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Angola
Angola is located in south-central Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. A former Portuguese colony, Angola gained its independence in 1975 and is known for its considerable natural resources, most notably diamonds and petroleum.
Key facts about Angola
- Full name:
- Republic of Angola
- Capital:
- Luanda
- Population:
- 12 532 357 (July 2008 est.)
- Area:
- 1 246 700 sq km
- Monetary unit:
- Kwanza (AOA)
- Main exports:
- Diamonds, crude oil, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton
- Government:
- Republic, multiparty presidential regime
Mineral regime
Economists estimate that Angola's alluvial diamond reserves total between 40 and 130 million carats. In addition, there are untapped primary diamond reserves in Angola’s six known kimberlite pipes, which are amongst the ten largest on earth, holding an estimated 180 million carats worth several billion dollars. Since the end of its civil war Angola has re-established itself within the top five global diamond producing countries in the world with estimates of current annual diamond production well in excess of five million carats. The state-owned diamond company, ENDIAMA E.P., holds up to 51% of all mining licences. The only legal sale of diamonds is through state-owned diamond trader SODIAM.