Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic country of Angola! Nestled on the west coast of Africa, this diverse nation is a blend of rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. From its sprawling savannas to its rugged coastline, Angola is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery on the continent. But there’s more to Angola than just its natural beauty – this country has a complex and compelling story that has shaped its people and its identity. So, come with us as we uncover fascinating Angola facts that will leave you captivated and eager to learn more about this nation.
1-5 Fun Facts About Angola
1. Angola has a high fertility rate, with an average of almost 5.6 children born per woman, making it the second-highest in the world after Niger.
2. The country also has one of the youngest populations globally, with a median age of just 15.9. It is only surpassed by Niger and Uganda.
3. Unfortunately, Angola’s history has been marked by foreign intervention and a 27-year civil war that resulted in over a million deaths. Today, former President Dos Santos is under criminal investigation in Angola for corruption and embezzlement of funds.
4. Today, Angola is still grappling with the aftermath of the war. Angola is still struggling to clear landmines left over from its civil war, which ended in 2002. Even the British Royal Family has visited Angola to raise awareness of the issue, with Princess Diana visiting in 1997 and her son Prince Harry in 2019.
5. Oil is the mainstay of Angola’s economy, accounting for over 88% of the country’s total exports.
6-10 Insane Facts About Angola
6. It is Africa’s second-largest crude oil producer after Nigeria and the world’s 14th-largest.
7. The country’s flag features a yellow emblem with a star symbolizing internationalism and progress, a cogwheel for industrial workers, and a machete for agricultural laborers. The design is reminiscent of the old Soviet flag.
8. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Angola was a significant Portuguese slave-trading base. Between 1580 and 1680 over a million slaves were transported to Brazil.
9. The official language is Portuguese.
10. Angola population is overwhelmingly Christian. About two-fifths of the population is Roman Catholic, about two-fifths is Protestant, and some one-tenth adheres to traditional beliefs or other religions.
11-15 Interesting Facts About Angola
11. Isabel dos Santos is Africa’s richest woman in Angola. She is the daughter of the former Angolan president José Eduardo dos Santos and is estimated to have a fortune of $2.2bn.
12. Dos Santos is currently the subject of a criminal investigation in Angola for maladministration of funds, embezzlement, and corruption.
13. Despite extensive oil and gas resources, diamonds, hydroelectric potential, and rich agricultural land, Angola remains a poor country with a per capita income of $2,230.
14. The Kwanza is the national currency of the country. 507.50 Kwanza = 1 US Dollar.
15. Luanda, Angola’s capital city, is often called the “Paris of Africa,” which means it’s probably a great place for fancy coffee and croissants. But beware, because it’s also the world’s most expensive city for ex-pats, you might have to sell your soul (or your wallet) to live there.
16-20 Surprising Facts About Angola
16. In 2003, two men took off in an empty Boeing 727 from an airport in Angola and vanished into thin air. The FBI and CIA searched high and low for the plane and the passengers, but to no avail. It’s like a real-life episode of “Lost,” but without the polar bears.
17. According to the CIA Factbook, the average life expectancy in Angola is about 54 years.
18. Back in the 17th century, an Angolan queen had a harem of men who had to fight to be with her. But the catch was that they were put to death after spending a night with her. Talk about a deadly game of love!
19. In Louisiana’s Angola prison, 31 inmates once cut their Achilles tendons to protest the deplorable living conditions. It led to a media frenzy and eventually prompted prison reform.
20. Angola has a unique beauty pageant called Miss Landmine, which only allows landmine survivors to participate. The goal is to raise awareness about the landmines that still litter the country and to celebrate the strength and beauty of those who have overcome the odds.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Angola Facts For Kids.
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