VIRTUAL ANGOLA

Located on the Atlantic Coast of southern Africa, Angola is bordered by Namibia to the south and Zambia and Zaire to the east and north. Angola's 1,600 km-long coastline and its four major ports make it a natural trans-shipment point for the entire region.

Land Area: 486,213 square miles.

Population: 13 million (2003 estimate).

Capital City: Luanda.

Languages: Portuguese (official), and over 60 other Bantu-group languages, including Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Tchokwe Ovambo.

Religions: Traditional beliefs (47%) Roman Catholic (38%), Protestant (15%).

Climate: Tropical in the north, subtropical in the south.

Time: One hour ahead of GMT.

Basic Facts About The Government

Head of State: President José Eduardo dos Santos (include portrait).

National Legislature: National Assembly with 220 seats (Legislative and Presedential).

Next Elections: Late 2006.

Main Political Parties: MPLA, UNITA, FNLA, PLD, PRS, PDPANA, PAJOCA, FPD, PRD.

Basic Economic Data

Currency: Kwanza (Kz).

Real GDP Growth: 6.3 percent (2003 estimate).

Exports: Nearly $8 billion worldwide (2000 estimate).

Major Exports: Oil, diamonds, minerals, coffee, fish, timber, cotton, sisal and other agricultural products.

Imports: Nearly $2.5 billion worldwide (2000 estimate).

Major Imports: Consumer goods, capital goods, machinery, vehicles, and spare parts.

Major Import Sources: Portugal, the United States, South Africa, Spain and Brazil.

Roads: 46,575 miles.

Railways: Benguela (810 miles), Luanda (334 miles), Moçâmedes (563 miles).

Major Ports: Luanda, Lobito and Namibe.

Airports: International airport in Luanda; 13 other airports.

Picture Gallery