In News:

The Prime Minister of India recently held bilateral talks with Angolan President João Lourenço in New Delhi. During the meeting, India offered Angola a $200 million defence credit line and discussed expanding cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, defence, and space technology. The visit also commemorates the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.

About Angola

• Location: Southwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
• Capital: Luanda, a major coastal port city.
• Neighbouring countries: Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Special territory: Includes the exclave of Cabinda, located north of the main territory.

Geographical Features

• Major Plateaus:Bié Plateau (~2,600 m), Huíla Plateau (~2,300 m), Malanje Highlands.
• Highest Point: Mount Moco (2,620 m or 8,596 ft) near Huambo.
• Rivers:
  • Cuanza (Kwanza): Largest river entirely within Angola.
  • Cunene River: Forms part of the border with Namibia.
  • Cuango River: Tributary of the Congo River.
  • Other rivers drain into the Zambezi and Okavango river systems.
• Desert: Southwest Angola forms part of the Namib Desert.
• Climate: Tropical with distinct rainy and dry seasons, influenced by the cold Benguela ocean current.

Demographics and Economy

• Ethnic groups: Predominantly Bantu-speaking, including Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo communities.
• Economic importance:
  • One of Africa’s leading oil producers.
  • Rich mineral resources including diamonds, iron ore, copper, and gold.
  • The northeast is notable for diamond deposits found in river gravels.