Angola

Well, it is time to return to my normal run of the mill posts, kicking off with the first country of the year and it is Angola.

The country is officially the Republic of Angola it is a country on the west-central coast of Southern Africa.

The country has a varied terrain which encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. The country’s colonial history is reflected in its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and its landmarks including Fortaleza de São Miguel, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend Luanda.

It is the second-largest Portuguese speaking country in both size and population, it has a population of 38.5 million, 10 million of which live in the capital of Luanda.

Which is a port city on the west coast of Southern Africa. A seafront promenade known as the Marginal runs alongside Luanda Bay. Nearby is the well-preserved 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel, which now contains the Museum of the Armed Forces. The fort has views of the harbor and the Ilha do Cabo, a long, thin peninsula in the bay that’s home to beaches, bars and restaurants.

It is the seventh largest country in Africa and is divided into 18 provinces.

Their flag came into use when the nation gained independence from Portugal on 11 November 1975. It is split horizontally into an upper red half and a lower black half with an emblem resting at the centre. It features a yellow half gear wheel crossed by a machete and crowned with a star.

As outlined in their constitution, the red half of the flag signifies bloodshed – during Angola’s colonial period, independence struggle, and in defence of the country. The black half symbolizes Africa. In the central emblem, the gear represents industrial workers and production, the machete represents peasantry, agricultural production and the armed struggle, and the red star, symbolizes international solidarity and progress. The yellow colour of the emblem symbolizes the country’s wealth.

The currency used is the kwanza there have been four different currencies using the name kwanza since 1977. The currency derives its name from the Kwanza River.

The prevalent religion is Christianity, followed by traditional faiths. Roman Catholics make up the largest portion of the population. There are other Christian denominations such as Protestants, such as the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World, Seventh-day Adventists, Methodists, Baptists.

Indigenous beliefs are still very important in Angolan culture and are often practiced in addition to Christianity.

Muslims, Jews, Baha’is, and other religious groups make up about 9% of the population.

The government has become more tolerant of religious organizations since the formal abandonment of Marxism. However, the government still uses administrative control, co-optation, and restrictions to manage religious organizations. For example, in 2019, the police conducted a campaign against illicit traders and non-recognized churches, which some say called into question religious freedom in Angola. 

Angola’s National Institute for Religious Affairs (INAR) is responsible for the registration of religious groups and the oversight of religious activities. The law requires religious groups to submit documents defining their organizational structure, location, and other information. Religious doctrine must also conform to the principles and rights outlined in the constitution. 

The current political regime in Angola is presidentialism, in which the President of the Republic is also head of state and government; it is advised by a Council of Ministers, which together with the President form the national executive power.

Like other African nations it is not a safe place to visit.