Angola
Angola is a country on the continent of Africa
Brief History
Officially known as the Republic of Angola, but not always called Angola, and with a difficult history, Angola and its people have changed over a long period of time. Once the Kingdom of Kongo in the 14th century in the northern part of the country, and the Kingdom of Ndongo in the southern part of the country. In the 15th century the Portuguese arrived to concur and settle. The arrival of the Portuguese lead to the eventual collapse of the other kingdoms. The Portuguese ruled the land for five centuries until the 20th century when a guerrilla war and uprising against the Portuguese in 1961 lasting for 14 years lead to Angola’s independence in 1975. Civil war soon followed, lasting for a long time until peace finally came to the country and its people in 2002. Unfortunately many people dead for the peace that Angola has now, and as of 2020 peace has remained, with the country prospering in areas.
National Flag
The national flag of Angola consists of a horizontal half and half red and black background, with an emblem in the middle. The emblem is a star and half wheel crossed by a machete (knife). The flag represents Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Geography
One of the largest countries in Africa, bordering with Zambia, Namibia and the Congo countries, Angola is situated on the western Atlantic coast of central Africa. Combined coastal lowlands, hills, mountains and high plateau’s, Angola has a varied terrain. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west coast of the country.
World Land Mass Ranking. 23rd largest.
Highest Mountain. Mount Moco. 2,620m. 8,595ft.
Longest River. Congo River. 4,344m.
Main Languages
Portuguese (official) is the main language. Tribal languages. Umbundu, Kikongo & Kimbundu.
Angola Population:
32 million (as of 2019).
Capital City: Luanda.
Capital City Population: 2.5 million.
(as of 2019)
Climate
Angola’s has mainly two seasons. Rainfall and winter from October to April, with drought and summer from May to August. Winters are mild, with summers hot. The average temperature of the country is around 23 degrees C (73F).
Key People
Cuisine
The main influence of Angolan cuisine is based on Portuguese cuisine, because Angola was ruled by Portugal for a very long time. Some of the traditional Angolan dishes include Cabidela which is cooked in blood. Chikuanga, a bread wrapped in banana leaves. Catatos, that are caterpillars that are fried in garlic, and Mafuma, which is a frog meat delicacy. The national dish of Angola is Muamba De Galinha, a very delicious and spicy stew made from chicken meat, prepared with garlic, onion, palm oil, okra, chilli, tomatoes and spices. The dish is most of the time served with funge or pirao (flour porridge).
The picture is a picture of a typical Angolan dish.
Sports
The most popular played sport in Angola is Basketball. The national Basketball team have won many titles in African basketball and hold the record of the most titles. Soccer is also popular, with the national soccer team competing in one world cup final (as of 2019) in 2006. Angola is also a regular contributor to the summer Olympic games.
The picture is a picture of the national football team of Angola in 2014.
Culture
The culture of Angola and its people are very heavily influenced by the Portuguese nation, as for a very long time Portugal ruled Angolan land and its people. That said, the Angolan people have always had a native culture called Bantu. So, the culture is a mix of Portuguese culture in terms of food and language and Bantu which is a native culture based on tribes and traditions. The main languages other than Portuguese are Umbundu, Kikongo & Kimbundu. Around 80% of people speak the official Portuguese language with 20% making up all the other languages. Before the colonisation of Angola, the people were hunters’ gatherers, and herders in their tribes.
The picture picture is rock art of the movement of Bantu settlers in the Bantu cultures.
Angola is a beautiful country with wonderful people.
Download questions about the Angola here: Angola (answers are on this page)
For further reading and more info on the Angola visit https://kids.kiddle.co/Angola
10 facts about Angola
1. Angola is an oil and diamond rich country.
2. Angola is the birthplace of the ‘Dreadlocks’ hairstyle.
3. In 2017, Angola launched a satellite into space for communications purposes.
4. Angola has a high population of young people, however also a high death rate.
5. Angola gained impendence from Portugal in 1975.
6. The Angolan civil war lasted 27 years from 1975 to 2002.
7. Basketball is the most popular sport in Angola.
8. Angola is the 23rd largest country in the world.
9. The main language of Angola is Portuguese.
10. Angola is one of nine countries that Congo river runs through.
Q&A Corner
