Located on the Atlantic Coast of southern Africa, Angola is bordered by Namibia to the south and Zambia and Zaire to the east and north. Angola's 1,600 km-long coastline and its four major ports make it a natural trans-shipment point for the entire region.

Angolan Flag: Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete.
Land Area: 486,213 square miles
Population: 12 million (2000 estimate)
Capital City: Luanda
Languages: Portuguese (official), and over 60 other Bantu-group languages, including Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Tchokwe, Ovambo
Religions: Traditional beliefs (47%) Roman Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%)
Climate: Tropical in the north, subtropical in the south
Time: One hour ahead of GMT

Basic Facts About The Government Head of State: President José Eduardo dos Santos Prime Minister: Fernando Da Piedade Dias dos Santos "Nando" National Legislature: National Assembly with 220 seats Last Elections: 1992 (legislative and presidential) Next Elections: 2004 Main Political Parties: The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)

Basic Economic Data

Currency: Kwanza (Kzr)
Real GDP Growth: 5 percent (2000 estimate)
Exports: Nearly $8 billion worldwide (2000 estimate)
Major Exports: Oil, diamonds, minerals, coffee, fish, timber, cotton, sisal and other agricultural products
Imports: Nearly $2.5 billion worldwide (2000 estimate)
Major Imports: Consumer goods, capital goods, machinery, vehicles, and spare parts
Major Import Sources: Portugal, the United States, South Africa, Spain and Brazil
Roads: 46,575 miles
Railways: Benguela (810 miles), Luanda (334 miles), Moçâmedes (563 miles)
Major Ports: Luanda, Lobito and Namibe
Airports: International airport in Luanda; 13 other airports

National Holidays

January 1: New Years Day
January 4: Martyrs of Colonial Repression Day
February 4: Beginning of the Fight for Independence, Carnival
March 8: National Woman's Day
April 4: Day of Peace & National Reconciliation Day
May 1: International Day of the Worker (Labor Day)
May 25: Africa Day
June 1: National Children's Day
September 17: National Hero's Day (President's Day)
November 2: All Saint's Day
November 11: Independence Day
December 25: Christmas Day

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Ambassador Josefina Pitra Diakite

Chancery Location: 2108 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 785-1156
Fax: (202) 785-1258

Consulate Location: 2100 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 452-1042
Fax: (202) 785-1258

Diplomatic Representation from the US:
Ambassador Cynthia Efird

Embassy Location: No.32 Rua Houari Boumedienne
Miramar, Luanda
Tel: (244-2) 345-481, 346-418
Fax: (244-2) 346-924