Facts About Angola

Here are some interesting facts about Angola for kids which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Angola Facts for Kids 

• Population: about 35 million people (2023)
• Capital city: Luanda with about 10 million people
• Name: Republic of Angola
• Nickname: “Land of Kings” referring to the traditional African kingdoms
• Government: presidential republic
• Languages: Portuguese (also the official language), Umbundu, Kikongo and Kimbundu 
• Literacy: 71% of all over 15 years of age can read and write
• Religion: mainly Christians (80%) of these 41% are Roman Catholics
• Currency: 1 kwanza (KZR) = 100 lwei
• National Animal: lion
• National Colours: black, red, green and white
• National Day: 11 November (Independence Day)
• National Anthem: “Angola Avante” (Angola Onwards) 
• Motto: virtus unitas fortior (Virtus is stronger when united)
• History: Angola was already settled about 25,000 BCE. San people lived in the region before other Bantu people moved into the area. Angola housed some of the largest African kingdoms and for many years the country was referred to as the Kongo Kingdom which was the largest kingdom in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Portuguese explored and colonised the region and founded the colony of Luanda in 1575. In 1914, the Portuguese abolished the Kongo kingdom and Angola became a colony of Portugal. Angola became independent from Portugal only in 1975. After independence a 27-year-long civil war raged in the country until 2002.
• President: João Lourenço (second term, head of government since 2017)