Angola
Kartavya Desk Staff
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.
• The visit also marks the 40th anniversary of India-Angola diplomatic relations.
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.
• 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.
• 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.