The Land and Its People

The seventh largest country in Africa, Angola is bordered with Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Its capital city is Luanda and it’s divided into 18 provinces. The official language is Portuguese, and more than 24 million people live in the country (according to the 2014 census). For those looking at exchange rates, the national currency is Kwanza (AOA). 

The Portuguese first settled in the country’s coastal areas as far back as the 16th century. It wasn’t until three centuries later that they gradually moved inland and the whole of Angola was officially only in full Portuguese control in the early 20th century. 

The country won its independence in 1975 following a lengthy war where nearly 50,000 civilians were killed. Following this, Angola became embroiled in its own civil war between two former liberation movements, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, which lasted up until 2002. . 

The Climate in Angola

The African country of Angola is based in a sub-tropical zone and, like many other African countries, has distinct dry and rainy seasons. For example, the cold current from Benguela, which runs from the south coast until the highlands, brings colder weather to the country. This can lead to a climate similar to that of Peru or Baja California. On the other hand, the Nambia desert in the south west also plays a part in Angola’s climate. As a result, the country has ‘the rains’ from October to April and ‘the mist’ (or Cacimbo) from May to September, where it is much dryer but with lower temperatures. 

The average temperature is roughly 22-23°C, much lower than would be expected for a country in its position. Typically, rainfall is much heavier in the north with temperatures still high, whereas in the middle it is dryer with milder temperatures. In the south of the country, the temperature spikes as the region is much closer to the Kalahari Desert and there are tropical air fronts. 

Visas for Angola

Working visas will be granted to foreign citizens or expats who are given a contract of employment by an Angolan Chartered Company, or if it is deemed in the interest of the state and economy. In other words, it is necessary to try and arrange a job beforehand, instead of simply arriving in the country. The visa must be used within 60 days and is valid for 12 months, with extension allowed twice at most. 

Similarly, expatriates can apply for a residence visa, which must be used within 60 days of it being granted. It allows the individual to stay in Angola for up to 120 days (renews available) until a final decision is made on the resident permit. Both of the above visas require a fee and are nonrefundable. However, be aware that expats’ family members also have to get their own Working Visa to live and work in the country. 

For more information on visas it is best to contact your country’s Angolan Embassy before booking any tickets.