Southwest Africa.

GMT + 1.

1,246,700 sq km (481,354 sq miles).

17 million (UN estimate 2007).

13.6 per sq km.

Luanda. Population: 2.8 million (2005 estimate).

Angola is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Mountains rise from the coast, levelling to a plateau which makes up most of the country. The country is increasingly arid towards the south; the far south is on the edge of the Namib Desert. The northern plateau is thickly vegetated. Cabinda is a small enclave to the north of Angola proper, surrounded by the territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo. The discovery of large oil deposits off the coast of the enclave has led to it becoming the centre of Angola’s foreign business interests. The oil industry is based primarily at Malongo.

Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

President José Eduardo dos Santos since 1979.

Prime Minister Fernando Dias dos Santos since 2002.

Jose Eduardo dos Santos has led Angola since 1979. Long-awaited presidential elections, the first since 1992, are scheduled for 2009. In preparation, a package of electoral laws was approved in April 2005. Local government elections, the first ever, are scheduled for September 2008.

The official language is Portuguese. African languages (especially Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo and Bantu) are spoken by the majority of the population.

Roman Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%) and local animist beliefs (47%).

220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the European-style round two-pin type.

Normal social courtesies should be observed. Drug trafficking or carrying incurs severe penalties. Homosexuality is illegal.

Photography: It is inadvisable to photograph public places, public buildings or public events. Copies of photography permits should be deposited with your embassy; permits should be carried at all times.