Angola is one of the few African countries that is rich in oil reserves, it also is rich in diamonds and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It does not rely on tourism for its foreign exchange as many African economies. The country is located on the Atlantic coastline. It is one of the few African countries that has offered to bail out its colonial masters Portugal during the current economic crisis. The economy is expected to grow by 12% while that of Portugal is expected to shrink by over 2%.
Capital city
The country’s capital is Luanda a true success story right from its history to recent years. It seats on the shores of the Atlantic coast and has in the recent years since 2002 experienced a development boom with many organizations setting up offices in the city. There has been numerous infrastructure development of housing, roads, railroads and telecommunication. Being on the coast the city has a number of interesting beaches. It is generally an expensive city and has a lot of high end bars, restaurants and gated communities.
Attractions
Angola's attractions are as unique as the country's history is exceptional. They include the garrisons and museums that reflect the country's history of slavery (e.g. the museum of slavery) and early trade, churches and the museum of anthropology whose goal is to educate on the history and culture of Angola. In summary some of the places to visit include
- Augostinho Neto Mausoleum. Obelisk a mausoleum dedicated to Augustinho Neto, the first President of Angola.
- Cangandala National Park
- Fortaleza de São Miguel. Built in 1576, it became the administrative center of Luanda contains ornate wall tiles detailing the history of the city along with many relics, such as cannons and the original holding cells for slaves.
- Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra. A fortress that served a variety of purposes throughout its history; for protection from invaders,, to keep slaves, prison for arrested nationalists
- Humbi-Humbi Art Gallery
- National Museum of Slavery (Museu Nacional da Escravatura. 9AM to 6PM. Built in the area where the slaves were held prior to being taken off to the Americas. The museum building is the Capa de Casa Grande, which is where they baptized slaves prior to sending them off to the Americas.
- Igreja Nossa Senhora do Pópulo (Igreja da Sé). Considered to be the first Anglican Church, it is one of Luanda's most treasured cultural and historical sites.
- Igreja do Carmo. Built in 1669, this church
- Igreja da Nazare. A church built in 1664. It is famous for its beautiful altar made of Italian rose marble.
- Iona National Park
- Mussolo Island
- National Museum of Natural History.
- National Museum of Anthropology (Museu Nacional de Antropologia
- Parque Nacional Da Kissama: National Park with exotic bird species, elephants antelopes and a other large game.
The People
A warm stoic people who use everything as an excuse to party, Angolan’s are a cheerful welcoming people. Angolan’s speak Portuguese as their official language. Other ethnic languages spoken are Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo. 50% of Angolans live in the city. Most of the people are Christians. There is a small population of Muslims and those of African religion both being 1% and below. Africans represent % of the population, there is abput 2 % of mixed people (African and European) and 1 % Europeans.
The Weather
Though set in the tropics the climate is varied and is part tropical and Tropical Island. This is due to the difference in altitude, the Bengal winds Most of the country is forest land with about 11% arable land. The l strip is arid and the interior north highlands are wet. The south and south east are dry savanna. The rainy season is from November to April and the dry season starts from May to October. The Cabinda region in the north has rain through most of the year.
Member of OPEC since 2006, other trade organizations the country belongs to include 
Traveling
Though tourism is low there are a good number of international connections. The National carrier is TAAG Angolan airlines and other local airlines are air Air Gemini and Sonair that serve 15 cities in the country. Airlines that fly here include the national carrier TAAG, Delta Airlines, British Airways, Kenya Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Air Namibia, Brussels Airlines, Cubana, Aeroflot, TAP Portugal, Ethiopian Airlines, Hainan and Emirates.
Other methods of travel to and around the country are by car, train, minibus, bus and boat. There are no buses between Angola and other countries. To travel by road you will need to hire a vehicle.
shopping
Local handicrafts are at fair prices . For regular shopping visit Bela's shopping mall.
What to bring
You will require an international vaccination certificate that includes yellow fever vaccination in the past 10 years and other than Namibians, most nationalities require a Visa. You also need an invitation letter from an individual, business or organization. When leaving the country do not take any Kwanza out of the country.
While you may bring your camera along, do not take pictures of police and other security personnel or buildings as this could result in a dire consequences or a heavy fine.
Investment Opportunities
Investment opportunities are in all sub-sectors. Subsistence Agriculture is the source of livelihood for most people. Oil contributes 85% of the GDP and diamonds an additional 5%
Some famous Angolans
Leila Miss Universe 2011
Events and Exhibitions
