Terrain
Narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau
Climate
Semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)
People
Nationality: Angolan(s)
Population: 19,088,106 (July 2014 est.)
Languages: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages
Religions
Indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998 est.)
Economy
Angola's high growth rate in recent years was driven by high international prices for its oil. Angola became a member of OPEC in late 2006 and is currently assigned a production quota of 1.65 million barrels a day. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Diamond exports contribute an additional 5%. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food is still imported.
OPEC OIL EXPORTERS (1:05)
Living Conditions
Living conditions have worsened as a result of the civil war that has been going on since 1975. Health care and medical facilities have gotten worse, especially in those parts of the country where neither the government nor the rebels are in control. The civil unrest has forced people to leave their homes to search for safe places to live. Millions of these refugees cannot find adequate food, water, and sanitary services. They are at risk of infectious and parasitic diseases and starvation.
Government
Republic; multiparty presidential regime
US Military Presence/Support