History
Angola has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Around the sixth century AD Bantu-speaking people migrated to the country from the north.

By the middle of the fourteenth century the region was organized into a kingdom and provinces.

Portuguese explorers arrived towards the end of the fifteenth century. Eventually, Angola was administered from the Portuguese colony of Brazil.

In 1951 Angola became an Overseas Province of Portugal.

Independence was achieved in 1975. Civil war followed, lasting twenty-seven years.

Economy
The long civil war destroyed much of Angola's economy and infrastructure.

Oil is the major contributor to the economy accounting for the largest percentage of the country's Gross Domestic Product.

Subsistence farming provides a living for much of the population. Agricultural products are bananas, plantains, cassava, vegetables, corn, sugarcane, coffee, tobacco, sisal and cotton. Livestock is reared.

Major industries are petroleum, diamonds, gold, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, metal products, phosphates, ship repair, textiles, tobacco products, sugar, brewing and fish processing. (2009)

Arts
Music is an integral part of Angolan culture. Traditional instruments include the kisanji (thumb piano), marimba, drums, bells and horns.

Collections of indigenous art and crafts can be seen in the National Museum of Anthropology. The Slave Museum, south of Luanda, documents the story of the slave trade in Angola.

Sport
National sports in Angola are football and basketball. Team handball is also played.

Water sports are swimming, scuba diving and sailing. Fishing is also a popular sport.

Holidays
All religious holidays are celebrated. Other holidays include New Year's Day - 1 January, Africa Day - 25 May, and Independence Day - 11 November (from Portugal - 1975).

News
News from Angola is available from Newslink.

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