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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.012582
AAVE 0.000011
ADA 0.005849
AED 0.003999
AFN 0.071267
AGIX 0.019136
AKT 0.002118
ALGO 0.013227
ALL 0.086396
AMD 0.395253
AMP 2.838465
ANG 0.001950
APE 0.008467
APT 0.001947
AR 0.000586
ARB 0.012449
ARS 1.630124
ATOM 0.000730
ATS 0.012827
AUD 0.001532
AVAX 0.000161
AWG 0.001949
AXS 0.001208
AZM 9.255164
AZN 0.001851
BAKE 1.565361
BAM 0.001823
BAT 0.017414
BBD 0.002178
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.132490
BEF 0.037602
BGN 0.001823
BHD 0.000409
BIF 3.238651
BMD 0.001089
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.001385
BOB 0.012507
BRL 0.005639
BSD 0.001089
BSV 0.000068
BSW 3.004529
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.018396
BTG 0.002482
BTN 0.104119
BTT 4,002.268531
BUSD 0.001088
BWP 0.014646
BYN 0.003292
BYR 21.338664
BZD 0.002187
CAD 0.001503
CAKE 0.000676
CDF 2.496132
CELO 0.017399
CFX 0.024861
CHF 0.000870
CHZ 0.085179
CLP 1.003480
CNH 0.007323
CNY 0.007323
COMP 0.000059
COP 3.324084
CRC 0.490220
CRO 0.021852
CRV 0.004173
CSPR 0.407696
CUC 0.001089
CUP 0.028851
CVE 0.102787
CVX 0.000673
CYP 0.000546
CZK 0.022529
DAI 0.001089
DASH 0.000034
DCR 0.000092
DEM 0.001823
DFI 1.094286
DJF 0.193395
DKK 0.006968
DOGE 0.014503
DOP 0.063593
DOT 0.001376
DYDX 0.009898
DZD 0.144508
EEK 0.014585
EGLD 0.000383
EGP 0.055153
ENJ 0.043031
EOS 0.016498
ERN 0.016333
ESP 0.155095
ETB 0.176958
ETC 0.000165
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000932
EURC 0.000939
FEI 0.001087
FIL 0.001617
FIM 0.005542
FJD 0.002396
FKP 0.000800
FLOW 0.037660
FLR 0.169351
FRAX 0.001098
FRF 0.006114
FTT 0.005246
GALA 0.755667
GBP 0.000800
GEL 0.002837
GGP 0.000800
GHC 120.486647
GHS 0.012049
GIP 0.000800
GMD 0.080690
GMX 0.000160
GNF 9.555574
GNO 0.000009
GRD 0.317627
GRT 0.077821
GT 0.000156
GTQ 0.008288
GUSD 0.001091
GYD 0.226490
HBAR 0.015364
HKD 0.008539
HNL 0.029110
HNT 0.006282
HOT 3.224398
HRK 0.007023
HT 0.009588
HTG 0.141621
HUF 0.339217
ICP 0.000470
IDR 19.383975
IEP 0.000734
ILS 0.003243
IMP 0.000800
IMX 0.010408
INJ 0.000234
INR 0.104119
IQD 1.418189
IRR 1,496.537120
ISK 0.132560
ITL 1.804875
JEP 0.000800
JMD 0.171054
JOD 0.000772
JPY 0.172429
KAS 0.040835
KAVA 0.026454
KCS 0.000149
KDA 0.231894
KES 0.140945
KGS 0.095324
KHR 4.385296
KLAY 0.044299
KMF 0.458583
KNC 0.010289
KPW 0.979837
KRW 1.517453
KSM 0.000354
KWD 0.000336
KYD 0.000905
KZT 0.502265
LAK 24.411562
LBP 97.326814
LDO 0.003213
LEO 0.000117
LINK 0.000104
LKR 0.358284
LRC 0.136869
LRD 0.197152
LSL 0.017532
LTC 0.000023
LTL 0.003218
LUF 0.037602
LUNA 0.024627
LUNC 21.552462
LVL 0.000655
LYD 0.006890
MAD 0.010077
MANA 0.016242
MBX 0.052654
MDL 0.018665
MGA 4.663817
MGF 23.319085
MINA 0.025480
MKD 0.057489
MKR 0.000001
MMK 2.286030
MNT 3.917115
MOP 0.008795
MRO 0.433676
MRU 0.043368
MTL 0.000400
MUR 0.051144
MVR 0.016833
MWK 1.879445
MXN 0.018454
MXV 0.002106
MYR 0.004402
MZM 69.485423
MZN 0.069485
NAD 0.017532
NEAR 0.000625
NEO 0.000598
NEXO 0.001458
NFT 3,866.246392
NGN 1.466380
NIO 0.039953
NLG 0.002054
NOK 0.010157
NPR 0.166669
NZD 0.001832
OKB 0.000011
OMR 0.000419
ONE 1.509234
OP 0.012260
ORDI 0.000296
PAB 0.001089
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.003649
PEPE 375.888935
PGK 0.004888
PHP 0.067095
PI 0.012117
PKR 0.301015
PLN 0.004026
POL 0.013339
PTE 0.186877
PYG 6.515367
QAR 0.003963
QNT 0.000018
QTUM 0.001509
ROL 48.903621
RON 0.004890
RPL 0.000700
RSD 0.109384
RUB 0.091455
RUNE 0.002553
RVN 0.417692
RWF 1.596681
SAND 0.026362
SAR 0.004083
SBD 0.008711
SCR 0.015795
SDD 65.349815
SDG 0.653498
SEK 0.010276
SGD 0.001385
SHIB 229.806373
SHP 0.000800
SIT 0.223378
SKK 0.028082
SLE 0.024949
SLL 24.948630
SNX 0.005312
SOL 0.000013
SOS 0.617530
SPL 0.000181
SRD 0.041165
SRG 41.165221
SSP 6.172757
STD 22.986418
STN 0.022986
STX 0.008347
SUI 0.001543
SVC 0.009528
SYP 14.155373
SZL 0.017532
THB 0.035752
THETA 0.007245
TJS 0.009988
TMM 19.051223
TMT 0.003810
TND 0.003156
TOP 0.002594
TRL 52,216.167930
TRX 0.003260
TRY 0.052216
TTD 0.007361
TUSD 0.001091
TVD 0.001532
TWD 0.034666
TWT 0.002723
TZS 2.881960
UAH 0.048632
UGX 4.045724
UNI 0.000297
USD 0.001089
USDC 0.001089
USDD 0.001089
USDP 0.001090
USDT 0.001089
UYU 0.043566
UZS 12.789120
VAL 1.804875
VEB 84,525,594.329304
VED 0.843363
VEF 84,336.277787
VES 0.843363
VET 0.224329
VND 28.444022
VUV 0.128791
WAVES 0.005522
WEMIX 0.005626
WOO 0.098714
WST 0.002932
XAF 0.611444
XAG 0.000016
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002948
XCG 0.001950
XCH 0.000769
XDC 0.039144
XDR 0.000795
XEC 155.294517
XEM 2.325718
XLM 0.006340
XMR 0.000003
XOF 0.611444
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.111234
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.000981
XTZ 0.004998
YER 0.258139
ZAR 0.017532
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.447952
ZMK 20.397724
ZMW 0.020398
ZWD 0.394062
ZWG 0.029040
ZWL 72.564122

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.