Republic of Angola (Republic of Angola) - a state in southwestern Africa, borders on 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 territory of the country consists of 18 provinces. West Coast Angola washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The country has the richest natural resources and is just beginning to reveal its tourism potential.

Republic of Angola

1. Capital

Luanda is the 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 city ​​of Angola, 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.

Luanda Tourism well developed. Here you can choose not only a relaxing holiday in the form of a sightseeing tour by land or water transport, or visiting wonderful beaches, but also take part in outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts can attend matches with the participation of the local basketball team.

2. Flag

Flag of Angola- a black and red canvas. The black and red stripes divide the canvas exactly in half horizontally in the middle. The red color 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 the peasants and the agricultural industry. The star symbolizes international solidarity and progress. The yellow color of the gear, machete and star symbolizes the wealth of Angola. Official flag of Angola was adopted in 1975 after the state was declared 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 is a sign of international solidarity and progress. Book- a symbol of education, culture and prosperity. half wheel- a sign of the presence of a developed industry. Rising Sun- a sign of a new country. Cottonwood sheaf, maize and coffee indicates the presence of these crops in the country. Red color rising sun is the blood shed by the nations Angola for independence. Black color on the coat of arms symbolizes the Black African continent. At the very bottom of the coat of arms golden ribbon with the name of the state in Portuguese - Republic of Angola.

4. Hymn

listen to the anthem of Angola

5. Currency

Currency of Angola. AT Angola official currency - kwanza. Angolan kwanza has an international designation - AOA, within the country the designation kzr. 1 Angolan kwanzaa is equal to 100 centimos. In circulation there are banknotes 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 kwanzas they look like this:

Coins of Angola

Banknotes of Angola

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

The area of ​​​​Angola - 1246.7 km 2. Territory Angola is divided into 3 conditional regions: the Great Interior Plateau, the transitional 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. What to look for

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

And here is a small list of attractions which you should pay attention to when planning excursions to Angola:

• Kalandula waterfall
• Ruacana waterfall
• Epupa waterfall
• Mount MokoCounty of Bibala
• Fort 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
• Quito
• 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 fluctuates from 15 to 22 °C. And the period from September to October is considered warm, at this time the temperature is 21 - 24 ° C.

On the territory of the country, 2 climatic seasons can be distinguished: wet and dry. The first - lasts from October to May, the second season (dry) - from June to September. Angola there are significant temperature fluctuations. For example, the temperature in the southern regions Angola can drop to zero at night.

11. Population

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

12. Language

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

13. Religion

Religion in Angola is, first of all, Christianity 53% (Catholics - 38%, Protestants - 15%). 47% of Angolans profess local beliefs.

14. And what about eating?

National cuisine of Angola. feature Cuisines of Angola is that almost everything - seafood, meat and even corn is grilled. National cuisine of Angola brought together African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Very popular sauce piri-piri, which is prepared from hot peppers and served with chicken, shrimp and fish. You can wash down 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 bowler hat.

15. Rules of exemplary behavior

Features of behavior in Angola. When meeting a person, shake hands. Women usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Do not take pictures of government or military buildings or police stations. Don't forget about racial terminology.

16. Holidays:

National holidays in Angola

• January 1 - New Year
• January 4 - Day of the 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 Accord
• 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 - Day of Remembrance
• November 11 - Independence Day of Angola
• 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, grassy and shrubby savannahs, palm trees grow in abundance. To the south, the vegetation is disastrously thinning - the territory of the Namib Desert does not contribute to the rapid growth of plants.

Fauna of Angola very rich. Animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, gazelles, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, and others live here. Coastal waters are rich in marine life, including whales, turtles and shellfish, not to mention vast fish resources.

18. Medicine

Medicine in Angola is at a very low level. Most of the population does 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, hospitals, but unfortunately progress is moving very slowly. The construction of new medical institutions is hampered by a lack of finances.

19. "Dangerous for life "

dangers who may be waiting for you in Angola:

• 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 is a small list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring fromAngola:

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

21. "Neither a nail nor a wand" or customs regulations

Customs regulations Angola. The import of foreign currency is not limited (the declaration is required). Persons holding a return ticket purchased in Angola, can once a year export foreign currency in an amount equivalent to 10 thousand kwanzas. All the rest can take out the imported foreign currency by providing a letter certified by the National Bank of the party that received them that this party paid their expenses for their stay in Angola. If the imported foreign currency is partially spent, the expenses must be confirmed by receipts of shops and receipts of exchange points, the rest can be taken out. It is forbidden to export national currency.

Duty-free importation of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, food products is allowed - in the amount 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. It is forbidden to export: weapons, drugs, raw precious stones, ivory handicrafts, tortoise shells, mollusks.

Upon entry to the Republic of Angola an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Recommendation: when visiting Angola take care of triple 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 the electrical network of Angola: 220 V at frequency 50 Hz. socket type: Type C.

22. Calling code of Angola

Code of the country: + 244
First level geographic domain name: .ao

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

Angola is considered a traditionally friendly state to Russia. You need to look for Angola on the world map in southern Africa. The state is included in a small group of countries in which Islam is officially banned. Despite the fact that it is located in Africa, every tenth inhabitant is Chinese.

Angola on the map of the world and Africa in Russian

One of the highlights of the country is namib desert. Most of the territory of Angola is a plateau.

The most attractive part of Angola for tourists is the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Most foreigners come to relax on its beaches surrounded by tropical forests.

Timezone

There is no daylight saving time in Angola. The country's standard time zone is UTC/GMT+1. The time difference from is 2 hours.

Visa for Russians

For Russians there is no visa-free entry to the country. Even for a transit visit to Angola, it is necessary to issue permits to enter the country. This can be done at the embassy or consulates of Angola. The cost of a tourist visa for Russians is 100 US dollars (about 5,900 rubles). For urgent registration - $ 200 (≈11800 rubles). A transit visa will cost $30 (≈1800 rubles).

in Russia arrange entry documents You can visit Angola in the following places:

• embassy at the address: Moscow, st. Olof Palme, 6;
• consulate at the address: St. Petersburg, st. Shpalernaya, 36.

In order to get to the consular department of Angola in the Russian Federation, an appointment is not required. Documents can be submitted through third parties. The term for consideration of documents does not exceed 5 working days. Issuing a tourist visa to Russians for 30 days.

One of main requirements, presented to the documents necessary for issuing a visa, is the validity period of the foreign passport. It must be at least 90 days.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Angola located at the address: Republic of Angola, Luanda, Miramar district, st. Huari Boumediene, house 170, PO Box 3141.

Photos and information about the country

Angola can safely be called Christian country. Most of its citizens profess this religion. The country is a member of COMESA, the UN and the African Union.

State history

For a long period of its history, Angola was a colony of Portugal. She managed to get rid of her colonial dependence only in 1975. There is evidence that in the VI century on the territory of modern Angola lived Bushmen and Bantu tribes.

Until now, the country is inhabited by various tribes that are of interest to tourists.

The Old World discovered Angola in 1482, when a Portuguese sea expedition headed by Diogo Kahn. Until the middle of the 19th century, their main occupation in Angola was the slave trade. They plundered the country and did not develop it. Historians claim that over 300 years of colonization, the Portuguese sold into slavery more than 5 million inhabitants of the country.

Angola managed to get rid of colonial dependence as a result of many years of struggle. After gaining independence, the country was in a state of civil war for 27 years. The Republic of Angola is currently presidential republic.

General information

Many are interested in what language is spoken in the country - the official language in Angola is Portuguese. The territory of the country is 1.247 million km². It is home to just over 29 million people.

The country is divided into 18 provinces which are made up of municipalities. The country's largest province in terms of area is Moxico (223 thousand km²), in terms of population - Luanda (6.5 million people).

Population The country consists of three main ethnic groups: Ovimbundu, Northern Mbundu and Kongo. The white population consists mainly of the Portuguese. The official currency of the state is the kwanza.

Climate and weather

On the territory of the country you can find various natural landscapes. It is divided geographically into three zones that determine the climate of a country. The two main zones are the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Angolan Plateau. They are separated by a transition zone. It consists of a large number of terraces.

The climate of the south countries - trade wind subtropical. It is characterized by dry, cool winters and hot summers with plenty of rain. The average annual temperature in this region of the country is in the range of +21-23 degrees Celsius. In winter, it can drop below +16 degrees.

Northern part The country belongs to the zone with monsoon winds. This is a region with a tropical climate, it is characterized by a large amount of rain, they happen here much more often than in the south. The rainy season lasts in this area from October to.

The air temperature in the north of the country is lower than the south by 3-5 degrees Celsius.

In the desert located in this part of the country, there are observed at night sudden changes in temperature. The thermometer scale can drop to 0 degrees at night.

Capital and major cities

State capital - Luanda. It is considered the most expensive city in the world. Most Angolans live in the capital. The population of Luanda is over 2.3 million people. The city was built near the confluence of the Kwanza River into the Atlantic Ocean. On all sides it is surrounded by savannah, which has preserved its original flora.

All other cities in the country are much smaller. In the list of large settlements:

1. Benguela(513 thousand people);
2. Huambo(325 thousand people);
3. Malanje(222 thousand people).

National holidays

The main national holiday of the country - National Hero Day, it takes place on September 17 and is dedicated to the memory of Antonio Agostinho Neto. Under his leadership, the country was freed from colonial dependence.

Every year on the fourth of January, the country celebrates the Day of the Victims of Colonial Repression.

On the 4th of February, the country celebrates the Day of the Beginning of the Armed Struggle. On the 25th of May, Angola celebrates Africa Day. In November, the country celebrates All Souls' Day on the 2nd and National Independence Day on the 11th. Christmas The country is officially celebrated on December 25th.

During rituals in honor of weddings, births, harvests, hunting and other important events in Angola, they use ceremonial masks. They are made from a whole piece of wood with the addition of plant fibers in the form of human heads, they have elongated foreheads, wide lips and narrow eyes. This is one of the most popular souvenirs in the country.

Tourism

Unique nature is the main attraction of the country. Most tourists go to Angola because of its rainforests, savannas and Atlantic coast beaches.

Rest in the country

One of the exotic areas of tourism are ethnographic tours. They are dedicated to getting to know the way of life of local tribal peoples. Many of them continue to live in the traditions of the Stone Age. Such tours can be classified as ecotourism. Among the popular tourist routes in Angola are hiking deep into the desert.

Beach infrastructure in the country is still poorly developed. Their length is 1600 km. The beaches of Angola can attract vacationers with their own picturesque landscapes. Most Angolan beaches are wild, they are surrounded by tropical forests that are filled with various animals and exotic birds. The rich underwater world of the ocean can please diving enthusiasts.

The most amazing landscapes in the country can be found in Namibe. In this region of Angola there is a junction of the sea, desert and savannah. This area is perfect for hunting. In the Angolan savannah, you can hunt African animals.

Kitchen

The mass poverty of the country's population and the long years of Portuguese colonization had an impact on its national cuisine. hallmark The national tradition of cooking is mixing a large number of ingredients in one dish.

Local fruits are always present on the Angolan table: pineapples, guava, bananas and others. In the villages far from the coast, various dishes are prepared from corn, beans and rice. national dishes of these places are jerky and muamba - fried chicken.

In cities and towns located on the coast, dishes are prepared from seafood. The most common dish of these places is grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. Among the exotic Angolan dishes: cuttlefish cooked in their own ink. Telapia fried in palm oil can compare with this dish with its originality.

Spicy piri-piri sauce is served with all meat and fish dishes, and the locals love to drink local beer and wine as drinks.

Sights and nature

There are few attractions in the country. The main architectural monuments are concentrated in Luanda. The main feature of the capital of Angola are mosaic paved sidewalks.

Once in Angola, it is impossible not to visit the city Benguela. It houses a well-preserved fort built by the Portuguese during the period of colonization. The building belongs to the 16th century. Such structures were erected to protect the shores of the country, which has experienced a large number of different wars in its history. Inspection of the fort in these places can be combined with sea fishing. She's great in this area.

The great national treasure of the country are its parks. The most famous of them is kisama. It is located in Bengo. This place is located about 70 km from Luanda in the northwestern part of the country. One side of the park faces the ocean. The coastline is 120 km.

On the territory of the park, whose area is 9.9 thousand km², you can find tropical forest zone, fields and savanna. Elephants, red buffalo and even black sable can be found in the park.

In addition to Kisama Park, the following are popular with tourists National parks:

• Porto Alexandre;
• Kwanza Sul;
• Milando and others.

For healing with miraculous healing water, tourists go to springs in County of Bibala.

Waters have a rejuvenating effect - they have an ideal ratio of minerals for the human body.

Best hotels

Most of the country's hotels are located in Luanda. One of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the capital - EPIC SANA Luanda. The hotel has a convenient location - it is only 2 km from the city center. There is everything for a comfortable stay: 5 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools. All hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and internet.

You can book a room in this or any other hotel in Angola using a convenient search form. You only need to indicate city ​​name, dates of entry and exit, as well as number of guests.

Most of the country's hotels are not so luxurious and are small family hotels. They do not have a high level of service. Despite this, the price of living in them is high even by European standards. Hotels include:

1. five-star- Hotel de Convenções de Talatona HCTA and Talatona Convention Hotel in Talatona;
2. four-star- Aparthotel Mil Cidades in Benguela, Chik-Chik Namibe in Namibe, Tropico in Luanda;
3. three-star- Ibis Styles Iu Luanda in Kakuako, Mariuska in Luanda, Panguila Hotel in Panguila.

You will learn a lot more interesting about Angola from this video:

The Republic of Angola is a state in southwestern 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. It is washed from the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Angola includes the enclave of Cabinda (30 km north of the border with the Congo).

Angola can be roughly divided into three regions: the coastal plain, the transitional zone, and the large inland plateau. The low coastal plain has 50 to 150 km. The transition zone, consisting of terraces, is up to 150 km wide in the north and only 30 km wide in the center and south. To the east of it lies the vast Angolan Plateau, which occupies two-thirds of the country; the average height of the plateau above sea level is from 1000 to 1520 m, the highest point - Mount Mocha - is located in the central mountainous part and has a height of 2620 m.

State

State structure

The state structure is a republic. The head of state is the president. The government is appointed by the president. The legislative body of Angola is the National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers.

Language

Official language: Portuguese

African Bantu languages ​​are widely spoken: Kikongo, Kimbundu, Umbundu, Chokwe, Mbunda, Kwanyama.

Religion

More than 53% of the population in Angola are Christians. Most of them are Catholics (38%) and Protestants (15%). About 47% of Angolans profess local beliefs.

Currency

International name: AOA

One kwanza is equal to 100 levei. Banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 kwanzas are in circulation.

Currency exchange for kwanza is possible quite freely both in banks, specialized exchange offices and hotels, and on the "black" market, but only in the capital and in large industrial regions, in the provinces this causes a lot of difficulties.

Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted in most major hotels, shops and restaurants in the capital, but are almost impossible to use in other cities.

Popular Attractions

Angola Tourism

Where to stay

After decades of civil war, rich in oil and diamonds, Angola has begun to rebuild its world. Despite the fact that the country needs to solve problems in all areas of the economy, Angola does not forget about the tourism sector. Since 2005, the government has focused on investing in the development of hospitality infrastructure, solving a lot of issues, including the elimination of language barriers in the hotel industry: in the recent past, even the fact that Portuguese is the official language of the country did not help the economy. New hotels are being built, old rooms are being renovated, and, according to optimistic forecasts of experts, Angola will soon take its rightful place among other African countries in terms of attractiveness for foreign tourists.

Office Hours

Banks are open from 10.00 to 16.00 from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 11.00 - on Saturday.

Souvenirs

In Angola, ancient crafts have been preserved, such as artistic woodcarving and weaving. Figurines of people and animals, ritual masks, as well as furniture are carved from wood. Reeds, grass or straw are used to make mats and baskets with clear geometric patterns. The ancient folk art of Angola is ivory carving and the manufacture of various ebony products. Most of the masters sell their works in the city markets.

Angola is one of the most amazing and beautiful countries in the world, attracting a huge number of tourists every year. This country is located in the southwest of the African continent. It borders Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and the Republic of the Congo.

The capital of the state is Luanda, the largest and most populous city in the country. The rest of the cities are much smaller than the capital. The population of the largest of them barely exceeds 500 thousand people. However, among the largest cities in Angola, the following are worth mentioning: Benguela, Huambo, Malanje and Cabinda.

The most developed industry of the state is the oil industry.

The most famous industrial giants are SonangolGroup and CabindaGulfOil.

The country also mines diamonds, marble, granite.

Angola is a fairly young country, gaining independence only about forty years ago. Prior to that, she had long been under the heel of the Portuguese as their colony.

At the moment, this African state is still on the path of its development, but at the same time it has its own original, unlike anything culture and amazingly beautiful nature.

Capital	Luanda
	1,246,700 km²
Population density	14.8 people/km²
	Portuguese
Religion	Christianity, local beliefs
Form of government	presidential republic
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity	Official standards 220V 50Hz
Population	18 million people (2011)

Climate and weather

Angola is a fairly warm country. Its average annual temperature slightly exceeds 20 °C.

There are two climatic seasons in the country: wet and dry. The first of them lasts from October to May, with a short dry break in January-February, while the dry season reigns in the country from June to September. During this wet season, an average of approximately 1400 mm of precipitation falls.

In September and October, the temperature in the country is the highest: starting from 21 °C and pumping 24 °C in the lowlands. The lowest temperature in Angola, oddly enough, in the summer. In June and July it fluctuates from 15 to 22 °C.

The mountainous parts of the country are marked by lower temperatures compared to the lowlands, and in addition, a large amount of precipitation. Coastal temperatures are below the national average due to their proximity to the ocean.

It should be noted that this African state is characterized by significant temperature differences, especially in the southern regions of Angola. So, the temperature there at night can drop to zero.

Nature

Angola is dominated by plateaus, in some parts of the country the heights exceed 1000 meters.

The Bie massif is the most elevated part of the country, on its territory there is the highest point of the country - Mount Moko, located more than 2600 meters above sea level.

The largest rivers flowing in the country are the Kwanza and Cunene, and the highest among the many waterfalls of Angola is the Duqui de Bragança.

Slightly less than half of the territory of the state is covered with forests, as well as light forests. The densest humid tropical are located in the northwest. The interior of the country is mainly characterized by the presence of tropical dry deciduous forests, which are interrupted by cereal savannas of a fairly large extent. And the territory adjacent to the sea is covered with both shrubby and grassy savannahs. In addition, a huge number of palm trees grow there.

Angola has a fabulously rich fauna. Many representatives of the animal world coexist in this African state: lions, elephants, zebras, monkeys and so on.

However, poaching, so widespread in our time, has caused irreparable damage to many species of animals. Elephants and cheetahs were especially affected.

In the coastal waters you can find turtles, various types of fish, shellfish.

Attractions

The most attractive for a huge number of tourists visiting Angola every year is its nature. Of particular success are the stunning views of the coast, the Namib Desert, located in the southern part of the country, as well as the savannah.

In addition, foreign visitors are attracted by the opportunity to see the life of some of the tribes living in Angola, where a lifestyle has been preserved that resembles that which could be characteristic of people living in the Stone Age.

There are few sights created by human hands in this African state, which is explained by the centuries-old colonial position.

The largest number of architectural monuments is located in the capital of the state. In Luanda, one can also observe unusually beautiful mosaics on the sidewalk.

Any tourist visiting the capital will not miss the opportunity to look into the San Miguel Fortress, which was built about five centuries ago, and now has become a historical museum, as well as at least for a few minutes to go to the Dundu Museum, which contains the most valuable ethnographic monuments of the country.

The Namib region is a unique natural landmark, which also has the most favorable climatic conditions compared to other regions of the country.

The area is also home to the famous Angolan desert, where those who wish can hunt.

And the county of Bibala will appeal to those wishing to improve their health with the help of mineral waters.

Avid fishermen will also not be disappointed in their trip if they visit Tombwa, the largest fishing port in the region.

Tourists should also visit Benguela, where a fort built in the 16th century and survived many battles has been preserved.

Natural splendor amazes the Kisama National Park, where you can see a rare combination of animals and plants characteristic of Angola, as well as look at endangered species such as red buffalo, manati and sea turtle.

Food

Residents of Angola, even those living in large cities, tend to prefer to eat at home. This is caused not so much by tradition, but by the insufficient number of catering places and insufficient compliance with sanitary standards in various eateries and restaurants.

However, the number of eating places that can be visited in Angola is steadily increasing, which is especially noticeable in the capital. But the price level in such establishments is quite high and not everyone is able to afford to visit them regularly.

Tipping is not officially practiced in Angola, but visitors leave about 8% of the order value, or leave cigarettes for the waiter, etc.

Angolan cuisine was greatly influenced by the Portuguese, under whose rule the locals spent a lot of time. As a result, the dishes prepared in the country are a combination of local cuisine and Portuguese cuisine.

The inhabitants of Angola traditionally consume seafood, and various soups are especially popular.

They also cook dishes from corn and rice, but still, if you get to visit an Angolan, there is a high probability that you will see a bean dish first of all on the table. You may also be offered a sauce based on hot peppers, which is added to many dishes.

Salads often use local vegetables and plants, but no housewife will miss the opportunity to buy tomatoes or bananas, which are brought specially.

In any market, those who want to taste exotic fruits will be able to find something new for themselves.

When visiting the southern part of the country, you should definitely visit the wineries to get a taste of the local wine, as well as look into the shop at the brewery.

Accommodation

According to a recent study by one of the well-known consulting agencies based in Europe, the capital of Angola is the most expensive city in the world for travelers visiting it.

So, a night in a two-star hotel in Luanda will cost a visitor at least $100, while a night in a five-star establishment will cost at least $500.

Some tourists prefer to rent accommodation during their stay in the country. The prices for renting apartments, as well as houses, are incredibly high. A month of living in a two-room apartment in the capital will lighten your pocket by 7 thousand US dollars, and in a three-room apartment - by 20 thousand.

Food prices are also high, due to the high rate of inflation prevailing in the country. For example, a bottle of wine will set you back $3 and a lunch at an inexpensive cafe will cost you an average of $35.

Despite the obvious high cost of rent, it is in significant demand among foreigners, which is the result of an unceasing flow of employees of foreign oil companies arriving in the country.

Entertainment and recreation

The main type of entertainment that Angola can offer tourists is visiting various attractions located on the territory of the country. Such places include not only museums and ancient buildings that have existed for several hundred years, but also magnificent natural views that can excite even the most sophisticated traveler, which are in great abundance in Angola.

In addition, unforgettable impressions will remain after visiting the country during one of the holidays: New Year, Youth Day (mid-April), Victory Day (end of March), Independence Day (second decade of November). Staying in Angola during the carnival (second half of February) will be one of the most vivid memories of the country.

For those who like to lie on the beach and swim, there are a large number of beaches near the ocean. The most well-equipped beaches are those run by hotels.

Those who want to spend time actively, but are fed up with visiting memorable places and museums, will be able to go fishing (both sports and ordinary), go hiking with an experienced guide, and also hunt.

For tourists who prefer a little more cultural entertainment, there is the opportunity to visit local theaters (mostly located in Luanda). Despite their amateur level, these establishments are always popular with locals and foreigners.

The capital also has the Academy of Music, where you can hear not only the melodies of local authors, but also classical works.

Hotels also offer entertainment.

Purchases

On the territory of the country there are a huge number of various kinds of local shops, as well as markets. Vendors usually offer to purchase locally produced goods.

Basically, these are products made of ivory or wood.

Various figurines, ritual masks, wicker baskets and mats with geometric patterns, furniture can be bought in any locality of the country.

Souvenirs made of reeds, straw and dry grass are also available. Many travelers buy ritual masks as a gift.

If you wish, you can buy local clothes, as well as jewelry.

The most visited market in the country is Benfica, located near the capital.

Transport

The main method used by tourists wishing to visit Angola is air travel. But some prefer to get to the country using sea transport or by car.

A brave tourist, of course, may dare to travel along local roads in his own or rented car, but it must be remembered that many of them are currently in poor condition. Driving in Angola is on the right.

If you still decide to go by car to the countryside, then postpone the trip for the daytime - if a breakdown occurs, it will be easier for you to get to the nearest settlement or wait for help on the spot in daylight. But keep in mind that in the event of a breakdown, it is unlikely that you will be able to immediately contact the local emergency service or service center. Therefore, stock up on a sufficient number of tools necessary for self-implementation of minor repairs.

From the sea inland can be reached by plane. Such services are extremely popular. Typically, the cost of a flight is around $100.

You can try to travel by rail, as there are three railways in Angola. Train fares are low.

It should be remembered that you are unlikely to find a taxi or any public transport anywhere except the capital, and there are mostly minibuses.

Connection

About ten radio and television stations broadcast in the country.

Despite the huge number of people living in Angola, only a small part of the locals can afford to buy any kind of expensive equipment, be it a personal computer or a mobile phone.

This state of affairs determines the number of Internet users, which is estimated at more than 190 thousand people. However, there are Internet cafes in some large cities of the country.

There are several mobile operators in Angola. The largest of them: Unitel S.A. and Movicel. The main telephone lines are mostly in the use of government agencies, and more than 50% of mobile numbers belong to the military. Thanks to the underwater fiber-optic cable laid under water, telephone communication is carried out with the countries of both Europe and Asia.

Safety

Walking through the streets of Angola alone and without an experienced guide can be unsuccessful. This is primarily due to the fact that begging and hooliganism are widespread among the local population. Don't forget about pickpockets, who will not fail to familiarize themselves with the contents of your bags and pockets as soon as you are distracted.

However, the streets guarded by law enforcement officers are relatively safe.

But be as careful as possible at intersections, as the inhabitants of Angola often do not follow the instructions of traffic lights, moreover, the latter are often absent.

Try not to use cameras in front of government officials dressed in blue uniforms, and in no case take pictures of military installations and government buildings.

Remember that it is forbidden to take the local currency out of the country. Try to spend it on the spot, or exchange it for US dollars.

Business climate

The main type of business in the country is oil production. On the territory of Angola there is a state-owned company (Sonangol) that carries out this type of activity. Many foreign industrial giants are involved in oil production and the search for new deposits in this African state. The most famous of them are Total and Petrobras.

Diamond mining companies are also doing well. Construction is profitable, which is associated with the ever-growing demand for real estate and high prices for it.

One of the most developed business sectors is tourism. They are engaged not only by local residents, but also by foreigners. In Angola, you can easily meet someone from Russia and Ukraine who moved to the country in Soviet times as a military translator.

Such a service as air travel is also popular, which is associated with the poor quality of roads, which is faced not only by local residents, but also by tourists, if necessary, to get inland.

Purification of water can also be profitable, since its quality in Angola leaves much to be desired.

It is also worth paying attention to the medical industry, which is currently not well developed and is not in high enough demand among the local population. So, at the moment, several pharmaceutical plants are put up for sale.

There is a prospect of development of the port business, as well as the construction of a shipyard and a fish factory.

At the moment, the construction of the first wind farm in the country is underway.

Real estate

Real estate prices in the country are high compared to other countries of the African continent, and the European one too. This is primarily due to the huge number of foreigners arriving in the country to work in oil companies, which are quite numerous in Angola.

Demand for office real estate is steadily growing, but the state currently cannot offer a sufficient number of modern buildings for everyone.

The Government of Angola is carrying out a large-scale project to build houses for the poor, as many of them still live in appalling conditions, with no access to clean water or sanitation.

The country's economy continues to develop at a very fast pace, which means that the value of real estate will also grow steadily.

You can exchange your money for local currency at any bank in the country, which are open from 10:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday. Exchange offices also work on Saturdays - from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

Some difficulties with the performance of exchange transactions may arise in small towns, but then you can make an exchange on the so-called "black market".

Credit cards, like traveler's checks, are usually only in use in big cities. To travel to the interior of the country, away from major cities, you need to take a sufficient amount of cash with you.

Please note that community organizations, shops and banks tend to open around 8 am, with some of them not open all day.

When going for a walk, do not forget to take a closed bottle of water with you, as not all parts of the country have the opportunity to buy it, and the quality of local water leaves much to be desired.

It is also worth stocking up on a first aid kit with at least a minimal set of medicines.