Guide to Angola

Full name: The Republic of Angola

Location: In Southern Africa - sub-Sahara - Congo, Zambia, Namiba
and the Atlantic coast.

Population: 14.5 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Luanda - a major shipping port

Other Main Cities: Huambo,Benguela, Lobito port and Lubango

Area: 1.25m sq km (481,354 sq miles)

Major languages: Portuguese (official), plus 60 others including. Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo. Some French and Spanish is also spoken

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 39 years (men), 42 years (women) (UN)

Currency: 1 kwanza (AON) = 100 lwei. Make sure you spend all your kwanza while still in Angola as you won't be able to take this currency out of the country. Travellers may be searched and your Angolan currency may be confiscated.
Note: US dollars are the most acceptable currency, but only the newer series US dollar bills (with large faces) can be used.

Credit Cards: Limited acceptance and cash withdrawals are not possible. Few ATMS in Luanda accept foreign credit cards, travellers cheques are not welcome.

Internet domain: .ao

International dialling code: +244. Telephone communications tend to be unreliable. This applies to the mobile network.

Voltage: Electrical current is 220 volts,5 0Hz. Round pin attachment plugs are in use.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1

Flying Time: London to Luanda 9 hours 15 minutes

Airport: 4 de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD). Tel: +244 (0)2 35238. This airport is located 2 miles (4km) from Luanda. Note: There are no transfers easily available from the airport. Forward planning is required to make the necessary arrangements.

Departure Tax: None.

Weights and Measures: Metric

Tipping: 10% may be included in your bills. If not a discretionary 10% tip is acceptable but not encouraged.

Entry requirements: You will need to obtain a valid visa before travelling to Angola and your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months on entry.

Health: Do take medical advice before you leave. You will also need a certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever, otherwise you may have to be inoculated at the airport. Make sure you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

Climate: The climate is tropical and humid in the north and subtropical with lower rainfall in the south. Temperatures are generally lower in the central plateau than in the low-lying coastal regions. The dry, cooler season is from June to late September, and the rainy, hot summer season lasts from October to May.

Safety: Safety and security is an issue and many foreigh governments advise against non-essential travel t Angola. Group travel should pass without incident but travel after nightfall is not recommended. The highest risk is in the capital, Luanda, where muggings are not uncommon. Poverty is widespread as is disease and a very unstable infrastructure. The border between Angola and the DRC is closed and will remain so until further notice.

Custom and Etiquette: You may be arrested if you take photographs of government buildings are use binoculars to get a better view. Gay practice is frowned upon and drunkeness is not tolerated.

13 September 2008