What is the language in Angola? Angola: a country in Central Africa. Rules of exemplary behavior

Angola attracts travelers with its contrasting landscapes: here, mighty mountains coexist with dense tropical forests and excellent sandy beaches, while arid valleys and deserts intersect with many rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

For foreigners, Angola looks mysterious and incomprehensible - the locals are as hospitable as they are greedy, and the strictness of the laws does not fit in with the laxity in the organization of government.

Until 1975, Angola was an overseas territory of Portugal, and after it was granted independence, a civil war broke out in the country, which lasted until 2002.

In this regard, the tourism infrastructure in Angola is far behind in development, which, however, does not stop those who want to visit this amazing country.

Weather

Angola's climate is quite unique, although it is warm and sunny most of the time.

The coldest months are May and three summer months, when the temperature does not exceed 16 degrees Celsius. Tropical downpours can turn into a real disaster - often rivers overflow and flood entire settlements.

Natural resources

But even despite these shortcomings, Angola is worth a visit and see with your own eyes all the riches of this country.

The emerald waves of the Atlantic Ocean seem to be created for diving and surfing, local national parks are famous for their pristine nature, and the animal world there is incredibly diverse. On land you can find elephants, zebras, antelopes, lions, monkeys, rhinoceroses and leopards, and the local waters are home to many species of fish, whales, turtles and various shellfish.

Attractions

In the capital of the country, Luanda, you will undoubtedly find a lot of interesting things for yourself: the city is located in a picturesque bay, it is full of cultural life and is full of historical attractions. The pride of Luanda is the Academy of Music, where concerts of classical music and local folklore are held.

Tourists also definitely visit the famous Fort San Miguel, built by the Portuguese to protect the city. Nowadays, it houses a historical museum and observation platforms from which it offers a wonderful view. Finally, while walking around the city, you cannot help but notice a distinctive feature of the city - the sidewalks here are paved with colorful mosaics, something you will not see in any other city in Angola, or indeed anywhere else in the world.

Cultural characteristics

The population of Angola comes from various African tribes, each of which has its own special traditions and customs.

Residents not only preserve the uniqueness of their culture, but also form the general culture of Angola, making their contribution. The influence of Portugal can be felt in various aspects of life, for example in art, music, cuisine.

In Angola, art is intertwined with religious ceremonies and customs that highlight certain events, be it a birthday, a wedding, and so on. The people of Angola are excellent at making masks from various types of wood, ceramics or ivory. They are used for rituals or serve as decoration in homes. Wood carving is also very popular among Angolans. For many years, craftsmen have been making a variety of figurines, which, according to popular belief, have special magical powers. In Angola, doors, walls and roofs of houses are decorated with similar figures.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the dance traditions, which certainly accompany numerous rituals and holidays.

One of the most famous genres, Semba, is characterized by improvisation and a parodic humorous style.

The martial art of capoeira, which combines dance and acrobatic elements, is popular among locals. Nowadays, unlike earlier forms, capoeira is extremely rarely used for combat purposes; now it is nothing more than a form of performance based on the movements of non-contact combat.

National holidays

• January 1 - New Year;
• January 4 - Day of Martyrs of Colonial Repression;
• February 4 - Beginning of the Armed Struggle;
• February/March - Carnival;
• March 8—International Women's Day;
• April 4 - Day of Peace and Harmony;
• March/April - Easter;
• March 27 - Victory Day;
• May 1—Labor Day;
• May 25 - African Liberation Day;
• June 1 is International Children's Day;
• September 17—National Hero Day;
• November 2 - Remembrance Day;
• November 11 - Independence Day;
• December 25—Christmas.

Kitchen

The Angolan diet consists of many vegetables and fruits, legumes, corn, rice, poultry and beef.

The coastal towns also serve fish and seafood dishes. The most popular way to prepare them is to bake them on the grill or in banana leaves. The main dishes are served with piri-piri sauce, the main ingredient of which is hot pepper.

The side dish is usually rice, beans, sweet potatoes or corn, or a mix of the above, seasoned with peas and finely chopped carrots.

A distinctive feature of many dishes is that they seem to be mixed from everything that the cook could get his hands on.

The same mixture can be used as a base for both stew and soup.

In the south of Angola, winemaking is widespread, which is usually unusual for African countries. Travelers who have had the chance to try local wine speak very highly of it.

Beer produced by Angolan brewers is also highly rated.

Shopping

The uniqueness of Angola strikes travelers to the core. When you find yourself in local souvenir shops, pay attention to ethnic goods.

Angolan craftsmen create amazing things, each of which is unique and will bring a lot of pleasure to its owner.

Ceremonial masks have a special meaning and are an attribute of various rituals, but they can also be used as wall decor.

When purchasing such items, ask about their history and purpose, this is very interesting.

The choice of figurines in Angola is also large - they are made of wood, ivory, ceramics, bronze or stone. Most often, tourists purchase sculptures of animals: elephants, horses, etc. It is believed that all figurines carry a special energy, and the image of animals is the most harmless.

Textiles are also popular - clothing, hats, accessories, etc.

Store opening hours: from 08:30 to 17:00

Visa validity and length of stay - is there a difference? The validity of a tourist visa issued by the Angolan consulate is 30 days,...

The Republic of Angola is a country located in southwest Africa. Angola borders on the Republic of Congo in the northeast, Namibia in the south, and Zambia in the east. The western part of Angola borders the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the coastline is about 1600 km. Angola also includes the province of Cabinda, which is separated from the main part of Angolan territory by the Republic of Congo. The total territorial area of ​​the country is 1.247 million square meters. km.

Most of the territory of the Angora Republic is plateau. Conventionally, Angola can be divided into three natural zones, located from west to east. The northern region is represented by a coastal plain ranging from 50 to 150 km wide. The northern part of the plateau is a part of the elevated ring frame of the Congo Basin, while its southern part is part of the system of uplifts surrounding the Kalahari Basin. Therefore, orographically, Angola occupies an intermediate position between Central and Southern Africa.

The second natural zone is transitional, its width reaches 150 km in the northern part and only 30 km in the central and southern part.

The Great Inland Plateau (Angolan Plateau) is the third natural zone, which is located east of the transition zone and occupies 90% of the entire country. The average height of the Angolan plateau is from 1000 to 1520 m above sea level. Mount Mocha is the highest point in the country at 2620 m.

According to 2003 data, the population of Angola is more than 10.77 million people. Angola is a multi-ethnic state. Ethnic groups are very diverse and number more than 90 species. The peoples are mainly varieties of the Bantu language family - Ovimbundu (37%), Ambundu (25%), Bakongo (13%), Ngangela (9%), Chokwe (8%), Nyaneka (4.2%), Ovambo (2 .4%), etc.

The national language of Angola is Portuguese. Angolan residents also speak the local languages ​​Kimbundu, Kikongo, and Umbundu. The main religion of Angola is Christianity (Catholics 65%, Protestants 20%), a small part of the population professes traditional African religions and cults (fetishism, ancestor cult, etc.).

The government structure of Angola is a republic. The president is both the head of state and the supreme commander of the country's armed forces. The legislative branch of Angola is represented by the National Assembly, and the Executive branch is exercised by the Council of Ministers.

The national currency of Angola is the new kwanza.

The average population density of Angola is 11.7 people. per 1 sq. km (according to 2000 data). The average life expectancy for men is 36.06 years, for women 37.55 years. The birth rate in the Republic of Angola is 45.14, the death rate is 25.86 per 1000 people. The main population of the republic is classified as poor.

The people of Angola have lived on their territory since prehistoric times. In 1483, just as the Bakongo kingdom was flourishing, the Portuguese arrived in Angola. The new guests were received very cordially by the local residents. In the basin of the Kwanza River in the south was the state of Ndongo, which was initially a vassal possession of the Congo, but already in the 15th century. it gained independence. Only in 1575 the cruel Portuguese conqueror (Paulo Dias de Novais) decided to take the first step towards the conquest of Angola and tried to capture the river valley. This became the starting point for the further capture of the colonialists. Angola gained independence and freedom on November 11, 1975. Currently, the Republic of Angola is a member of the UN, ILO, WHO, and the Organization of African Unity.

Angola is located in the subequatorial and tropical latitudes of the southern hemisphere. The coast has a tropical trade wind climate. Despite the humid winds, this part of the country often suffers from droughts caused by the Bengal Current. Thanks to this current, the air humidity level on the coast is high and the sky is often cloudy, but it rarely rains here. They go almost exclusively in the summer, in March-April (we are talking about the summer of the southern hemisphere), and in Luanda - no more than once or twice a week. Annual precipitation is also low. The country has an equatorial, monsoon climate. Average temperatures in the central part of Angola in the warm season (September - October) range from 21-22 ° in the highest part of the plateau to 24-26 ° in the lower areas, and in the coldest (July - August) range from 15 to 22 °.

The fauna of Angola is amazing and interesting. In Angola you can see leopards, rhinoceroses, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, elephants, jackals, etc. The world of birds is also diverse - parrots, bustards, hoopoes, weaver birds, etc. The famous tsetse fly also lives in Angola. There are enough fish, marine mammals, shellfish, etc. in the reservoirs.

The main attractions of the Angolan Republic: in the city of Luanda - the museum of slavery and the central museum of the armed forces, the Portuguese fortress of San Miguel (XVII century), the ethnographic museum in the city of Cabinda, the Dundu Museum in the town of the same name, as well as archaeological and anthropological museums in the city Benguela. Angola is also famous for its beautiful national parks such as Iona, Cameo, Kisama and Milando.

Republic of Angola (Republic of Angola) - a state in southwest 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. The country's territory consists of 18 provinces. West Coast Angola washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The country has rich natural resources and is just beginning to reveal its tourism potential.

Republic of Angola

1. Capital

Luanda - 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 Angola city, 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.

Tourism in Luanda perfectly 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 active recreation. Sports fans can attend matches with the local basketball team.

2. Flag

Flag of Angola- black and red fabric. A black and red stripe divides the canvas exactly in half horizontally in the middle. The color red 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 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 recognized as 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- a sign of international solidarity and progress. Book- a symbol of education, culture and prosperity. Half wheel- a sign of the presence of developed industry. Rising Sun- a sign of a new country. Cottonwood sheaf, corn and coffee indicate the presence of these crops in the country. Red color rising sun- this is the blood shed by nations Angola for independence. Black color The coat of arms symbolizes the African Dark Continent. At the very bottom of the coat of arms gold ribbon with the name of the state in Portuguese - Republic of Angola.

4. Hymn

listen to the Angolan anthem

5. Currency

Currency of Angola. IN Angola official currency - kwanzaa. Angolan Kwanzaa has an international designation - AOA, the designation adopted within the country Kzr. 1 Angolan kwanzaa equal to 100 centimos. There are banknotes in circulation 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 Kwanzaas they look like this:

Coins of Angola

Banknotes of Angola

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

Area of ​​Angola - 1246.7 km 2. Territory Angola is divided into 3 conventional regions: the Great Inland Plateau, the Transition 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. Things to see

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

Here's a small one list of attractions, which you should pay attention to when planning excursions around Angola:

• Kalandula Waterfall
• Ruacana Falls
• Epupa Falls
• Mount MokoBibala County
• Fortress of 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
• Kuito
• 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 ranges from 15 to 22 °C. The period from September to October is considered warm, at this time the temperature is 21 - 24 °C.

There are 2 climatic seasons in the country: wet and dry. The first season lasts from October to May, the second season (dry) lasts from June to September. Angola characterized by significant temperature changes. For example, the temperature in the southern regions Angola At night it can drop to zero.

11. Population

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

12. Language

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

13. Religion

Religion of Angola- this is, first of all, Christianity 53% (Catholics - 38%, Protestants - 15%). 47% of Angolans practice indigenous beliefs.

14. What about something to eat?

National cuisine of Angola. Feature Angolan cuisine is that almost everything - seafood, meat and even corn - is cooked on the grill. National cuisine of Angola has collected African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Very popular sauce piri-piri, which is made from hot peppers and served with chicken, shrimp and fish. You can wash down the 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 pot.

15. Rules of exemplary behavior

Peculiarities of behavior in Angola. When meeting a person, shake hands. Women usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Do not take photographs of government or military buildings or police stations. Be mindful of racial terminology.

16. Holidays:

National holidays of Angola

• January 1 - New Year
• January 4 - Day of 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 Reconciliation
• 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 - Remembrance Day
• November 11 - Angolan Independence Day
• 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 there are grassy and shrubby savannas, palm trees grow in abundance. To the south, the vegetation thins catastrophically - the territory of the Namib Desert is not conducive to rapid plant growth.

Wildlife of Angola very rich. Animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceroses, gazelles, buffalos, antelopes, hyenas, and others live here. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, including whales, turtles and shellfish, not to mention huge fisheries resources.

18. Medicine

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

19. "Dangerous for life "

Dangers that may be waiting for you in Angola:

• diseases of 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's a small one list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring fromAngola:

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

21. “Neither nail nor rod” or customs rules

Customs regulations Angola. The import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required). Persons with a return ticket purchased in Angola, can export foreign currency in an amount equivalent to 10 thousand kwanzas once a year. All others can export the imported foreign currency by providing a letter from the receiving party certified by the National Bank stating that this party has paid their expenses for their stay in Angola. If the imported foreign currency is partially spent, the expenses must be confirmed with store receipts and exchange office receipts; the remainder can be taken out. It is prohibited to export national currency.

Duty-free import of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and food products is allowed to the extent 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. The export of: weapons, drugs, unprocessed precious stones, handicrafts made of ivory, turtle shells, and shellfish is prohibited.

Upon arrival to the Republic of Angola An international certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. Recommendation: when visiting Angola take care of three-time 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?

Angola electrical grid voltage: 220 V at frequency 50 Hz. Socket type: Type C.

22. Angola dialing code

Code of the country: + 244
Geographic first level domain name: .ao

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

Angola is one of the most amazing and beautiful countries in the world, attracting huge numbers 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 remaining cities are significantly smaller than the capital in size. 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 in the state is oil production.

The best known are such industrial giants as SonangolGroup and CabindaGulfOil.

The country also mines diamonds, marble, and granite.

Angola is a fairly young country, gaining independence only about forty years ago. Before that, it 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 unique, unique culture and amazingly beautiful nature.

Climate and weather

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

The country experiences two climatic seasons: 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, the average rainfall is approximately 1400 mm.

In September and October, temperatures in the country are at their highest, starting at 21 °C and reaching 24 °C in the lowlands. The lowest temperature in Angola, oddly enough, is in the summer. In June and July it ranges from 15 to 22 °C.

The mountainous parts of the country are characterized by lower temperatures compared to the lowlands, and also by greater amounts 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 changes, especially in the southern regions of Angola. So, the temperature there at night can drop to zero.

Nature

Angola is predominantly flatland, with altitudes exceeding 1,000 meters in some parts of the country.

The Bie massif is the most elevated part of the country and is home to the country's highest point, Mount Moko, more than 2,600 meters above sea level.

The largest rivers flowing in the country are Kwanza and Cunene, and the highest among Angola’s many waterfalls is Duque di Braganza.

Slightly less than half of the state's territory is covered with forests and woodlands. The densest humid tropical ones 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 grass savannas of a fairly large extent. And the area adjacent to the sea is covered with both shrub and grassy savannas. 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 particularly affected.

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

Attractions

The most attractive thing for the huge number of tourists who visit Angola every year is its nature. Particularly popular are the stunning views of the coastline, the Namib Desert, located in the southern part of the country, and 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 style of life has been preserved that is reminiscent of what might have been 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 situation.

The largest number of architectural monuments is located in the capital of the state. In Luanda you can also see 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 has now become a historical museum, as well as to go at least for a few minutes to the Dundu Museum, where the most valuable ethnographic monuments of the country are collected.

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

This area is also home to the famous Angolan desert, where those interested can go hunting.

And the county of Bibala will appeal to those who want 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.

The natural beauty of Kisama National Park is home to a rare combination of animals and plants native to Angola, as well as endangered species such as the red buffalo, manati and sea turtle.

Nutrition

Angolan residents, even those living in large cities, generally prefer to eat at home. This is caused not so much by tradition as by the insufficient number of public catering places and insufficient compliance with sanitary standards in various kinds of snack bars 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 can afford to visit them regularly.

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

The Portuguese had a huge influence on Angolan cuisine, 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.

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

They also prepare dishes from corn and rice, but still, if you visit an Angolan, there is a high probability that the first thing you will see on the table is a dish of beans. 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.

At 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, and also stop by the brewery store.

Accommodation

According to a recent study by a renowned European-based consultancy, Angola's capital is the most expensive city in the world for travelers visiting it.

Thus, a night in a two-star hotel in Luanda will cost a visitor no less than $100, while a night in a five-star establishment will cost at least $500.

Some tourists prefer to rent housing during their stay in the country. The prices for renting apartments and 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, which is caused by the high degree of inflation prevailing in the country. For example, a bottle of wine will cost you $3, and 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 a constant flow of employees of foreign oil production companies arriving in the country.

Entertainment and relaxation

The main type of entertainment that Angola can offer tourists is visiting various types of attractions located throughout the country. These places include not only museums and ancient buildings dating back several hundred years, but also magnificent natural views that can thrill even the most seasoned traveler, which are abundant 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 ten days 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 have an active time, but are fed up with visiting memorable places and museums, will be able to go fishing (both sports and regular), 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 (most of them located in Luanda). Despite their amateur level, these establishments enjoy constant success among locals and foreigners.

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

Hotels also offer their own entertainment.

Purchases

There are a huge number of different kinds of local shops and markets throughout the country. Sellers usually offer to purchase locally produced goods.

These are mainly products made from ivory or wood.

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

Souvenirs made from reeds, straw and dry grass are also available. Many travelers purchase ritual masks as gifts.

If you wish, you can buy local clothes and 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, can venture to travel along local roads in his own or a 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 nevertheless decide to drive your car into the countryside, then postpone the trip until daytime - if a breakdown occurs, it will be easier for you to get to the nearest populated area 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 your local emergency service or service center. Therefore, stock up on enough tools necessary to carry out minor repairs yourself.

From the sea to the interior of the country you can get by plane. Such services are extremely popular. Typically, the cost of a flight is around $100.

You can try to travel by rail, since there are three railways in Angola. The train fare is low.

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

Connection

About ten radio and television stations broadcast in the country.

Despite the huge number of people inhabiting Angola, only a small part of local residents can afford to purchase any expensive equipment, be it a personal computer or a mobile phone.

This state of affairs also determines the number of Internet users, which is estimated at more than 190 thousand people. However, there are still 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 used by government agencies, and more than 50% of mobile numbers belong to the military. Thanks to the submarine fiber optic cable laid under water, telephone communications are carried out with countries in both Europe and Asia.

Safety

Walking the streets of Angola alone and without an experienced guide can be a bad experience. This is primarily due to the fact that begging and hooliganism are widespread among the local population. Do not 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 Angolan residents often do not follow the instructions of traffic lights, and the latter are often absent.

Try not to use cameras in front of government officials dressed in blue uniforms, and never take pictures of military installations or government buildings.

Please remember that it is prohibited to take 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. There is a state-owned company (Sonangol) in Angola 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 constantly growing demand for real estate and high prices for it.

One of the most developed business sectors is tourism. It is practiced 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 back in Soviet times as a military translator.

A service such as air travel is also popular, which is due to the poor quality of roads, which not only local residents, but also tourists face when they need to get into the interior of the country.

Water purification may 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. Thus, at the moment several pharmaceutical factories are put up for sale.

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

The first wind farm in the country is currently under construction.

Real estate

Real estate prices in the country are high compared to other countries on the African continent, and in Europe too. This is primarily caused by the huge number of foreigners arriving in the country to work in oil producing companies, of which there are quite a lot in Angola.

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

The Angolan government is implementing a large-scale project to build houses for the poor, as many of them still live in appalling conditions, without access to sufficient clean water or sanitation.

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

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

Some difficulties with performing exchange operations may arise in small localities, but then you can make an exchange on the so-called “black market”.

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

Please note that community organizations, shops and banks generally open around 8am, and some are not open all day.

When going out for a walk, do not forget to take a closed bottle of water with you, since not all parts of the country have the opportunity to purchase 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 minimum set of medicines.

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 part of a small group of countries in which Islam is officially prohibited. Despite the fact that it is located in Africa, every tenth resident is Chinese.

Angola on the map of the world and Africa in Russian

One of the country's attractions is Namib Desert. Most of Angola's territory is plateau.

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

Timezone

There is no summer 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 country. Even for a transit visit to Angola, it is necessary to obtain 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 5900 rubles). For urgent registration - $200 (≈11,800 rubles). A transit visa will cost $30 (≈1800 rubles).

In the Russian Federation issue 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, no prior registration is required. You can submit documents through third parties. The period for reviewing documents does not exceed 5 working days. Tourist visa is issued to Russians for 30 days.

One of main requirements The documents required for obtaining a visa are the validity period of the foreign passport. It must be at least 90 days.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Angola located at: Republic of Angola, Luanda, Miramar district, st. Huari Boumediena, building 170, post office 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.

History of the state

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 information that in the 6th century on the territory of modern Angola there lived Bushmen and Bantu tribes.

Until now, the country is inhabited by various tribes that arouse interest among tourists.

The Old World discovered Angola in 1482, when a Portuguese naval expedition led by Diogo Can. Until the mid-19th century, their main occupation in Angola was the slave trade. They robbed the country and did not develop it. Historians claim that over 300 years of colonization, the Portuguese sold more than 5 million of the country's inhabitants into slavery.

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. Currently the Republic of Angola is presidential republic.

General information

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

The country is divided into 18 provinces which consist of municipalities. The largest province in the country by area is Moxico (223 thousand km²), by population - Luanda (6.5 million people).

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

Climate and weather

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

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

Northern part The country belongs to a zone with monsoon winds. This is a region with a tropical climate, it is characterized by a large amount of rain, which occurs 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 3-5 degrees Celsius lower than the south.

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

Capital and major cities

The capital of the state is Luanda. It is considered the most expensive city in the world. Most Angolans live in the capital. Luanda's population is more than 2.3 million people. The city was built near the confluence of the Kwanzaa River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded on all sides by savannah, which has preserved its pristine 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 is 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 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, Africa Day is celebrated in Angola. In November, the country celebrates All Souls' Day on the 2nd, and National Independence Day on the 11th. Christmas The country officially celebrates 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 travel to Angola for its rainforests, savannas and Atlantic coastline beaches.

Holidays in the country

One of the exotic tourism destinations is ethnographic tours. They are dedicated to introducing the lifestyle of local tribal peoples. Many of them continue to live their lives in Stone Age traditions. Such tours can also be classified as ecotourism. Among the popular tourist routes in Angola are hikes deep into the desert.

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

The most amazing landscapes in the country can be found in Namibe. This area of ​​Angola is where sea, desert and savannah meet. This area is perfect for hunting. In the Angolan savannah you can hunt African animals.

Kitchen

The massive poverty of the country's population and long years of Portuguese colonization influenced its national cuisine. Distinctive feature National cooking traditions include mixing a large number of ingredients in one dish.

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

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

Hot piri-piri sauce is served with all meat and fish dishes, and residents of the country like 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 is mosaic paved sidewalks.

Once in Angola you can’t help but visit the city Benguela. It houses a perfectly preserved fort built by the Portuguese during the colonial period. The building dates back to the 16th century. Such structures were erected to protect the coasts of a country that has experienced a large number of different wars in its history. A tour of the fort in these places can be combined with sea fishing. She's excellent in these places.

The country's greatest national treasure is 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 coastal line is 120 km.

In the park, whose area is 9.9 thousand km², you can find tropical forest zone, fields and savanna. In the park you can see elephants, red buffalos and even black sable.

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

• Porto Alexandri;
• Kwanza-Soul;
• Milando and others.

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

The 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 just 2 km from the city center. There is everything for a comfortable holiday: 5 restaurants, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. 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 by using the convenient search form. You just need to indicate city ​​name, dates of entry and exit, and number of guests.

Most hotels in the country 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. Among the hotels we can note:

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 Cacuaco, Mariuska in Luanda, Panguila Hotel in Panguilla.

You will learn many more interesting things about Angola from this video: