Angola

Source:  TOI

Context: Prime Minister of India held bilateral talks with Angolan President João Lourenço in New Delhi, offering a $200 million defence credit line and expanding ties in infrastructure, defence, and space technology.

About Angola:

  • Angola is located in southwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west.
  • Capital:  Luanda, a coastal port city.
  • Neighbouring Countries: Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and Atlantic Ocean.

Note: It also includes an exclave, Cabinda, north of the main territory.

  • Geographical Features:
    • Major Plateaus: Bié Plateau (~2,600 m), Huíla Plateau (~2,300 m), and Malanje Highlands.
    • Highest Point: Mount Moco (8,596 ft / 2,620 m) near Huambo.
    • Major Rivers:
      • Cuanza (Kwanza): Largest River within Angola.
      • Cunene River: Border river with Namibia.
      • Cuango River: Tributary of the Congo River.
      • Other rivers drain into Zambezi and Okavango systems.
    • Desert Region: Southwest Angola is part of the Namib Desert.
  • Climate: Tropical climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons. Influenced by the Benguela Current (cold oceanic current).
  • Ethnic: Angola is ethnically diverse with Bantu-speaking groups like Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo.
  • Economic Significance:
  • One of Africa’s top oil producers; rich in diamonds, iron ore, copper, and gold.
  • The northeast is known for diamond deposits in river gravels.