International organization participation:
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt
(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS
(observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKITI
chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia EFIRD
embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of
Luanda), Luanda
mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda;
pouch: US Embassy Luanda,US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place,
Washington, DC 20521-2550
telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000
FAX: [244] (222) 64-1232
Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered
yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a
cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)
Economy Angola
Economy - overview:
Angola's high growth rate is driven by its oil sector, with record
oil prices and rising petroleum production. Oil production and its
supporting activities contribute about half of GDP and 90% of
exports. Increased oil production supported 12% growth in 2004 and
19% growth in 2005. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement
of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction
and agriculture as well. Much of the country's infrastructure is
still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war.
Remnants of the conflict such as widespread land mines still mar the
countryside even though an apparently durable peace was established
after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI in February 2002.
Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for half of the
population, but half of the country's food must still be imported.
In 2005, the government started using a $2 billion line of credit
from China to rebuild Angola's public infrastructure, and several
large-scale projects are scheduled for completion by 2006. The
central bank in 2003 implemented an exchange rate stabilization
program using foreign exchange reserves to buy kwanzas out of
circulation, a policy that was more sustainable in 2005 because of
strong oil export earnings, and has significantly reduced inflation.
Consumer inflation declined from 325% in 2000 to about 18% in 2005,
but the stabilization policy places pressure on international net
liquidity. To fully take advantage of its rich national resources -
gold, diamonds, extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil
deposits - Angola will need to continue reforming government
policies and to reduce corruption. The government has made
sufficient progress on reforms recommended by the IMF such as
promoting greater transparency in government spending but continues
to be without a formal monitoring agreement with the institution.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$45.32 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$24.35 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
19.9% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$3,800 (2005 est.)