. American Methodist missionaries operated primarily in Kimbundu-speaking areas, British Baptists among Kikong-speaking populations, and American and Canadian Congregationalists among Umbundu-speaking populations.
Traditional society. The main occupation of the African population of Angola is agriculture. The exception is the peoples inhabiting the drier southern regions, who combine pastoralism and agriculture. Almost all Africans in Angola speak Bantu languages ​​and are heirs to the cultural traditions of the peoples of this language family. The Kikongo- and Kimbundu-speaking populations of the northwestern and coastal regions were the earliest to come into contact with Portuguese culture. The Bakongo's acquaintance with Christians dates back to the 16th century, in the same century the Portuguese founded the city of Luanda in the area inhabited by Quimbundu-speaking tribes. The traditional culture of the Kimbundu-speaking ethnic groups is most similar to the culture of the related peoples of Central Africa, as well as the population of Cabinda and the northeastern provinces of Lunda North and South. Chokwe, who lived in the northeast, in the 19th century. They were engaged in hunting and trading and gradually penetrated into other areas of the country along trade routes. The Cuanyama, distributed in the far south of Angola, are an Ovambo ethnographic group and related to the peoples of northern Namibia; their traditional occupation is cattle breeding. The Nyaneka and Khumbe, who live in the vicinity of the city of Lubango in the southwest of the country and are known for their adherence to traditional culture, are engaged in pastoralism and agriculture. The largest Ovimbundu ethnic group, living on the most fertile lands in the central provinces, provided food for the urban population during Portuguese rule, and some of their products were even exported. In addition, the Ovimbundu were engaged in trade. Traditionally, the most densely populated areas were areas with sufficient moisture, favorable for Agriculture.
During the colonial period, coastal cities and provincial capitals were the most attractive for settlement. Colonial administration, the white population, trade and public institutions were concentrated in Luanda. The key role of the capital and other major cities became even stronger after the country gained independence. The most economically developed areas gravitate towards the main sub-latitudinal railway lines. The port cities of Lobito and Benguela are connected to the copper belt of Central Africa by a railway crossing the central part of the plateau. The second railway runs from Namibe to Lubango and Menongue through the southern part of the plateau. The capital Luanda is connected by rail to the mining region in the vicinity of Malanje. The most significant economic regions of Angola are: Northern with coffee plantations, Cabinda with oil fields and North-East with large diamond deposits.
Cities. The largest cities are Luanda, Huambo (formerly New Lisbon), Lobito, Benguela, Lubango (formerly Sa da Bandeira), Malanje, Quito and Namibe. The capital of Angola, Luanda, is the country's largest port city, an administrative, business and financial center. On the territory of the most significant seaport of Lobito there is a terminal of the Benguela railway, which brings mineral raw materials from the province of Shaba (DRC). Namibe and Benguela are the fishing centers, and Huambo, Malanje, Lubango and Quito are the administrative, agricultural and transport centers of the country's interior.
POLITICAL SYSTEM
Although the Portuguese colonized Angola at the end of the 15th century, its borders were determined only at the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, at which Western European colonial powers divided the territory of Africa among themselves. In 1951 Angola became an overseas province of Portugal. The armed struggle of the people of Angola against Portuguese colonialism began in 1961. The main forces of the national liberation movement were concentrated in three military-political organizations: the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA, created in 1956), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA, created in 1962 ) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA, created in 1966). The Portuguese were determined to maintain their dominance in this part of Africa and launched a ruthless fight against the rebels. As a result of the military coup of 1974, a new government came to power in Portugal, which decided to end the war in Angola and grant it independence. After gaining independence, the MPLA proclaimed the creation of the People's Republic of Angola and adopted Marxism-Leninism as its state ideology. The FNLA and UNITA fought against the MPLA, but by 1979, despite the announcement of the creation of united armed forces of both groups, the FNLA had effectively ceased to exist. Since then, the struggle for power has been between the MPLA and UNITA. In 1990, the MPLA announced its renunciation of Marxism and agreed to a transition to a multi-party system and a market economy. Elections were held in 1992. Currently, Angola is a state with a multi-party system of government while maintaining a strong presidential power.
In territorial and administrative terms, the country is divided into 18 provinces, headed by an appointed governor and local legislature. Provinces are divided into councils, communes, districts, districts and villages.
Angola is a member of the UN, the Organization of African Unity and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Political parties. The MPLA spoke on behalf of all Angolans, but enjoyed the greatest support among the Kimbundu-speaking population of the province of Luanda. Since its activities were prohibited, the movement’s fighters operated from bases located in neighboring countries (Zaire, etc.). The main support of the FNLA created by Holden Roberto was the Kikongo-speaking population of the northern regions of the country. UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi relied on the Umbundu-speaking population. On the eve of the 1992 elections, other small parties emerged in the country, but none of them enjoyed widespread popular support.
See below
ANGOLA. ECONOMY
ANGOLA. STORY
LITERATURE

Khazanov A.M. Angola is a republic born of struggle. M., 1976 Khazanov A.M., Pritvorov A.V. Angola. M., 1979

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

See what "ANGOLA" is in other dictionaries:

People's Republic of Angola, state in 3. Africa. Modern The name Angola is taken from the name of the state that existed on its territory in the 15th-17th centuries, Ndongo or, according to the title of its supreme ruler, Ngola. Portugal. conquerors who invaded... Geographical encyclopedia

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- (Republic of Angola), a state in South-West Africa, washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Area 1246.7 thousand km2. Population 10.6 million people Ovimbundu, Ambundu, Congo, etc. The official language is Portuguese. Adheres to traditional beliefs... ... Modern encyclopedia

- (Angola), People's Republic of Angola, a state in West Africa. Ancient rock carvings of animals, mainly of a geometric nature, have been preserved on the territory of Angola. In medieval state formations... ... Art encyclopedia

ANGOLA- (Angola), People's Republic of Angola (Republica Popular de Angola), NRA, state in Western Africa. Pl. 1246.7 t. km2. Us. 8.1 million hours (1982). Capital Luanda (874 residential areas, with suburbs, 1981). Before independence was declared in 1975, A. ownership... ... Demographic Encyclopedic Dictionary

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ANGOLA, Republic of Angola, a state in southwest Africa. Capital– Luanda (4.51 million people – 2010). Territory– 1.247 million sq. km. Administrative division– 18 provinces. Population– 13.3 million people (2011 estimate). Official language– Portuguese. Religion– Christianity and traditional African beliefs. Currency unit - Kwanzaa. National holiday– November 11 – Independence Day (1975). Angola has been a member of the UN since 1976, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1976, and since 2002 its successor - the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and 1996 Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (PALOP).

Geographical location and boundaries.

Continental State. The province of Cabinda is separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of territory, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC - former Zaire). The western part is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It borders in the northeast with the Republic of Congo, in the east with Zambia, and in the south with Namibia. The length of the coastline is approx. 1600 km.

Nature.

Most of the territory is plateau. The heights of its highest part - the Bie massif - reach more than 2000 m. The highest point is Moko (2620 m). Minerals: diamonds, iron, gold, quartz, manganese, copper, natural gas, petroleum, lead, mica, radioactive ores and zinc.

The climate of the interior regions is equatorial, monsoon. Two seasons are clearly defined - wet (October-May) and dry (June-September). The warmest months are September-October (+21–29° C), the coldest are June-July (+15–22° C). From 600 to 1500 mm of precipitation falls annually. The climate of the coast is tropical, trade wind. The average temperatures of the warmest month (March) are +24–26° C, the coldest (July) is +16–20° C. Precipitation mainly falls in February-March - from 50 to 500 mm per year. Dense river network, most of the rivers are replete with rapids and waterfalls. The water level in them fluctuates throughout the year. Major rivers: Kwanza, Quito, Cubango and Cunene. Kwanza and Shilvango are navigable.

OK. 40% of the territory is covered with tropical forests (red and sandalwood, limba, tola, chitola, etc. grow) and deciduous woodlands. There are an abundance of palm trees on the sea coast. In the north, south, east and central regions there are extensive savannas (acacias, baobabs, Berlinias, brachystegia, dende palms). In the north of the province of Cabinda there are mangrove forests. In the Namib Desert (south of the country), there is a dwarf tree called Welwitschia amazing. Rich fauna - hippos, white and black rhinoceroses, warthogs, buffalos, gazelles, cheetahs, giant black antelopes, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, kaffir striders (large rodents), crocodiles, leopards, lions, monkeys, pangolins (lizard-like mammals), elephants , aardvarks and jackals. The avifauna is diverse - bustards, sunbirds, parrots, hornbills, secretary birds, weaver birds, hoopoes, etc. There are many reptiles and insects, including the tsetse fly. Several national parks have been created. The coastal waters are rich in fish, crustaceans and mollusks, and there are black whales and sea turtles.

Population.

The average population density is 10 people. per 1 sq. km (2009). Average annual population growth is 2.10% per year (2009). The birth rate is 42.91 births per 1000 population. Mortality – 23.4 deaths per 1000 population (July 2011). Infant mortality is 175.9 deaths per 1000 births. 43.2% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents who have passed the age of 65 make up 2.7%. Life expectancy – 38.76 years (men – 37.74, women 39.83 years) (all indicators for 2011)
The vast majority of the population is classified as poor.

Angola is a multi-ethnic state (110 ethnic groups). 96% of the population belongs to the peoples of the Bantu linguistic family: Ovimbundu (37%), Ambundu (23%), Bakongo (13%), Ngangela (approx. 9%), Chokwe (more than 8%), Nyaneka (4.2%) , Ovambo (2.4%) and others (2000). Each of the listed peoples consists of several ethnic groups: the Ambundu of 21 (Ambundu, Luango, Ngola, etc.), the Ovimbundu of 16 (Bieno, Mbiu, Sele, etc.). In addition to the Bantu, the country (northeastern provinces) is inhabited by Twa pygmies, and in the south and southwest by Bushmen (San). 2% of the population are mulattoes, 1% are Europeans. The most common local languages ​​are Kikongo, Kimbundu and Umbundu.

In cities live approx. 30% of the country's inhabitants.

Large cities: Huambo 979 thousand people. (2009), Benguela (155 thousand people), Lobito (150 thousand people), Namib (125.4 thousand people) - 2002. According to estimates in neighboring countries (most of all in Zambia - about 250 thousand . people) there are 470 thousand Angolan refugees (2003). Angola is one of the largest labor exporters on the continent.

Religions.

53% of the population profess Christianity (Catholics - 38%, Protestants - 15%), 44% of the population adhere to traditional African beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors and forces of nature, etc.), approx. 3% are parishioners of Afro-Christian churches. Christianity began to spread in the late 15th century In 2001, there were 87 officially registered religious sects, and their number continues to grow.

STATE STRUCTURE

The Constitutional Law of 1975 with subsequent amendments is in force. The head of state is the president, elected on the basis of direct and secret ballot under a majoritarian system for 5 years. He has the right to be re-elected for three more terms. Parliament is a unicameral National Assembly, 220 deputies of which are elected for a 4-year term by direct secret ballot using a system of proportional representation (130 - according to the national list, 90 - 5 deputies from each of the 18 provinces).

The national flag is a rectangular panel divided into two equal-sized horizontal stripes of red (above) and black. In the center of the flag, superimposed on the stripes is an image of crossed machetes and half a geared machine wheel and a five-pointed star (between them) in yellow.

Judicial system. The Supreme and appellate courts, civil and criminal local and provincial courts, and a military tribunal.

Defense. National army of 50 thousand people. formed in May 1991 in accordance with the peace agreement concluded between the government and UNITA. After the ratification of the ceasefire agreement (April 2002), 5 thousand UNITA militants were integrated into the Angolan army. In 2002, the national armed forces numbered 100 thousand people: the army (90 thousand people), the Navy (4 thousand people) and the Air Force (6 thousand people). There are also paramilitary forces numbering 10 thousand people. 90% of the army's weapons are Soviet and Russian-made. Defense spending – 265.1 million US dollars (1.9% of GDP) – 2003.

Foreign policy.

The basis is the policy of non-alignment. Maintains relations with the Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa (joined the so-called “Lusophone Commonwealth” - the PALOP organization - created by them together with Portugal and Brazil in 1996).

Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Angola were established on November 11, 1975 (the MPLA government was recognized as one of the first). After the outbreak of the civil war, the USSR provided significant material and military assistance, as well as moral support to the MPLA in the fight against the opposition groups UNITA and FNLA. Russia is a member of the “troika” of observers to resolve the situation in Angola and a participant in UN peacekeeping operations in the country. In 1998, the President of Angola, J. dos Santos, visited Moscow. A Declaration on the foundations of friendly relations and cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Angola and agreements on trade and economic cooperation and the development of the diamond complexes of the two countries was signed. In the beginning. 2000s Russian company ALROSA built a mining and processing plant in Angola, owned by the joint diamond mining enterprise KATOCA (which produces diamonds worth $150 million annually), in which ALROSA owns a 32% stake.

Embassy of the Republic of Angola in the Russian Federation – Moscow, st. Olof Palme, 6. Tel. (095) 143–63–24, 143–65–21, fax (095) 956–18–80. Ambassador (since 2000) – Mr. Monteiro Roberto Leal Ramos (General "Ngongo").

ECONOMY

Its basis is the oil business (80% of profits - 2004) and diamond mining. Angola is on the list of the main 17 debtor countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Agriculture.

The share in GDP is 8%, 85% of the population is employed. (2003). 3% of the vast areas of fertile land are cultivated (one of the reasons is the presence of a large number of mines in the fields). Commercial production of wheat has been developed. They grow bananas, coffee, corn, cassava (cassava), vegetables, sugar cane, sisal, tobacco and cotton. The development of livestock farming is hampered by the spread of tsetse flies in 14 (out of 18) provinces. Cattle are raised only in the south. Fishery is developed (catch of conger eel, tuna, etc.). In the economic zone of Angola Russian ships approx. is caught annually. 25 thousand tons of fish and seafood. Forestry: logging is carried out; cypress and eucalyptus trees are grown for the production of paper and pulp.

Industry.

Share in GDP – 67% (2001). In 2002, the share of the mining industry in GDP, the main component of which is oil and diamond production, was 54.7%. Angola ranks 4th in the world in diamond production (2003). There are enterprises for oil refining, production of building materials, factories for processing agricultural raw materials (including sugar production and fish processing), enterprises in the tobacco, textile and chemical industries. Motorcycles are assembled at a joint venture with China.

International trade.

Exports significantly exceed imports. In 2003, exports amounted to 9.67 billion US dollars, and imports – 4.08 billion US dollars. The main export commodities are diamonds, coffee, crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, fish and seafood, sisal, timber and timber products, and cotton. Main export partners: USA (41%), China (13.6%), France (7.9%), Taiwan (7.5%), Belgium (6.2%), Japan (4.9%) , Spain (4.3%) – 2002. Main imports: military equipment, medicines, machinery and electrical equipment, food products, textiles, vehicles and spare parts for them. Main import partners: Portugal (19.2%), South Africa (14.7%), USA (13.2%), Brazil (7.1%), France (6.4%) and Belgium (5%) – 2002.

Energy.

63.6% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, 36.4% by thermal power plants using petroleum products as fuel. In 2003, construction of the first stage of the Kapanda hydroelectric complex was completed, interrupted due to hostilities in 1990. The restoration of damaged power plants is underway.

Transport.

The transport system was destroyed as a result of a long civil war. The railway network (total length of roads is 2.76 thousand km) and 76.63 thousand km of roads (2003) need restoration and repair. The main ports are Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda and Namib. The merchant fleet consists of 124 vessels (2002). In 2003, as part of the NEPAD (New Partnership for African Development) program, a plan for the restoration of the port of Lobito was developed. The air transport system is well developed: in 2003 there were 244 airports and runways (32 with hard surfaces). In 2003, the restoration of airports in Biya, Luanda, Lobito, Namiba and Huambo began. Cargo and passenger transportation is carried out both within the country and to countries in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

Finance and credit.

The monetary unit is the new kwanzaa (AOA, introduced in September 1990), consisting of 100 leva. In February 2004, the national currency exchange rate was: 1 USD = 80.1 AOA.

Administrative device.

The country is divided into 18 provinces, consisting of 163 municipal districts.

Political organizations.

A multi-party system has emerged (about 120 political parties and organizations). The most influential of them: “ People's Liberation Movement Angola», MPLA(Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola, MPLA), Chairman. – José Eduardo dos Santos, General. sec. – Lourenço João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. Ruling party, main in 1956; " National Union for Total Independence Angola», UNITA(União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola, UNITA), gen. sec. – Lukamba Paulo “Gato” (Paulo Lukamba “Gato”). Founded in 1966; " National Liberation Front Angola», FNLA(Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola, FNLA), Chairman. – Ngonda Lucas (Lucas Ngonda). Founded in 1962; " Liberal Democratic the consignment», LDP(Partido Liberal Democrático, PLD), Chairman. – Anália de Victória Pereira; " Social Renewal Party», PRS(Partido Renovador Social, PRS), leader – Eduardo Kwangana; " UNITA-Renewed"(UNITA-Renovador), Chairman. – Ngolu Manuvakola Eugenio (Eugenio Ngolo Manuvakola). Created by former UNITA members in 1998.

Trade union associations. National Association of Angolan Workers, NOAT (União Nacional de Trabalhadores Angolanos, UNTA). Created in April 1960, has approx. 600 thousand members. Chairman - Manuel Diogo da Silva Neto, Secretary General - Manuel Augusto Viage.

Education.

Primary education is officially compulsory (4 years), which children can receive from the age of 6. Secondary education (7 years) begins at age 10 and takes place in two cycles of 4 and 3 years. In 2004, 29 thousand new school teachers began working. 3 million schoolchildren and students study (2004). University named after A. Neto (Luanda) was founded in 1963. 423 teachers work at the agricultural, engineering, medical, law and economics faculties and 6.29 thousand students study (2002). In 1997, the Catholic University of Angola was created in Lubango. The University of South Africa (SA) has opened its correspondence department in Angola via the Internet. There are research institutes of agrochemistry (Huambo), veterinary medicine (Lubango), geology and medicine (both are located in Luanda). In 2002, the National Petroleum Institute was created - the only university in Africa engaged in special training for the oil, geological exploration and mining sectors of the economy. In 1998, 42% of the population were literate (men - 56%, women - 28%).

Healthcare.

Hepatitis, intestinal infectious diseases (32% of the population has access to clean drinking water), measles, malaria, meningitis, trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”), tuberculosis, schistomatosis, etc. Cases of typhus have been registered. The main health problems are related to the low standard of living of the vast majority of the country's population (45% of children suffer seriously from malnutrition). In addition to the high mortality rate of newborns, there is a high mortality rate among children under 5 years of age. Only 27% of children under 1 year of age receive required vaccinations. In 2001–2003, with the assistance of international organizations, more than 7 million children were vaccinated against measles.

In 2001, there were 350 thousand people with AIDS and HIV-infected people (5.5% of the population), 24 thousand people died. For every 1000 people in 1997 there were 0.08 doctors (the shortage of doctors and medical personnel is explained, among other things, by the mass departure of Portuguese specialists from the country after independence). In 2000, health care expenditures amounted to 3.6% of GDP.

Press, radio broadcasting, television, Internet.

Daily newspapers are published in Portuguese: Jornal de Angola (Angolan Newspaper - party and government newspaper), Diário da República - Government Newspaper, monthly newspaper Leader do Trabalhador" (A Voz do Trabalhador - "Voice of the Worker"), newspaper "Progresso" ("Progress"). The magazines "Mensagem" ("Message") and "Novembro" ("November") are published. The Angolan news agency AIN (Agencia Angola Press, ANGOP) has been operating since 1978. State-owned national radio and television have been broadcasting since 1975. There is an official government website on the Internet. There are 41 thousand people. Internet Users (2002).

Tourism.

The country has good conditions for the development of the tourism industry - a variety of natural landscapes, rich flora and fauna, beautiful waterfalls (Duque de Braganza on the Lucala River, as well as Kambabwe and Luando on the Kwanza River), conditions for sport fishing and the original culture of the local peoples The development of tourism is significantly hampered by the presence of a large number of unrecovered mines left after the civil war. In 1997, 45.14 thousand visited Angola. foreign tourists, in 2001 - 67.38 thousand: from Portugal (12.60 thousand people), France (9.13 thousand people), England, Brazil, Spain, Norway, USA, Philippines and South Africa. In 2001, 1,726 Russian tourists visited the country (in 1999 – 1,365 people).

Sights: in Luanda - the Angola Museum, the Museum of Slavery and the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, the Portuguese fortress of San Miguel (17th century), the ethnographic museum in Cabinda, the Dundu Museum in the town of the same name, as well as archaeological and anthropological museums in the city .Bengela, Iona, Cameo, Kisama and Milando national parks.

Visa regime. Visa-free transit is not permitted. Entrants must provide a medical certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. The import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required). It is exchanged in banks and exchange offices; there is a black market for currency. The export of national currency is prohibited. The export of weapons, unprocessed precious stones and ivory handicrafts is also prohibited. The national cuisine combines African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Hot sauce popular piri-piri hot pepper (served with chicken, shrimp and fish). When planning travel around the country, you need to consider holidays: January 1, February 4, March 8, May 1, September 17, November 3 and 11, December 10 and 25.

Architecture and fine arts.

Folk dwellings among the peoples inhabiting Angola are usually rectangular in shape, but there are also huts that are round in plan. They are placed on a frame made of stakes entwined with tree twigs or coated with clay. Roofs made of grass or thatch are gabled or laid in the form of a tent. Doors and walls are decorated with burnt or painted designs and carved figurines of people, spirits and animals. Some peoples build their huts on wooden stilts. Buildings made of reinforced concrete structures and glass have become a hallmark of modern large cities.

The visual arts of Angola have their origins long before our era. – rock paintings in Kaningiri date back to 5–8 thousand BC. Traditional sculpture (cult objects, figurines of sea monsters and fetishes made of wood, stone and ivory) among the peoples of Cabinda, brightly colored sculptural compositions among the Yak people, as well as female figurines resembling antelopes among the Chokwe are distinctive.

Among professional Angolan artists there are many world-famous masters - Victor Teixeira (pseudonym “Viteix”), Antonio Ole, Roberto Silva. The National Union of Angolan Artists (UNAP) operates. There are several art galleries in Luanda (Viteix, the gallery of the Union of Angolan Artists, etc.). In 1999–2002, Moscow hosted exhibitions of works by contemporary Angolan artists - Alvaro Macieira, Victor Manuel Teixeira (“Vito”), Jorge Gumbe, Francisco Van Dunem (“Vana”) and Feliciana Dias dos Santos (“Kida”).

Among the crafts and arts, wood carving (the production of ritual masks and figurines that decorate the doors of houses, household utensils and furniture), pottery (molded ceramics are decorated with impaled ornaments), as well as weaving mats and dishes from wood fiber with a geometric pattern of red and black color.

Literature.

Began to develop from the second floor. 19th century (mostly in Portuguese). A book was published in 1891 Folk wisdom in Angolan proverbs local writer and folklorist J. Dias Cordeiro da Matta. The first poets were J. da Silva Mai Ferreira, J. Dias Cordeiro da Matta. Major writers: Agostinho Neto, Alda Lara, Antonio Jacinto, Antonio Cardoso, Jose Luandino da Vieira, Octaviano Correia, etc. One of the youngest (27 years old) and popular contemporary writers is Ndalu de Almeida (pseudonym Onjaki). In 2002 his new book was published - Inari, the girl with five pigtails. In the same year, his poetry collection was published in Portugal. Bloody act. Modern young poets - Graciano Francisco Dominogosa, Luis Kanjimbu and others. Since 2001, Angola annually participates in the Moscow International Book Fair. At the next exhibition in 2004, several hundred books from Angolan publishers were presented.

Music.

It has ancient traditions and is distinguished by ethnic diversity. Music exists in an inextricable connection with dance, an important element of which is rhythm. Original ritual dances batuke(among the Kongo people) kauema(“fire dance” by Nangela), numbers(among Chokwe), etc. When performing traditional music, accompanying songs and dances, various drums (puita, etc.) and xylophones (kissanji, marimba), shingongu guitar, longu bells, otiikumbu lyre, mbulumbumba musical bow, 3-string violin are used kalyal, Pan flutes, etc. Composers: Mashado J.M., Mukenga F., F. da Sis, etc.

The music of Angola also absorbed the traditions of Portuguese musical culture, and in the 20th century. she is influenced by Latin American melodies and modern pop culture. National popular music has been developing since the 1950s. Since 1978, colorful so-called events have been held in the capital. "victory carnivals" The 24th carnival was already held in 2002. In the 1900s–2000s, the performances of the dance ensemble “Moyo Etu” were popular.

Theater and cinema.

Theatrical extravaganzas since the 17th century. Church holidays were accompanied by religious schools organized at monasteries and churches. The first semi-professional theater group, called Providencia, arose in Luanda in 1847. In the 1960s and 1970s, the CTA Theater (the name's acronym in Portuguese) and the Angolan Theater Club were active. After independence, most theater workers (Europeans) left the country. Amateur groups began to be created. Documentary chronicles have been developing since the second half of the 1970s (11-episode film I am Angolan and I work hard, Volodya, people's commander dir. L. Vieira and others). First feature film - Be brave, comrade!– filmed by director R. Duarte di Carvalho in 1977. Filming of the feature film began in 2003 Empty city(about the national tragedy - the 27-year civil war) joint Angolan-French production. Directors: Maria João and François Gonot.

STORY

Ancient history.

Archaeological finds confirm the fact of human habitation on the territory of modern Angola back in the Neolithic era. It was inhabited by the ancestors of the modern San (Bushmen), who were engaged in hunting and gathering. In the 5th–6th centuries. they were pushed to the southern regions by the agricultural and pastoral Bantu tribes who came from the north and knew iron smelting. The first early state formation - Congo with its capital Mbanza-Kongo - arose on the territory of modern Angola in the 13th century. It occupied the northern regions, but the power of the manikongo (supreme ruler) extended beyond the borders of this state. Congo was the largest and most developed early state in Angola. Its heyday was from the 15th to the first half of the 16th centuries; it collapsed at the end. 19th century In the pre-colonial period, there were also state and political associations of Benguela, Kassanji (17th - early 19th centuries), Lunda (also known as "Mwata-Yamvo", late 16th - 2nd half of the 19th century, capital - Musumba), Matamba (1635 - late 17th century) and Ndongo (15th - late 17th centuries, capital - Mbanza-Kabasa). The population of these early states was mainly engaged in agriculture, pottery and weaving, and also skillfully smelted metals. In Ndongo, livestock farming and the extraction of nzimbu shells were well developed, which at that time served as a means of exchange in many African countries. It was also distinguished by the presence of a large army.

Colonial period.

The first Europeans to land on the Angolan coast were the Portuguese. In 1482, an expedition led by Diogo Can discovered the mouth of the Congo River, and in 1484 an agreement was concluded with the Manikongo. In the beginning. 16th century The Portuguese built several forts; in 1576, Fort Sao Paulo de Luanda (the modern capital of Luanda) was founded. The influence of Portugal in the Congo intensified during the reign of King M. Nzinga (1506–1543), who converted to Christianity and received the name Afonso I. In the 17th century. Major uprisings of the indigenous population broke out - in 1570 under the leadership of Mbula Matadi, and in 1591 - led by Nsoyo. Attempts by the Portuguese at the end. 16th century to penetrate into the interior of Angola encountered stubborn resistance from the states of Ndongo and Matamba, ruled by Queen Anna Nzinga Mbandi Ngola (she received the Catholic name Anna at baptism in 1622 at the age of 40). She led the anti-Portuguese coalition, which also united the states of Congo and Kassangi. Having concluded a military alliance with the Dutch (ships of the Dutch East India Company landed in Luanda in 1621), she managed to return independence to the Ndongo state in 1648. For 31 years (out of 81 years lived), the brave Anna Nzinga Mbandi Ngola fought against the colonialists, as a result of which the Portuguese seizure of the interior was stopped. The Portuguese succeeded in subjugating Ndongo in 1671, and Matambu in the very end. 17th century

The main source of enrichment for the colonialists was the slave trade, legislated by decree of the Portuguese king on January 11, 1758. (Over three centuries of colonial rule, about 5 million slaves were exported from Angola - mainly to Brazil on coffee, rubber and sugar plantations). Lacking the strength for direct military expansion into the interior of the country, the Portuguese, trying to weaken the resistance of the indigenous population, incited armed conflicts between different peoples. To obtain information about the natural resources of Angola, Portugal organized expeditions by A.F. da Silva Porto (1852–1854) and A.A. Serpa Pinto (1877–1879). The prohibition of the slave trade by the King of Portugal in 1836 (however, slave smuggling continued until 1852) caused serious damage to the colonial economy. At the same time, the internal slave trade continued for several more decades - slave labor was actively used on cotton plantations, as well as rubber harvesting. A system of forced contracting of the local population was introduced, most of the workers were sent to work in salt mines and road construction, some were sent to cocoa plantations on the island of Sao Tome and Principe.

The final boundaries of Angola were determined by the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, convened on the issue of territorial division in the Congo River basin between England, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and France), as well as individual agreements between Portugal and the listed states, signed in 1885–1891. Attempts by Lisbon at the end. 19th century to subjugate the remaining internal territories of the country again encountered resistance from Africans: the uprising of the Bassorongo people (1900), unrest in the Damba, Zombo and Kimbubuge regions (1909–1910), etc. All of them were suppressed by Portuguese troops. After the fall of the monarchy in Portugal (1910) and the introduction of an administrative system in Angola (1920), the exploitation of the colony intensified. The discontent of the indigenous population led to new armed uprisings (uprising in Benguela in 1917, etc.). Introduced in 1929 Political, civil and criminal statute concerning the natives, according to which the African inhabitants of the Portuguese colonies were divided into “indigenos” (natives) and “assimilados” (assimilated). Indigenous were subject to discrimination, forced labor, and arbitrary taxation. Africans who converted to Christianity, are fluent in Portuguese, have a regular income and lead a European lifestyle could become “assimilados.” By 1940, 0.6% of the population (24 thousand people) received the status of “assimilated”. Action Political, civil and criminal statute concerning the natives(indigenata system) abolished in 1961.

The first political organizations of the African population of Angola were the “Angolan League” (founded in 1912, banned in 1922) and the “National African League” (NAL) and the “Regional Association of the Residents of Angola” (RAJA), created in 1929. Their activities were educational in nature. Until Wednesday In the 1950s, the anti-colonial movement was disunited, often taking the form of religious sectarianism - Tokoist sects were created (named after their founder S. Toku), who refused to work on farms owned by Europeans. After Angola was granted the status of an “overseas province” of Portugal (1951), the colony began to strengthen the state-capitalist sector of the economy. After World War II, Angola became one of the world's largest suppliers of coffee, intensive construction of roads began, serving mainly the mining industry (including its new branches - the extraction of oil, manganese and iron ores), and diamond mining volumes increased.

The rise of the anti-colonial movement began in the 1960s. It was led by the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA, leader - Agustinho Neto), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA, leader - Holden Roberto, created in neighboring Congo on the basis of emigrant organizations) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. (UNITA, leader - Jonas Savimbi), created in 1956, 1962 and 1966 respectively. The MPLA was an association of several left-wing political organizations. It advocated the independence of a united Angola, and in 1960 began an armed struggle against the Portuguese colonialists. FNLA and UNITA are anti-colonial separatist movements that relied on the support of the Bakongo (FNLA) and Ovimbundu (UNITA) peoples. On February 4, 1961, the MPLA raised an uprising in Luanda, which resulted in some concessions by the colonial authorities - forced labor was abolished, powers were expanded local authorities. In April 1962, the FNLA independently created the “Provisional Government of Angola in Exile” (GRAE), headed by J. Roberto. In 1961–1972, the MPLA managed to create several military-political regions with elected authorities. The leadership of UNITA agreed to cooperate with the colonial authorities.

The new Portuguese government, formed after the victory of the 1974 revolution, granted Angola the right to independence. On January 15, 1975, an agreement was signed between Portugal, on the one hand, and the MPLA, FNLA and UNITA on the other, on practical ways of transition to independence. It was not possible to form a transitional government due to the outbreak of armed clashes between the MPLA and the FNLA. UNITA took the side of the FNLA, however, the MPLA was able to oust their armed units from the capital. In October, troops from South Africa and Zaire invaded Angola to support the FNLA and UNITA.

Period of independent development.

On November 11, 1975, the independent People's Republic of Angola (PRA) was proclaimed in Luanda. A. Neto became the president of the country. The 1975 Constitution established the leading role of the MPLA in the state. In March 1976, the MPLA army, with the help of arriving Cuban military units, forced the troops of South Africa and Zaire to leave Angola. FNLA and UNITA continued to resist the authorities.

In December 1977, the MPLA was transformed into the vanguard party "MPLA - Labor Party" (MPLA - PT). The government proclaimed the course of building socialism. The country faced serious difficulties: with the outbreak of the civil war, almost all the Portuguese left Angola (including engineers, doctors and other specialists), industrial production fell, most of the coffee and cotton plantations left by the peasants were destroyed by the rebels or fell into disrepair, who were forced to leave their homes to escape attacks by UNITA militants. After the death of A. Neto (September 1979), Jose Eduardo dos Santos became the chairman of the MPLA-PT. The main source of income for the MPLA-PT government was the export of oil, which was produced by American companies. UNITA, which continued to resist the government, from the end. In the 1970s, it began to receive assistance from the United States and other Western countries. She managed to capture significant territories in the south and east of Angola. UNITA's source of stable income (about $600 million per year) was diamonds, large deposits of which were located in the territories under its control. Diamonds were sold through a smuggling network to other African countries, and through intermediaries throughout the world.

In 1988, the NRA, South Africa, the USA, Cuba and the USSR signed the New York Agreement on the cessation of assistance to UNITA from South Africa and the withdrawal of Cuban units from Angola. The internal political settlement in Angola was aggravated by new actions by UNITA, which continued to persistently demand that the authorities establish a multi-party system. Until 1990, mutual accusations of violating the terms of previously reached agreements prevented the warring parties from making peace. Since 1990, MPLA-PT began to be called MPLA again. The party proclaimed a change in the political course of Angola - the achievement of democratic socialism (the term taken from the MPLA program document), a market economy and a multi-party system were named as new goals. With the start of economic reforms in 1991, 100 companies were returned to their previous owners, and up to 48% of the shares of large state-owned enterprises were transferred to private firms. Since August 1992, the country began to be called the “People's Republic of Angola”.

General elections were held on September 29–30, 1992, amid new clashes between the warring factions MPLA and UNITA. Of the 12 candidates in the multi-party presidential elections, the largest number of votes (but without an absolute majority) was received by Zh.E. dos Santos (49.57%) and J. Savimbi (40.07%). The latter refused to participate in the second round of elections. Zh.E. became the president. dos Santos. In the parliamentary elections, the MPLA received 129 seats, UNITA - 70, Social Renewal Party - 6, FNLA -5, LDP - 3, other parties - 7 seats.

The UNITA leadership did not recognize the election results, did not agree with the distribution of posts in the new government and resumed military operations against the MPLA. Particularly fierce battles took place in the area of ​​Huambo. With the assistance of the UN, on November 22, 1994, the Lusaka Agreements on Peace and National Reconciliation in Angola were concluded. In April 1997, a government of unity and national reconciliation was created, which, in addition to the MPLA, included representatives of UNITA and other opposition parties represented in parliament. In December 1998, after UNITA violated the Lusaka Agreements, large-scale hostilities were resumed. The 60 thousand UNITA militants were armed with hundreds of armored personnel carriers and tanks, heavy and light artillery, several combat aircraft, air defense systems, modern radio communication systems, tens of thousands of small arms purchased with funds from the sale of diamonds. After the fall of the racist regime in South Africa, the main assistance to UNITA was provided by Zaire. However, the ANC, which came to power in the Republic of South Africa, did not immediately manage to establish control over private traders and South African organizations that helped UNITA.

In September 1994, the MPLA government adopted a new investment code, which significantly increased interest in Angola from foreign investors. The US has intensified cooperation with the legitimate MPLA government. Exports of Angolan oil, in the production of which American corporations participated, went mainly to the United States. The war in Angola impeded the normal activities of not only American, but also British, French, Brazilian and Israeli transnational corporations (TNCs) interested in developing the country's mineral resources.

The world community almost unanimously named J. Savimbi as the culprit of the war that broke out in Angola. The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in December 1998, which stated that the root cause of the crisis was the failure of the UNITA leadership to fulfill its obligations under the peace agreements. The European Parliament adopted a resolution the same month with a similar assessment of UNITA's actions. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) joined these decisions in January 1999. The OAU announced its intention to declare UNITA leader J. Savimbi a war criminal. UNITA's bank accounts abroad were frozen; based on the results of the work of two UN expert commissions on Angola (under the leadership of R. Fowler), in 2000 the UN decided to strengthen measures to cut off UNITA's arms supply and diamond smuggling channels. In response to these sanctions, UNITA militants shot down several UN planes and killed several dozen employees of the relief mission. In March 1999, the UN was forced to lower the flag over its headquarters in Angola. In the first half of 1999, the preponderance of forces was on the side of UNITA, but the population did not support its actions. The MPLA government quickly rearmed the army (new weapons were purchased and military equipment in the amount of 1 billion US dollars), and its number was increased to 100 thousand people. There have been reshuffles in the government - control of security ministries and key departments has been transferred to military generals. The UNITA parliamentary group split into three factions: those supporting J. Savimbi, representatives of the UNITA-Renewed party (created after a split in UNITA in September 1998, the Angolan government recognized the party as the official UNITA), the third, largest group, consisted of deputies -centrists.

In September 1999, as a result of a major offensive by government troops, the main UNITA bases were taken - Andulo, Bailundo (the spiritual center of the Ovimbundu people - the ethnic base of UNITA) and Zhamba, and huge arsenals of equipment and weapons were captured, incl. 27 tanks and 40 infantry fighting vehicles. The offensive of government troops continued in 2000. Fearing reprisals, some of the top UNITA officials went over to the side legitimate government. UNITA fighters, hastily retreating under the pressure of government troops who launched a counter-offensive, threw a large number of weapons and equipment. UNITA formations again switched to guerrilla warfare methods, captured villages and brutally dealt with civilians. In the beginning. 2000 92 municipal areas of Angola were under the control of government forces (including 11 of the 13 areas where diamonds are mined). UNITA prevented the establishment of normal life in the liberated areas: militants attacked orphanages, took children hostage, and kidnapped priests and government officials. The forced mobilization of boys aged 10–14 years began, whom the militants used in battles and punitive expeditions. On February 22, 2002, as a result of a military operation by government troops in the province of Mochico, J. Savimbi was killed. On April 4 of the same year, the UNITA leadership, weakened after the death of its leader, signed a ceasefire agreement. However, isolated militant groups in remote areas continued to rob and kill civilians.

As a result of the long civil war, the Angolan economy was almost completely destroyed, approx. half a million Angolans, more than 50% of the adult population were unemployed, and 3/4 of the inhabitants were in extreme poverty. Inflation in 1990–1995 was 500%; in 1996 it reached a record level of 1650%. In 1999, revenues received by the government from oil exports helped reduce inflation to 329%.

Angola in the 21st century

In December 2002, the first post-war budget was approved (amended in April 2003). In April 2003, the government also considered new laws regarding the investment regime for foreign firms. The basis of Angola's economy is the extraction of oil and diamonds. In terms of oil production, the country ranks 2nd in Africa (after Nigeria). In the 1980–1990s, the pace of development of the oil and gas industry in Angola was one of the highest among African countries. Foreign partners in joint ventures are the largest TNCs - the American group Chevron-Texaco (owns 39.2% of the assets of enterprises in Cabinda), the French-Belgian company Total-Finna-Elf and the Italian Agip-ENI. The Angolan state, represented by the Sonangol company, owns 20–41% of the assets of the country's oil joint ventures.

Angola's share in world diamond production is 15% (after South Africa, Botswana and Russia, it ranks 4th in the world). A serious problem for the government is illegal diamond mining (according to unofficial data, 290 thousand people are employed in underground diamond mining). In January 2004, in the province of Bie, the first operation of the Angolan armed forces in the post-war period was carried out, aimed against clandestine diamond mining.

In October 2003, President Zh.E. dos Santos said that the next presidential and parliamentary elections will not be held until 2005, since for them to be held, 14 preconditions must be met, primarily the adoption of a new constitution. In the same year, a special commission was created to develop a new constitution. It included 25 representatives of the MPLA and 15 from UNITA. The opposition demanded that general elections be held no later than the end of 2005. In December 2003, Zh.E. dos Santos was re-elected chairman of the MPLA.

The Angolan government faces a set of complex post-war development tasks - the fight against hunger and poverty (thousands of people die from hunger, the country ranks 5th in the world in terms of infant mortality), restoration of war-damaged infrastructure, destruction of anti-personnel mines (in the provinces of Huambo, There are approximately 4 thousand minefields left in Mochique, Malanje and others), problems associated with the settlement of returning Angolan refugees, as well as the transition of former militants to peaceful life. As a result of the dissolution of the rebel forces (completed by mid-2003), approx. 90 thousand people More than 35 camps have been created to temporarily accommodate them, as well as their families. The last source of tension remains the oil-rich (89% of Angolan oil production) province of Cabinda, in which at the beginning. In 2004, the activities of the separatist group FLEC intensified (it has been active since 1975, since the second half of the 1990s it has undertaken only small actions). The separatists put forward a demand for the secession of the province, whose population supposedly constitutes an ethnic community separate from the Angolans.

Since 2003, the investments of the American oil company Chevron-Texaco in the implementation of three oil exploration projects on the Angolan shelf (calculated for 2003–2005) amounted to approx. $9 billion. The circle of consumers of Angolan oil is expanding - having supplanted Saudi Arabia, Angola has become the largest oil exporter to China. GDP growth in 2003 was 7.14% (in 2002 – 3.5%). Inflation in 2002 was reduced to 106%.

A serious problem for Angola is the reduction in foreign aid. The IMF accuses the Angolan government of corruption and mismanagement. Between 1997 and 2002, $4.2 billion (10% of GDP) in oil revenues “disappeared” from Angolan public accounts, the amount the government claimed was spent on social needs. The IMF said that further international assistance to the country should be provided only if it maintains transparency in the expenditure of state budget items. An obstacle to new investments by Portugal in the Angolan economy is Angola's unpaid debt (as of August 2004, 25% of the debt was paid - 258 million US dollars).

In May 2004, after unsuccessful attempts to persuade the government to hold elections in 2005, representatives of opposition parties resigned from the commission to develop a new constitution. A government report released in July 2004 stated that the simultaneous organization of presidential and parliamentary elections requires an amount of $430 million, and the preparation time for them is estimated at 9–18 months. In August 2004, the MPLA government announced a provisional date for general elections of September 2006.

The Angolan Parliament adopted a new constitution on January 21, 2010, which strengthens presidential power and declares all land the property of the state. The country's new constitution was approved yesterday by 186 out of 220 parliamentarians.
Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, who has led the country for the past 30 years, will remain in office at least until 2012, when the country will hold parliamentary elections.

Lyubov Prokopenko

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ANGOLA (Angola), Republic of Angola (Reptiblica de Angola).

General information

state in South West Africa. In the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Angola also includes the province of Cabinda, a semi-enclave on the Atlantic coast, between the territories of the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Area 1246.7 thousand km2. Population 12.9 million (2005). Capital Luanda. The official language is Portuguese. The currency is the kwanza. Administrative division: 18 provinces (Table 1).

Angola is a member of the UN (1976), the African Union (1999; in 1976-98 - OAU), IBRD (1989), IMF (1989), WTO (1996).

L. A. Aksyonova.

Political system

Angola is a unitary state. The Constitution of Angola was adopted on November 11, 1975 (valid with amendments). The form of government is a mixed republic.

Head of State and executive power President, elected by universal and direct suffrage for a term of 5 years (can be re-elected twice more). The President is at the head of all state institutions. His powers include protecting the state and coordinating relations between branches of government; the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces.

The highest legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly (220 deputies), elected by general and direct elections for 4 years: 130 deputies are elected by a proportional system throughout the country, 90 deputies by a majoritarian system. The Standing Committee is a body of the Assembly that performs its functions during the intersessional period.

The government includes the president, prime minister and ministers; it is responsible to the National Assembly.

Angola has a multi-party system. Among the parties: Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA; founded in 1956), National Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA; founded in 1966), etc.

V. V. Maklakov.

Nature

Relief. Most of the country is occupied by a plateau, rising in a steep ledge above a narrow (50-160 km) coastal lowland (see map). The plateau is more elevated in the western part (height 1500-2000 m), here individual mountains rise in places, including the Bie massif with the highest point of the country - Mount Moko (2620 m); it gradually decreases to the north (towards the Congo Basin), east (towards the Zambezi River valley) and southeast (towards the Kalahari Basin).

Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Angola is located within the African Plate. Outcrops of the crystalline basement, composed of Archean and Lower Proterozoic rocks, form the Kasai, Angolan, Bangweulu shields and the Kwanza ledge. Upper Precambrian deposits form the Western Congo fold belt in the northwest and fragments of the Kibarid-Katangida and Damarid fold systems in the east and south of the country. The platform cover is developed in the Congo and Okavango basins, and also forms perioceanic troughs. Its composition includes sediments of the Upper Precambrian and Upper Paleozoic - Triassic with traces of ancient glaciations, continental rocks of Cretaceous age and sandy strata of the Cenozoic are widespread. Large deposits of oil, iron ores, diamonds (see Angola-Congo diamond province), gypsum, phosphorites, bauxite, rock salt, as well as ores of uranium, copper, gold, manganese, titanium, vanadium, lithium and other minerals are known.

Climate. In the interior (larger) part of Angola the climate is equatorial monsoon, on the coast it is tropical trade wind, arid. Two seasons are clearly distinguished: wet summer (October-May with a short dry period in January-February) and dry winter (June-September). Average temperatures in the warmest month (September or October) range from 17°C in the upper part of the slopes to 28°C in the lower part; the coolest (July or August) respectively from 13 to 23°C. Precipitation ranges from 1000-1500 mm per year in the north to 600-800 mm in the south. In the coastal lowland, the cold Benguela Current lowers the air temperature in July (the coolest month) to 16-20°C, in March (the warmest month) to 24-26°C. Precipitation ranges from 250-500 mm per year in the north to 50-100 mm in the south. In winter, kasimbo night fogs are typical.

Rivers. In the northeast of Angola, the rivers belong to the Congo River basin (the largest is the Kasai River with the left tributary of the Kwango), in the west - the Atlantic Ocean (Kwanza and Cunene). In the east and southeast flow the Zambezi River (upper course) with its tributary Kwando and the Kubango River. During the dry season, the rivers become very shallow or dry up (especially in the south and southwest), and during the summer rains they overflow catastrophically. Almost all of them are rapids, rapid and unsuitable for navigation, but they have large reserves of hydropower.

Soils, flora and fauna. Almost 40% of Angola's territory is occupied by forests and woodlands. In the northeast, mainly along river valleys, there are tropical rainforests with valuable tree species (ebony, Toddalia lanceolata, etc.). In the interior regions, dry deciduous tropical woodlands predominate, alternating with extensive grass savannas on poor ferralitic (brown-red, etc.) soils. In the north and central part of the coastal lowland there are grassy and shrubby savannas with baobab on red-brown ferruginous and black tropical soils. In the valleys there are thickets of papyrus and palm trees. In the southern part there are deserted savannas and semi-deserts on reddish-brown soils, in the extreme south of the desert, where a peculiar dwarf tree grows - amazing Welwitschia, characteristic only of the rocky arid deserts of Western and South-West Africa.

Angola is home to elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, warthog, jackal, zebra, various antelopes, aardvarks, monkeys; In the province of Malanje there is a black antelope. Reptiles and insects are numerous. Coastal waters are rich in fish. Angola has 13 protected natural areas with a total area of ​​about 8.2 million hectares, including the national parks of Cameo, Iona (the location of the amazing Velvichia), Mupa, Kisama, and Kangandala.

Population

The majority of the population of Angola are Bantu peoples; of which the largest are Ovimbundu (25%), Ambundu (23%), Kongo (13%), Luena (8%), Chokwe (5%), Kwanyama (4%), Nyaneka (4%), Luchazi (2% ), Ovambo (2%), Mbwela (2%), Nyemba (2%), Northern Lunda (1%), Mbunda (1%), Herero (103 thousand people) (2000, estimate). Bantu languages ​​are also spoken by Pygmies (Twa; 0.1%). Khoisan peoples (Kwadi, Hukwe, various Kung groups) make up 0.5%. A special group is the so-called Euro-Africans: mulattoes who speak Portuguese or its creolized version (1%). There are less than 0.09% of Portuguese left in the country.

Waterfall on the Kwanza River.

Lit.: Perventsev V. A. Angola. M., 1987; Angola: a country study. 3rded. Wash., 1991.

L. A. Aksyonova; P. A. Bozhko (geological structure and minerals).

Current demographic statistics for Angola are based on estimates since the last census was conducted in 1970. Feature The population of Angola is young: over 43% are young people under 14 years old, people over 65 years old - 2.8%, the average age of the population is 18 years old. High levels of birth rate (45 per 1000 inhabitants) and fertility (6.33 children per 1 woman) ensure rapid natural population growth, despite high mortality (25.9 per 1000 inhabitants) and extremely low life expectancy (36.9 years; men 36.1, women 37.6 years). The infant mortality rate (192.5 per 1000 births; 2004) in Angola is one of the highest in the world. In 1990-2000, Angola ranked 3rd in Africa (after Libya and Niger) in terms of average annual population growth (3.3%). There is a significant preponderance of the female population over the male population. The average population density is 10.4 people/km 2 . Traditionally, the most densely populated coastline is around the cities of Luanda, Lobito, Benguela and Cabinda (over 1,100 people/km2). Relatively high population density in the central and western parts of the interior plateau. In the southern (including the ocean coast) and eastern regions, as well as in the highest parts of the internal plateau, the population density generally does not exceed 1 person/km 2. More than 28% of the population lives in cities. Largest cities (thousands of people, 2003): Luanda - 2300, Huambo (formerly New Lisbon) - 171, Lobito - 136, Benguela - 133, Quito - 86, Lubango (formerly Sada Bandeira) - 75, Malanje - 70, Mbanza - Congo - 64. Economically active population 5.6 million people (2003), of which more than half are unemployed and underemployed (2001). Agriculture accounts for 85% of employment, industry and services - 15% (2003).

L. Angola Aksyonova; P. I. Puchkov (ethnic composition).

Religion

The majority of the population of Angola are Christians, of which over 44% are Catholics, about 15% are Protestants (Baptists, Methodists, Congregationalists). The remaining residents of Angola are adherents of various Afro-Christian syncretic cults (for example, Quimbangism) or profess local traditional beliefs. In the 16th century, King Afonso I converted to Catholicism, and his son Enrique became the first black bishop in Christian history in 1518.

Historical sketch

The early history of Angola is poorly studied. In the 13th century, the state of Congo was formed on the territory of Northern Angola. Later, other early class state formations arose on Angolan soil. By the time the first Europeans arrived (the Portuguese expedition of Diogo Cana in 1482), the states of Ndongo, Lunda, and Benguela existed here; in the 16th and 17th centuries Matamba and Kassanje arose. In the 16th century, the Portuguese founded several fortified forts on the Angolan coast, including São Paulo de Luanda (1576). From the end of the 16th century they began to penetrate into the interior of Angola. Nzinga Mbandi Ngola, who ruled in the 1st half of the 17th century in the states of Ndongo and Matamba, put up stubborn resistance to the invaders. It was only at the end of the 17th century that Angola was again subjected to Portuguese conquest.

Until the mid-19th century, the main occupation of the Portuguese in Angola was the slave trade; It is estimated that over 3 centuries, about 5 million people were exported from the country (mainly to Brazil).

The state of Lunda resisted the colonialists the longest (until the end of the 19th century). In 1885-91, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and England determined the modern borders of Angola, the full occupation of which was completed by Portugal only in the early 1920s. In 1951, the colony of Angola received the status of an “overseas province”.

The colonial regime more than once caused spontaneous popular uprisings. In the mid-20th century, the first patriotic organizations arose underground: in 1954, the Union of Peoples of the North of Angola (since 1958, the Union of Peoples of Angola - UPA) and in 1956, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The UPA relied on the Bakongo ethnic base and initially sought the separation of Northern Angola and the re-establishment of the Congo state within its medieval borders. The MPLA advocated the independence of a united Angola. On February 4, 1961, the MPLA raised an uprising in Luanda, marking the beginning of the armed stage of the anti-colonial struggle. 15.3.1961 The UPA organized attacks on a number of plantations in Northern Angola, which were of a racial and ethnic nature. In response, the colonialists intensified mass terror, from which hundreds of thousands of Angolans fled to neighboring countries. At the same time, the Portuguese government tried to carry out reforms: in the 1960s, forced labor regulations were abolished, and Angolans were given some civil rights, the prerogatives of local authorities have been expanded. But these measures had almost no impact on the situation of the bulk of the indigenous population.

After the unification of the UPA with the Democratic Party of Angola (March 1962), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) was created; On April 5, 1962, its leadership, autonomous from the MPLA, created the “Provisional Government of Angola in Exile” (GRAE), headed by J. Roberto. The MPLA, led by A. Neto, managed to create in 1961-72 a number of military-political regions (VPR) with elected authorities.

In March 1966, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) arose in the eastern regions, led by J. Savimbi, who was based on the Ovimbundu ethnic base. UNITA soon began to cooperate with the colonial authorities. Since 1961, the Angolan issue has been repeatedly discussed in the UN, the OAU and other international organizations. At the call of the OAU, most African states broke off diplomatic relations with Portugal and declared an economic boycott of it. The USSR supported the anti-colonial war in Angola, providing political, economic and military assistance to the MPLA.

After the 1974 revolution, the Portuguese democratic government ended the colonial war and granted Angola the right to independence. 1/15/1975 Portugal, MPLA, FNLA and UNITA signed an agreement on practical ways for Angola's transition to independence. But internal Angolan contradictions and outside interference led to civil war and foreign intervention. The territory of Angola was invaded by troops of South Africa and Zaire, supporting the FNLA and UNITA. On November 11, 1975, in Luanda, which was under the control of the MPLA, the independence of the People's Republic of Angola (PRA) was proclaimed and a government was formed; A. Neto became president of the NRA. He proclaimed a policy of non-alignment, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, the creation of a “prosperous and democratic country completely free from all forms of exploitation of man by man.” By the end of March 1976, the armed forces of the NRA, together with the Cuban formations that came to their aid, ousted the troops of Zaire and South Africa from the territory of the NRA, but the civil war continued until 2002.

In 1977, the MPLA transformed into the MPLA Party - Labor Party (MPLA PT) with Marxist ideology. In 1979, after the death of A. Neto, J. E. dos Santos became the leader of the MPLA - PT. Since the late 1970s, assistance to UNITA from Western countries, primarily the United States, has increased. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the support of the South African army, UNITA captured significant territory in the south and east of the country. In 1988, after long negotiations with the participation of representatives of the NRA, South Africa, the USA, Cuba and the USSR, the New York Agreement was signed on the cessation of assistance to UNITA from South Africa and the withdrawal of Cuban troops from the country.

In 1990, the MPLA-PT returned to its former name MPLA and declared its goals to be “democratic socialism,” a market economy and a multi-party system. In May 1991, agreements were reached to end the war, create a unified army, and hold presidential and parliamentary elections under international control by the end of 1992. Official observers of the implementation of the agreements were Portugal, the USSR and the USA. Since 1992, the name of the country is the Republic of Angola.

In the elections (September 1992), J. E. dos Santos was elected president, and in the National Assembly the MPLA received 129 seats out of 220. Although international observers recognized the legitimacy of the election results, J. Savimbi refused to accept them and resumed hostilities. However, with the liquidation of the apartheid regime in South Africa, foreign support for UNITA decreased significantly. Under pressure from the United States, Portugal and other countries, Savimbi was forced to conclude the Lusaka Agreement (11/20/1994) to end the civil war and form a coalition government, but in fact neither this nor subsequent agreements were fulfilled. 22.2.2002 Savimbi was killed in battle. His successor was P. Lukamba Gatu. On April 4, 2002, an agreement was reached between the leadership of Angola and UNITA on a cessation of hostilities and reconciliation.

Lit.: Oganisyan Yu.S. National revolution in Angola (1961-1965). M., 1968; Andrade M., Ollivier M. Guerra em Angola. Lisboa, 1974; Henderson L. Angola: Five centuries of conflict. Ithaca, 1979; Bridgland F. J. Savimbi: the key to Africa. N.Y., 1986; Correia R. Descolonizaiao de Angola: a joia da coroa do Imperio Portugues. Lisboa, 1991; Khazanov A. M. History of Angola in modern and recent times: [until 1975]. M., 1999.

Yu. S. Oganisyan, A. A. Tokarev.

Farm

Angola is an agricultural country with a developed mining industry, and at the same time has significant industrial potential on an African scale. The absolute size of GDP is $20.4 billion, GDP per capita is $1,900 (2003). Industry accounts for 67% of GDP, services - 25%, agriculture - 8%. Angola is undergoing socio-economic transformation. Most industries are nationalized, agricultural associations and cooperatives are created, and state farms are created on large plantations. Almost continuous wars have a negative impact on the economy. Over the past 15 years alone, direct material damage from hostilities has amounted to about $20 billion. The most developed economic regions are: Northern with coffee plantations, Cabinda with oil fields and North-Eastern with large diamond deposits. Largest economic centers: Luanda - the main administrative, industrial and financial center, a major port; Lobito is an industrial center and the largest seaport; Beira Lobito Trans-African Railway Terminal; Namibe and Benguela are centers of fishing and fish processing; Huambo, Malanje, Lubango and Quito are the administrative, agricultural and transport centers of the country's interior.

Industry. The basis of Angola's economy is the mining industry.

In terms of oil production (37 million tons in 2001; 45% of GDP), one of the best in quality in the world, Angola ranks 5th in Africa (after Nigeria, Libya, Egypt and Algeria). The destruction of the war years had little impact on the oil industry. Over the past 10 years, more than 20 fields have been put into operation, and by 2005 it is planned to double production. About 100 oil wells are in operation. Almost 90% of oil is produced in the province of Cabinda, of which up to 65% comes from offshore production on an area of ​​5.6 thousand km 2 (fields: Takula-Cabinda, Numbi-Cabinda, Kokongo-Cabinda, Pacassa Block-3, Como-Pambi Block- 3). Oil is also produced in the lower reaches of the Kwanza (7.5%) and Congo (2.5%) rivers. Under the Petroleum Law (1978) oil industry Angola is monopolized state company"Sonangol", but the state can enter into an agreement with foreign companies in the process of exploring and developing these resources. After the adoption of the law, the development of new deposits is carried out with the active participation of foreign (American, British, French, etc.) capital - such well-known TNCs as Chevron, Exxon, Shell ( Shell, Petrofina, Texaco, British Petroleum, etc., especially in the continental shelf area off the coast of Cabinda. The main oil terminals are Luanda, Malongo (Cabinda), Palanca, etc. Income from oil exports accounts for 80-90% of the value of the country's total exports.

The second source of foreign exchange earnings after oil is diamonds. Angola ranks 6th in the world in terms of production (after Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Russia and South Africa) and 3rd in the total value of mined diamonds (after Botswana and Russia), since Angola produces mainly high-quality jewelry stones. quality. In 2000, diamond production in Angola was estimated at 5.17 million carats, including 4.4 million carats for jewelry. Created in 1981 state enterprise Endiama, which controls all diamond mining and trade in Angola. Diamonds are mined mainly in the province of North Lunda, at one of the world's largest producing deposits, Catoca. The share of illegal mining is high (UNITA and private miners) - 55% (1998).

Marble mining in the Namibe province. Textile factory in Benguela province.

Iron ore is mined in mines in Kasala Kitungu (Northern Kwanza Province). Ores of non-ferrous (particularly copper in the Mavoyo and Tetelu areas), noble and radioactive (uranium) metals are mined in small quantities. Phosphorite deposits are promising, the largest of which is located in the province of Zaire, in Kindonakashi (up to 10 thousand tons per year), as well as in the province of Cabinda. In addition, granite, marble, and quartz deposits are being developed.

Angola is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of energy resources: oil, gas and hydropower, which is used only by 65%. The installed capacity of power plants is estimated at 430 MW. In 2001, 1.45 billion kWh of electricity was produced (of which 60% was generated by hydroelectric power plants). The largest hydroelectric power stations: Kambambe (with a capacity of up to 50 thousand kW) on the Kwanza River, Matala on the Kunene River, Biopio on the Katumbela River and Mabubas on the Dande River; modern thermal power plant - in Porto Alexandri. The power grid is divided into 3 large electrical systems: North, South and Center. Less than 40% of power lines are in working condition. Most of the booster substations have been destroyed or are not operating at full capacity due to recent hostilities.

The location of the manufacturing industry is focal: the area of ​​​​the cities of Luanda (over 50%), Lobito, Benguela, Huambo, Namibe. There is an oil refinery in Luanda (1.6 million tons per year), which fully meets the country's domestic needs for petroleum products. There are factories producing textiles, matches, soap and detergents, chemical fertilizers, medicines, tires, foam plastic, cement (for export to Nigeria and Portugal). There are a number of small ferrous metallurgy and metalworking factories, several workshops for the assembly of Volvo, Fiat, Volkswagen cars, Japanese motorcycles and bicycles from imported parts and components. The food industry is mainly focused on the production of flour, palm oil, sugar, beverages, canned fish, fishmeal, etc.

Agriculture. Agricultural land occupies 0.57 million km 2 (21.8% of the territory), of which arable land - 2.4%, perennial crops - 0.4%, meadows and pastures - 97.2%. Irrigated lands account for 0.75 thousand km 2.

After the declaration of independence, large plantations were nationalized and turned into state farms, which produce the bulk of sisal, coffee, palm oil, sunflower, bananas, cotton, tobacco, and citrus fruits for export (Table 2). Along with this, there are associations, farms, cooperatives and private farms. Corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and vegetables are grown for domestic consumption. The supply of agricultural machinery is extremely low (there are 3.5 tractors per 1000 hectares, or per 100 workers in the industry). Angola has favorable conditions for grazing, especially in the south (Hila and Namibe provinces), as well as on the central plateau (Huambo, Benguela, Cuanza Sud provinces). Meat and dairy cattle breeding, pig farming, poultry farming, and beekeeping are developed (Table 3). Fishing (especially near Benguela and Lobito), including river fishing, plays an important role. Fish is the staple food of the Angolans, and fishmeal and canned food are important exports. China, Portugal, Japan, South Korea and Russia are allowed to fish in Angolan waters. Tropical timber is being harvested. Handicraft production is developed.

Transport. The length of the railways is 2.8 thousand km; density 22.5 km/10000 km 2. There is no unified railway network. The railways run from the interior to the coast, have different gauges and are not interconnected. Designed for the export of raw materials from the interior of the country to the ports of Luanda, Namibe and Lobito. The main trans-African railway (Benguela Railway) connects the Atlantic (Lobita) and Indian (Beira) oceans, crosses Angola from east to west in its central part. All railways need modernization. The length of roads is 76.6 thousand km (including 19.2 thousand km with hard surfaces); density 61.4 km/1000 km 2. Air traffic dominates within the country: 244 airports, 32 of them with paved runways. Luanda has an international airport. River transport is not of great importance; only the lower reaches of the Kwanza (for 240 km from the mouth) and Kunene are navigable. Coastal shipping has been developed. The largest seaports: Lobito (deep-water), Cabinda and Luanda (oil export ports), Namibe, Porto Amboin. The merchant fleet consists of 7 vessels (6 cargo and 1 oil tanker, over 1000 gross registered tons each; 2004) with a total tonnage of 26.1 thousand registered gross tons (or 42.9 thousand deadweight tons). There are no large-capacity trawlers. The total length of pipelines is 179 km (1997).

Foreign economic relations. In 2003, the value of exports was $9.7 billion, imports - $4.1 billion. Main exports: crude oil, diamonds, petroleum products, natural gas, coffee, sisal, cotton, fish, timber. In 2003, the United States accounted for 47.7% of exports, China - 23.4%, Taiwan - 8%, France - 7.4%. The bulk of imports are machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts for them, medicines, food, textiles, and weapons. Main trading partners (2003) - Portugal (18.2%), South Africa (12.4%), USA (12.2%), Netherlands (11.6%), France (6.5%), Brazil (6 .1%), Great Britain (4.2%).

Lit.: Khazanov A. M., Pritvorov A. V. Angola. M., 1979; Fituni L.L. Angola: nature, population, economy. M., 1985; Angola: Current state. Development prospects. Relations with Russia // Scientific notes of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1999. Vol. 7.

L. A. Aksyonova.

Armed forces

The Armed Forces (AF) consist of the ground forces (ground forces), air force and navy (2004). The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the president, who exercises leadership of the Armed Forces through the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The main type of aircraft is SV (more than 11,300 people). Their combat composition includes tank, motorized infantry, infantry, artillery, anti-aircraft units and subunits, as well as special-purpose units. The SV is armed with: tanks (about 280 units); artillery systems (more than 2,000 guns, mortars and MLRS, most of which are guns with a caliber of less than 100 mm); BMP and armored personnel carriers; weapon; anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. The Air Force includes 5 air bases and an air defense regiment. They consist of combat squadrons: fighter, fighter-bomber (2), reconnaissance, transport, communications, helicopter (2), training. The Navy includes a division of landing ships (1 ship), a division of patrol ships (4 boats) and 4 companies of marines. The Angolan Armed Forces are recruited on the basis of the Law on Universal Conscription (1982), according to which Angolan citizens (men and women) aged 18 to 23 are required to undergo a 3-year military service. Officer training is carried out in national military educational institutions and abroad.

G. A. Nalyotov.

Healthcare

In Angola, there are 8 doctors per 100 thousand inhabitants (1 doctor per 12,500 inhabitants), 115 paramedical personnel, 4 midwives. Expenditures on health care in 2001 amounted to 3.6% of GDP.

V.S. Nechaev.

Sport

The Angolan Olympic Committee was recognized by the IOC in 1980. Angolan athletes have been participating in the Olympic Games since 1980. The most developed sports are athletics and football. Leading Angolan football clubs Primeiro de Agosto and Inter Club played in the finals of the African Cup Winners' Cup (1998 and 2001).

Education. Scientific and cultural institutions

The education system includes (late 1990s) kindergartens for children 3-4 years old; preparatory (initiative) classes for children from 5 years old, general education and vocational schools, including for adults; universities Primary education (grades 1-4) is compulsory and free. Based on basic general education, which is provided by 8-year secondary schools, there are educational institutions for training skilled workers (from 1 to 4 years of study). Completing them gives the right to enter vocational educational institutions: technical schools, vocational schools and schools with a period of study of 3-4 years. Due to economic and political difficulties, since the late 1980s, the final two-year cycle has been excluded from the course of complete secondary education. The implementation of this task and the formation of a contingent of applicants is entrusted to special training courses or university faculties. Higher education give State University named after A. Neto in Luanda (founded in 1963) and 3 private universities. There are 8 research institutes (all in Luanda): hydrometeorology and geophysics (1879), geological survey (1914), National Center for Documentation and Historical Research (since 1933), medical research(1955), Veterinary Research (1965), Cotton Center (1970), Institute for the Study of African and foreign languages(1978), Educational and Social Research (1980).

The largest libraries are located in Luanda: Municipal (founded in 1873) and National (1968). The largest museum is the National Museum of Angola in Luanda (founded in 1938).

Literature

Angola's literature originated in the mid-19th century. Developed primarily in Portuguese. The beginning was laid by lyrical poetry (J. da Silva Maia Ferreira, J. D. Cordeiro da Matta) and everyday life novels (P. F. Machado, A. Troni, A. di Asis Junior), which were characterized by ideas of national self-affirmation. The 2nd stage of the development of Angolan literature (late 1940s - 1970s) is characterized by the strengthening of anti-colonial motifs (the works of poets A. Neto, A. Jacinto, M. Antonio, A. Lara, prose writer F.M. di Castro Soromenho) . The 3rd stage, the so-called period of national reconstruction (1970s - early 1990s), coincides with the rise of the socio-political and cultural life of the country (the works of J. Luandino Vieira, O. Ribas). The historical novel (M. Pacavira, E. Abranches) is becoming widespread, and dramaturgy is developing (Pepetela's plays). The 4th, “post-socialist” stage in the development of Angolan literature is characterized by a new look at events in Angola and Africa, a rejection of revolutionary pathos and political engagement (Pepetela, J. E. Agualuza).

Lit.: Ryauzova E. Angola Portuguese-language literatures of Africa. M., 1972.

E. A. Ryauzova.

Architecture and fine arts

In the north of the country, ancient rock sketchy images of animals have been preserved. In the medieval states that existed on the territory of Angola (Lunda, Congo, etc.), wood carving reached the greatest artistic perfection, including the production of complex sculptural compositions for decorating the chairs of leaders, figurines of ancestors “Nawazeya”, and masks. The peoples of Angola have a high level of skill in weaving from grass, branches, and straw; products are decorated with clear colored geometric patterns. The Portuguese mentioned carving and weaving in Angola already in the 17th century. With the arrival of Europeans, fortresses appeared in Angola that controlled the coast (San Miguel, 1576, and Benguela, 1617). In the architecture of Angola, both traditional forms coexist (rural dwellings on a frame with a grass or thatched roof) and urban development according to the European type in the provincial style of the Portuguese Baroque and early classicism. Since the beginning of the 20th century, buildings have been erected in the spirit of modern European architecture. Since the mid-1970s, professional fine art has been developing.

Lit.: Mirimanov V.B. The Art of Tropical Africa. M., 1986.

Music

Monuments of archaic culture (before the 8th century AD) - iron idiophones (found in the Bie highlands). The medieval culture of the states of Lunda and Ndongo is represented by ceremonial orchestras; It is known that ivory pipes were used when the King of Congo met the Portuguese mission in 1491. Since the 1490s, European wind instruments began to penetrate into Angola through the Portuguese. With the spread of Christianity, bells were introduced into church practice, along with choral singing, and small bells with rattles were also used. A description of the military music of the Bakungo and Ambundu peoples dates back to 1578, and traditional xylophone playing in Northwestern Angola dates back to 1648. Recorded in the 17th century different kinds idiophones, including marimba, one-sided ngaba drum, longa bells (2 hand bells on a handle); horn epugu, musical bow nsambi (pluriark). The musical traditions of Angola penetrated with the export of slaves to Latin America. Urban musical culture was formed under the Portuguese and (more early time) Brazilian influence. Specific forms of urban music: the ensemble of “military music” of Calukut (South-Eastern Angola), which appeared after the 1st World War, which included traditional idiophones; music of the Likembe lamellaphones (since 1920s; Northeast Angola). In the 20th century, music plays an important role in the ambundu-Portuguese dance culture of Luanda (caduca, semba, rebita dances). In 1957, the ensemble “Ngola Rhythmush” was founded (performs Latin American dances rumba, merengue and samba, uses a guitar and traditional idiophones); its director, Liceu Vieira Dias, was officially recognized as the leader of contemporary music in Angola in 1982. In the mid-1960s, songs with political content spread, among the performers were A. Mingash, R. Mingash, K. Lamartine. In the 1960-1980s, the ensembles “Kisanzhe” and “Illya”, singers M. Tete, P. Castro, performed. Representatives of the composer tradition are F. Mukenga, J. M. Machado, F. da Sis. After 1975, the singer and guitarist Ambundu Massano gained fame, and cultural ties with neighboring countries developed. The first recordings of traditional music of the largest people of Angola - the Ovimbundu - were made in 1913, the Chokwe and Luvale peoples - in the 1950s. In 1956, the School of Music and Dance was founded in Luanda. Collections of instruments are kept in the Dundu Museum in Angola, as well as in the Ethnological Museum in Lisbon (Portugal).

Republic of Angola (Republic of Angola) - a state in southwest Africa, bordered by Namibia in the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the northeast and north, Zambia in the east, and the Republic of the Congo. The country's territory consists of 18 provinces. West Coast Angola washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The country has rich natural resources and is just beginning to reveal its tourism potential.

Republic of Angola

1. Capital

Luanda - capital of Angola, the largest political, cultural, financial and industrial center of the state. The city is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, at the confluence of the Kwanza River. Luanda- the biggest Angola city, its population is approximately 4.5 million people. The climate in this zone is tropical, the warmest month of the year is March, the temperature rises to +30 degrees, in July the temperature drops to +16.

Tourism in Luanda perfectly developed. Here you can choose not only a relaxing holiday in the form of sightseeing tour on land or water transport, or visiting wonderful beaches, as well as taking part in active recreation. Sports fans can attend matches with the local basketball team.

2. Flag

Flag of Angola- black and red fabric. A black and red stripe divides the canvas exactly in half horizontally in the middle. The color red is a symbol of the blood shed not only for gaining independence from the Portuguese, but also for the victims of the colonial regime. The black shade is a symbol of African countries. The gear segment is a symbol of workers and industrial production. The machete is a symbol of peasants and the agricultural industry. The star symbolizes international solidarity and progress. Yellow gears, machetes and stars symbolize the wealth of Angola. Official flag Angola was adopted in 1975 after the state was recognized as independent.

3. Coat of arms

Official coat of arms of Angola approved in 1992. In the center coat of arms there are a machete and a hoe. They signify the struggle of the Angolan people for their independence. Star- a sign of international solidarity and progress. Book- a symbol of education, culture and prosperity. Half wheel- a sign of the presence of developed industry. Rising Sun- a sign of a new country. Cottonwood sheaf, corn and coffee indicate the presence of these crops in the country. Red color rising sun- this is the blood shed by nations Angola for independence. Black color The coat of arms symbolizes the African Dark Continent. At the very bottom of the coat of arms gold ribbon with the name of the state in Portuguese - Republic of Angola.

4. Hymn

listen to the Angolan anthem

5. Currency

Currency of Angola. IN Angola official currency - kwanzaa. Angolan Kwanzaa has an international designation - AOA, the designation adopted within the country Kzr. 1 Angolan kwanzaa equal to 100 centimos. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 kwanzas, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 kwanzas.

Well Angolan Kwanzaato the ruble or any other currency can be viewed on the currency converter:

Angolan Kwanzaas they look like this:

Coins of Angola

Banknotes of Angola

State of Angola is a country in the southwest, which borders on the north and northeast with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia in the south, and Zambia in the east. Angola is washed in the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

Area of ​​Angola - 1246.7 km 2. Territory Angola is divided into 3 conventional regions: the Great Inland Plateau, the Transition Zone and the Coastal Plain. Two-thirds of the territory is occupied by the Angolan Plateau, which is located in the east of the country.

7. How to get to Angola?

8. Things to see

Home landmark of Angola is undoubtedly hers nature. Angola- a country of unique natural contrasts, preserved in their virgin form. Wild tropical forests, colorful savannas and the lifeless Namib Desert, as well as the long ocean coastline - all this attracts tourism lovers.

Here's a small one list of attractions, which you should pay attention to when planning excursions around Angola:

• Kalandula Waterfall
• Ruacana Falls
• Epupa Falls
• Mount MokoBibala County
• Fortress of San Miguel
• Luanda Cathedral of the Holy Savior
• Biquar National Park
• Iona National Park
• Kangandala National Park
• Namib Desert

9. 10 Largest cities in Angola

• Luanda (capital)
• Cabinda
• Huambo
• Lubango
• Kalukembe
• Lobito
• Kuito
• Malanje
• Benguela
• Namakunde

10. What’s the weather like here?

Climate of Angola.Angola- enough warm country. Climate tropical monsoon in the north, subtropical in the south. The average annual temperature is - 21°C. Lowest temperature in Angola, surprisingly, in the summer. In June and July it ranges from 15 to 22 °C. The period from September to October is considered warm, at this time the temperature is 21 - 24 °C.

There are 2 climatic seasons in the country: wet and dry. The first season lasts from October to May, the second season (dry) lasts from June to September. Angola characterized by significant temperature changes. For example, the temperature in the southern regions Angola At night it can drop to zero.

11. Population

Angola's population is 26,337,541(as of February 2017). Population of Angola divided into the following ethnic groups: Ovimbundu - 37%, Mbundu - 25%, Bakongo - 13%. In the territory Angola also live: Chokwe, Ambo and others. About 2% of the population are mulatto, and only 1% are white (Portuguese).

12. Language

The official language of Angola is Portuguese. French is also common (spoken by most of the inhabitants of the province of Cabinda) and spanish languages(used to communicate with foreigners). IN Angola official language (Portuguese) are used by only 26% of the country's population. Bantu- main national language of Angola.

13. Religion

Religion of Angola- this is, first of all, Christianity 53% (Catholics - 38%, Protestants - 15%). 47% of Angolans practice indigenous beliefs.

14. What about something to eat?

National cuisine of Angola. Feature Angolan cuisine is that almost everything - seafood, meat and even corn - is cooked on the grill. National cuisine of Angola has collected African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Very popular sauce piri-piri, which is made from hot peppers and served with chicken, shrimp and fish. You can wash down the spicy Angolan dishes with local beer or wine. Angolans They like to mix a large number of ingredients when preparing one dish. We can say that everything that is at hand is thrown into the pot.

15. Rules of exemplary behavior

Peculiarities of behavior in Angola. When meeting a person, shake hands. Women usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Do not take photographs of government or military buildings or police stations. Be mindful of racial terminology.

16. Holidays:

National holidays of Angola

• January 1 - New Year
• January 4 - Day of Martyrs of Colonial Repression
• February 4 - Day of the beginning of the armed uprising
• March 8 - International Women's Day
• March 27 — Victory Day
• April 4 - Day of Peace and Reconciliation
• March/April – Easter
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 25 - Africa Day
• June 1 - International Children's Day
• September 17 - National Hero's Day
• November 2 - Remembrance Day
• November 11 - Angolan Independence Day
• December 25 – Christmas

17. Flora and Fauna

Nature of Angola. Almost half of the territory Angola occupied by forests and woodlands. The densest tropical rainforests are concentrated in the northwest, north of the Kwanza River - along the river valleys of the Congo Basin. On the sea coast there are grassy and shrubby savannas, palm trees grow in abundance. To the south, the vegetation thins catastrophically - the territory of the Namib Desert is not conducive to rapid plant growth.

Wildlife of Angola very rich. Animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceroses, gazelles, buffalos, antelopes, hyenas, and others live here. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, including whales, turtles and shellfish, not to mention huge fisheries resources.

18. Medicine

Medicine in Angola is at a very low level. Most of the population do not even have access to doctors, and if they do, they are not able to pay for it. The government is trying to solve the problem of shortage of personnel, equipment, and hospitals, but unfortunately progress is moving very slowly. Construction of new medical institutions complicated by lack of finances.

19. "Dangerous for life "

Dangers that may be waiting for you in Angola:

• diseases of yellow fever and tropical malaria
• malaria, hepatitis, various intestinal infections
• tense political and social situation
• wild animals
• sharks in coastal waters
• poisonous insects

20. Souvenirs

Here's a small one list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring fromAngola:

• wooden masks and figurines
• jewelry made of precious and semi-precious stones
• basketry
• woven rugs and tapestries
• textile
• malachite sculptures
• ceramics

21. “Neither nail nor rod” or customs rules

Customs regulations Angola. The import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required). Persons with a return ticket purchased in Angola, can export foreign currency once a year in an amount equivalent to 10 thousand kwanzas. All others can export the imported foreign currency by providing a letter from the receiving party certified by the National Bank stating that this party has paid their expenses for their stay in Angola. If the imported foreign currency is partially spent, the expenses must be confirmed with store receipts and exchange office receipts; the remainder can be taken out. It is prohibited to export national currency.

Duty-free import of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and food products is allowed to the extent of personal needs. When importing new video, audio and film equipment, as well as equipment that has been in personal use for less than one year, you must present a receipt indicating the date of its purchase.

The import of weapons and drugs is prohibited. The export of: weapons, drugs, unprocessed precious stones, handicrafts made of ivory, turtle shells, and shellfish is prohibited.

Upon arrival to the Republic of Angola An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. Recommendation: when visiting Angola take care of three-time vaccination against hepatitis B (3 months before entering the country), for children under 16 years old - vaccination against meningitis A and C.

What about sockets?

Voltage in electrical network Angola: 220 V at frequency 50 Hz. Socket type: Type C.

22. Angola dialing code

Code of the country: + 244
Geographic first level domain name: .ao

Dear reader! If you have been to this country or have something interesting to tell about Angola . WRITE! After all, your lines can be useful and educational for visitors to our site "Across the planet step by step" and for all travel lovers.

(Republic of Angola)

General information

Geographical position. Angola is a country in southwest Africa. In the north and east it borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the east with Zambia, and in the south with Namibia. In the west, Angola is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The small Angola enclave of Cabinda is located 30 km to the north.

Square. The territory of Angola occupies 1,246,700 square meters. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Angola is Luanda. The largest cities: Luanda (1,200 thousand people), Huambo (203 thousand people), Bentuela (155 thousand people), Cabinda (152 thousand people), Lobito (150 thousand people). Administrative division of the country: 18 provinces.

Political system

Angola is a republic. The head of state is the president and commander-in-chief.

The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the National Assembly.

Relief. Angola can be roughly divided into 3 regions. They range from west to east: coastal plain, transition zone and large inland plateau. The low coastal plain ranges from 50 to 150 km in width. The transition zone, consisting of terraces, is up to 150 km wide in the north and only 30 km in the center and south. To the east of it lies the vast Angolan plateau, occupying two-thirds of the country; The average height of the plateau above sea level is from 1000 to 1,520 m, the highest point, Mount Mocha (2,620 m), is located in the central mountainous part.

Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil is rich in oil, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, gold, and uranium.

Climate. The country has a tropical climate, with the rainy season lasting from May to August. The wettest is the central plateau, where the average annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 1,500 mm. In Luanda - only 130 mm.

Inland waters. Most of Angola's rivers originate in the mountains. The largest of them are Kuanza and Cunene, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean; Cuango, which flows into the Congo River system; Cuando and Cubango, flowing into the Okavango quagmire. There are no large lakes in Angola.

Soils and vegetation. In the north of the country and in the province of Cabinda, dense tropical forests grow; to the south they give way to savannah. Numerous palm trees grow along the ocean coast.

Animal world. Almost all large African animals are found in Angola. Among them are elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, hippopotamus, zebra, antelope, lion and gorilla. Birds and insects are very widely represented.

Population and language

The country's population is about 10.865 million people, the average population density is about 9 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups: over 90, the largest of which are: Orimbunda - 37%, Mbanda - 25%, Bakongo (Congo) - 13%, Lunda-Chokwe - 8%, Ngantuela - 6%. Languages: Portuguese (official), Kimbundu, Umbundu, Kikongo.

Religion

Catholics - 65%, Protestants - 20%, pagans - 10%.

Brief historical sketch

The Portuguese arrived in Angola in 1483, during the height of the Bakongo kingdom. The ruler welcomed them cordially, voluntarily converted to Christianity and allowed the Port Tugalyds to participate in government.

At the beginning of the 20th century. Angola was declared a Portuguese colony, and in 1951 the country received the status of an overseas territory. On November 11, 1975, Angola declared independence.

Brief Economic Sketch

Angola is an agricultural country with a relatively developed mining industry. Main crops: coffee, sisal, sugar cane, oil palm. Pasture farming, tropical timber harvesting. Marine fishing. Mining of hydrocarbons and diamonds. Enterprises for processing agricultural products, sawmills, metalworking, textile, clothing. Shipyards. Export: oil and oil products, coffee, diamonds.

The currency is Kwanzaa.

Brief sketch of culture

Art and architecture. Luanda, 17th century fortress. San Miguel and the Angola Museum. Benguela. Fort of the 16th century