Africa · Middle Africa

Angola

Republic of Angola

Flag of Angola
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Luanda
👥 Population
36,170,961
📐 Area
1,246,700 km²
💱 Currency
Angolan kwanza (Kz)
🗣️ Languages
Portuguese
📞 Calling Code
+244
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Middle Africa

About Angola

Angola is a country of staggering natural beauty and extraordinary cultural depth that is only now beginning to emerge on the international travel radar after decades of civil conflict. Stretching along Africa's Atlantic coast with the Congo Basin rainforest to the north and the Namib Desert reaching its northern fingers into the south, Angola's landscapes encompass some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery on the continent. The capital Luanda, one of Africa's most expensive and cosmopolitan cities, buzzes with an infectious energy fuelled by oil wealth, an ambitious rebuilding programme, and a vibrant music scene that has produced kuduro, one of Africa's most influential dance music genres.

Beyond Luanda, Angola reveals landscapes of breathtaking variety. The Tundavala Fissure near Lubango offers vertiginous cliff views over the Namib escarpment. The Bicuar and Quiçama national parks are being painstakingly restocked after the devastating losses of the civil war era. The Kissama National Park, just two hours from Luanda, has become a symbol of conservation hope — elephants, giant sable antelope, and other wildlife are gradually returning through ambitious rewilding initiatives. In the southern highlands, the ancient Muila people maintain striking traditional dress and customs that have survived centuries of change.

Angola is not yet an easy destination, and infrastructure outside the major cities can be challenging. But for the adventurous traveller willing to engage with a country in the midst of a genuine renaissance, Angola offers the rare thrill of experiencing Africa's next great travel discovery before the crowds arrive. The warmth of Angolan hospitality, the richness of its art and music, and the magnificence of its untouched landscapes are rewards well worth the effort of getting here.

History & Background

Angola's recorded history stretches back to the powerful Kingdom of Kongo, which dominated the northern reaches of present-day Angola from the 14th century and developed sophisticated administrative, diplomatic, and artistic traditions long before European contact. Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão arrived at the mouth of the Congo River in 1483, beginning a relationship that would prove catastrophic for the local population. Angola became the largest source of enslaved Africans transported to the Americas — an estimated 4–5 million people were taken from Angolan ports over four centuries, a wound that still shapes the country's relationship with its past.

Portugal maintained Angola as a colony until one of the 20th century's most abrupt decolonisations — independence came on November 11, 1975, almost immediately plunging the country into a devastating civil war between the MPLA government (backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union) and UNITA rebels (backed by the US and South Africa). This conflict lasted 27 years, killing an estimated 500,000 people, displacing millions more, and leaving the country littered with landmines. The death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi in 2002 finally ended hostilities, and Angola has since undergone a remarkable if uneven reconstruction, leveraging its vast oil and diamond resources to rebuild its cities and institutions.

Culture & People

Angolan culture is a vibrant synthesis of Bantu African traditions and centuries of Portuguese colonial influence, producing a society of remarkable creativity and resilience. Portuguese is the official language, but over forty Bantu languages — including Kimbundu, Kikongo, and Umbundu — are spoken across the country, each carrying rich oral traditions, proverbs, and music. The civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002 profoundly shaped the national psyche, and the arts have been central to healing and reconstruction — Angola's literature, visual art, and music reflect both trauma and an irrepressible vitality.

Music is perhaps Angola's greatest cultural export. Semba, the traditional predecessor to Brazilian samba (the connection is direct and historical), remains a beloved art form, while kuduro — a frenetic electronic dance music born in Luanda's musseques (informal settlements) in the 1980s — has spread globally. Carnival in Luanda, held in February, is one of Africa's most spectacular, rivalling Rio in its scale and ambition. Traditional crafts including basket weaving, woodcarving, and the intricate bead jewellery of the Muila women of the southern highlands represent living artistic traditions that connect contemporary Angolans to their pre-colonial past.

Food & Cuisine

Angolan cuisine reflects the country's Portuguese colonial history and the rich agricultural traditions of its Bantu peoples, producing a cooking style that is bold, satisfying, and deeply flavourful. Muamba de galinha — chicken slow-cooked in a rich palm oil sauce with garlic, tomatoes, chilli, and okra — is considered the national dish, a wonderfully aromatic stew that embodies the Portuguese-African fusion at the heart of Angolan cooking. Calulu, a dried fish and vegetable stew cooked in palm oil with sweet potato leaves, is another staple that has nourished Angolans across generations and social classes.

Seafood is excellent given Angola's extensive Atlantic coastline — grilled tiger prawns, fish stews, and fresh lobster are highlights along the coast and in Luanda's better restaurants. Funje, a smooth cassava porridge similar to ugali or sadza, is the universal accompaniment to meat and fish dishes. Ginguba (peanuts) appear in sauces, snacks, and street food across the country. Portuguese influence persists strongly in the prevalence of pastéis de nata (custard tarts), good espresso, and the quality of Angolan beer — Cuca, Eka, and N'Gola lager are refreshing local brews that pair perfectly with a plate of piri-piri prawns.

Top Attractions

  • Kalandula Falls — One of Africa's largest waterfalls by volume, plunging 105 metres over a 400-metre wide horseshoe of red rock in a remote forested setting of extraordinary beauty.
  • Kissama National Park — Angola's flagship wildlife reserve, two hours south of Luanda, where ambitious rewilding has returned elephants, sable antelope, and zebra to the savanna.
  • Tundavala Fissure — A dramatic escarpment near Lubango offering vertiginous views across the Namib Desert plateau, one of Africa's most spectacular viewpoints.
  • Luanda Marginal — The sweeping seafront promenade of the capital, lined with palms, cafes, and the restored colonial buildings of the Ilha de Luanda sandbar.
  • Pungo Andongo — Massive black granite inselbergs rising from the savanna, steeped in Mbundu legend and featuring the 'footprints of Queen Njinga,' a revered national symbol.
  • Mussulo Peninsula — A palm-fringed sandbar near Luanda with calm lagoon beaches, seafood restaurants, and weekend escape vibes popular with Luanda residents.

Practical Travel Tips

  • A visa is required for most nationalities — apply well in advance and ensure your passport has at least six months' validity; yellow fever vaccination proof is mandatory for entry.
  • Luanda is one of Africa's most expensive cities; budget carefully and carry a mix of US dollars (widely accepted) and Angolan kwanza (AOA) for markets and local services.
  • Road conditions outside major cities can be very poor; hiring a local driver or joining an organised tour is strongly recommended for exploring the interior.
  • Photography requires sensitivity — avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and airports; always ask permission before photographing people.
  • Malaria is endemic in Angola; take prophylaxis, use insect repellent, and sleep under a treated mosquito net, especially in rural areas.
  • Register with your embassy upon arrival and monitor FCO/State Department travel advisories — some areas may have specific safety considerations.
  • English is not widely spoken outside tourist-facing businesses and hotels; a working knowledge of Portuguese is a significant practical advantage.

Visa Overview

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Angola, which must be obtained before arrival from an Angolan embassy or, in some cases, as an e-visa. Yellow fever vaccination certification is compulsory for all visitors. Visa applications typically require supporting documents including hotel confirmations, an itinerary, and a letter of invitation or purpose of visit. Processing times and requirements vary; apply well in advance. Some nationalities benefit from visa-on-arrival or simplified procedures — always verify current requirements through the official Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your embassy.

Getting Around

Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport connects to major African hubs, Lisbon, Dubai, and increasingly other destinations. Domestic flights via TAAG Angola Airlines and other carriers reach Lubango, Huambo, Cabinda, and other key cities. Road conditions vary dramatically — major highways have improved, but many secondary routes remain poor and require 4WD vehicles. Candongueiros (shared minibuses) are the primary local transport in cities but can be crowded. Hiring a private driver is the most practical option for visitors exploring beyond Luanda. Car rental is available but driving independently outside the capital is not recommended for first-time visitors.

Safety Notes

Luanda and the major provincial cities are generally manageable for travellers who take standard precautions. Petty crime, including bag snatching and theft, occurs in busy urban areas — avoid displaying expensive equipment and use reputable taxis or hotel cars rather than hailing vehicles on the street. The Cabinda enclave requires additional care and current travel advice should be checked. Landmines remain a legacy risk in some rural areas far from established tourist routes — never stray from marked paths in the countryside and follow local guidance. Comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is essential.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Angola.

Angolan kwanza (AOA) Kz
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.015190
AAVE 0.000012
ADA 0.005800
AED 0.003999
AFN 0.069228
AGIX 0.013956
AKT 0.001736
ALGO 0.012164
ALL 0.089255
AMD 0.400667
AMP 2.441159
ANG 0.001964
APE 0.007767
APT 0.001741
AR 0.000545
ARB 0.013613
ARS 1.625189
ATOM 0.000689
ATS 0.013105
AUD 0.001572
AVAX 0.000158
AWG 0.001949
AXS 0.001078
AZM 9.255283
AZN 0.001851
BAKE 1.449111
BAM 0.001863
BAT 0.012364
BBD 0.002178
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.134227
BEF 0.038420
BGN 0.001863
BHD 0.000409
BIF 3.241535
BMD 0.001089
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.001407
BOB 0.007543
BRL 0.005627
BSD 0.001089
BSV 0.000074
BSW 3.253283
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.020547
BTG 0.003773
BTN 0.103741
BTT 4,105.624504
BUSD 0.001088
BWP 0.014696
BYN 0.003162
BYR 21.343658
BZD 0.002193
CAD 0.001547
CAKE 0.000752
CDF 2.512257
CELO 0.016207
CFX 0.024338
CHF 0.000876
CHZ 0.060313
CLP 1.003055
CNH 0.007395
CNY 0.007392
COMP 0.000065
COP 3.639537
CRC 0.496178
CRO 0.018217
CRV 0.005093
CSPR 0.560653
CUC 0.001089
CUP 0.028857
CVE 0.105022
CVX 0.000905
CYP 0.000557
CZK 0.023035
DAI 0.001089
DASH 0.000031
DCR 0.000098
DEM 0.001863
DFI 1.310594
DJF 0.193918
DKK 0.007119
DOGE 0.014090
DOP 0.064533
DOT 0.001248
DYDX 0.008245
DZD 0.144811
EEK 0.014902
EGLD 0.000394
EGP 0.053487
ENJ 0.037624
EOS 0.015033
ERN 0.016333
ESP 0.158468
ETB 0.174169
ETC 0.000153
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.000952
EURC 0.000953
FEI 0.001089
FIL 0.001379
FIM 0.005663
FJD 0.002445
FKP 0.000816
FLOW 0.038854
FLR 0.156649
FRAX 0.001101
FRF 0.006247
FTT 0.004571
GALA 0.475293
GBP 0.000816
GEL 0.002860
GGP 0.000816
GHC 123.704789
GHS 0.012370
GIP 0.000816
GMD 0.080297
GMX 0.000184
GNF 9.546595
GNO 0.000010
GRD 0.324533
GRT 0.057391
GT 0.000161
GTQ 0.008311
GUSD 0.001090
GYD 0.227914
HBAR 0.014420
HKD 0.008540
HNL 0.029151
HNT 0.004544
HOT 3.017378
HRK 0.007176
HT 0.030391
HTG 0.142526
HUF 0.336775
ICP 0.000494
IDR 19.591255
IEP 0.000750
ILS 0.003271
IMP 0.000816
IMX 0.007881
INJ 0.000223
INR 0.103741
IQD 1.427703
IRR 1,498.357438
ISK 0.137148
ITL 1.844121
JEP 0.000816
JMD 0.172500
JOD 0.000772
JPY 0.176231
KAS 0.035496
KAVA 0.024133
KCS 0.000151
KDA 0.186818
KES 0.140779
KGS 0.095236
KHR 4.366133
KMF 0.468555
KNC 0.009768
KPW 0.980066
KRW 1.669065
KSM 0.000309
KWD 0.000338
KYD 0.000906
KZT 0.514750
LAK 24.618017
LBP 97.783069
LDO 0.004031
LEO 0.000116
LINK 0.000136
LKR 0.364653
LRC 0.088622
LRD 0.197763
LSL 0.017698
LTC 0.000024
LTL 0.003288
LUF 0.038420
LUNA 0.022172
LUNC 17.735222
LVL 0.000669
LYD 0.006984
MAD 0.010196
MANA 0.015648
MBX 0.043295
MDL 0.019165
MGA 4.620594
MGF 23.102970
MINA 0.022967
MKD 0.058670
MKR 0.000001
MMK 2.285866
MNT 3.902614
MOP 0.008796
MRO 0.434857
MRU 0.043486
MTL 0.000409
MUR 0.051184
MVR 0.016833
MWK 1.888771
MXN 0.019032
MXV 0.002158
MYR 0.004440
MZM 69.541486
MZN 0.069541
NAD 0.017698
NEAR 0.000546
NEO 0.000550
NEXO 0.001415
NFT 4,108.579891
NGN 1.492038
NIO 0.040082
NLG 0.002099
NOK 0.010710
NPR 0.166063
NZD 0.001914
OKB 0.000014
OMR 0.000419
ONE 0.871142
OP 0.010128
ORDI 0.000335
PAB 0.001089
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.003708
PEPE 399.205918
PGK 0.004790
PHP 0.066979
PI 0.009625
PKR 0.302931
PLN 0.004088
POL 0.014806
PTE 0.190941
PYG 6.623111
QAR 0.003963
QNT 0.000016
QTUM 0.001532
ROL 49.772992
RON 0.004977
RPL 0.000538
RSD 0.111710
RUB 0.083905
RUNE 0.002633
RVN 0.285706
RWF 1.596124
SAND 0.021824
SAR 0.004083
SBD 0.008811
SCR 0.015560
SDD 65.358117
SDG 0.653581
SEK 0.010511
SGD 0.001407
SHIB 248.695077
SHP 0.000816
SIT 0.228235
SKK 0.028692
SLE 0.024869
SLL 24.869438
SNX 0.004755
SOL 0.000013
SOS 0.621782
SPL 0.000181
SRD 0.040990
SRG 40.989603
SSP 5.171184
STD 23.507173
STN 0.023507
STX 0.006368
SUI 0.001457
SVC 0.009527
SYP 0.120365
SZL 0.017698
THB 0.036194
THETA 0.007762
TJS 0.010093
TMM 19.105031
TMT 0.003821
TND 0.003210
TOP 0.002622
TRL 50,975.324092
TRX 0.003316
TRY 0.050975
TTD 0.007378
TUSD 0.001091
TVD 0.001572
TWD 0.034942
TWT 0.003167
TZS 2.861090
UAH 0.048526
UGX 3.979245
UNI 0.000345
USD 0.001089
USDC 0.001089
USDD 0.001090
USDP 0.001092
USDT 0.001090
UYU 0.043825
UZS 13.031219
VAL 1.844121
VEB 70,170,136.770600
VED 0.701639
VEF 70,163.889540
VES 0.701639
VET 0.230814
VND 28.637167
VUV 0.130872
WAVES 0.004098
WEMIX 0.004206
WOO 0.091960
WST 0.003012
XAF 0.624739
XAG 0.000018
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002947
XCG 0.001964
XCH 0.000691
XDC 0.038751
XDR 0.000803
XEC 204.984117
XEM 2.543512
XLM 0.005454
XMR 0.000003
XOF 0.624739
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.113653
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.000951
XTZ 0.004376
YER 0.258052
ZAR 0.017698
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.352975
ZMK 19.979773
ZMW 0.019980
ZWD 0.394057
ZWG 0.029207
ZWL 72.980336

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Angola 183
Browse all cities and towns
Alto Dondo Alto Hama Ambriz Andulo Bailundo Balombo Bembe Benguela Bibala Bocoio Buco-Zau Buela Bundas Bungo Caála Cabinda Cachoeira Caconda Cacongo Cacuaco Cacula Caculama Cacuso Cadá Cáfu Cafunfo Cahama Calai Calandala Calandula Calonda Calucinga Calulo Caluquembe Camabatela Camabatela Camacupa Camanongue Camaxilo Cambandua Cambundi Catembo Cangamba Cangandala Cangola Cangundo Canzar Cassongue Catabola Catchiungo Catete Catumbela Catumbela Cautoto Caxito Cazaje Cazombo CENTRALIDADE DO QUIBAÚLA (Sumbe) Chibia Chicala Chinguar Chipindo Chissamba Chongoroi Cidade do Kilamba Cuangar Cuango Cubal Cuchi Cucumbi Cuemba Cuilo Cuima Cuimba Cuíto Cuito Cuanavale Culo Cunda-dia-Baze Cunhinga Cusse Cutato Cuvango Damba Dirico Dombe Grande Dondo Dundo Ecunha Gabela Gambos-Chiange Ganda Golungo Alto Hoque Huambo Huíla Humpata Iongo Jamba Jamba Kuito Léua Lobito Lombe Longonjo Lóvua Luacano Luanda Luando Luao Luau Lubango Lucala Lucapa Lucira Luena Lumeje Lumua Luxilo M'banza Congo M'banza-Kongo Malanje Maquela do Zombo Matala Mavinga Mbanza Lucala Mecumba Menongue Menongue Moçâmedes Mucussuege Mumbué Mungo Munhango Mussende Muxaluando N'dalatando N'zeto Namibe Nana Candundo Negage Nóqui Nova Esperança Nzagi Nzeto Ondjiva Panguila Porto Amboim Porto Quipiri Praia Santo Antônio Puri Quibala Quibaxe Quibocolo Quilenda Quilengues Quimbele Quinzala Quipungo Quissaca Quitapa Quitexe Quituia Salucunda Sanza Pombo Sassalemba Saurimo Sautar Seles Songo Soyo Sumbe Tempué Tomboco Tômbua Uemita Uíge Ukuma Virei Waku Kungo Xá-Muteba Xangongo Xassengue Xinge Zambia

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Angola needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Angola?
The capital of Angola is Luanda.
What currency does Angola use?
Angola uses the Angolan kwanza (Kz) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Angola?
The official language(s) of Angola include Portuguese.
What is the population of Angola?
Angola has a population of approximately 36,170,961 people.
What region is Angola in?
Angola is located in Africa, specifically in the Middle Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Angola?
The international dialing code for Angola is +244.
What time zones does Angola observe?
Angola observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Angola?
The local time in Angola is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Angola?
Angola covers a total area of 1,246,700 km².
How many states or provinces does Angola have?
Angola is divided into 21 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Angola in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Angola in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Angola?
Visa requirements for citizens of Angola vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.