Population: 11, 230, 000

Area: 1,248,200 sq km

Language: Portuguese

Time: + 6 hours from New York

Electricity: 220 volts

Geography: Plateau covers most of the country but is mainly in the east-central and south of the country Along taproot of the coast is a desert. The country is bordered by Congo (Zaire) to the north and east, Zambia to the east, Namibia to he south and the South Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Luanda - The capital has swollen in population since the start of the civil war. The city originally had only about 40,000 inhabitants and now is overwhelmed with 1.6 million people. In this atmosphere there is a lot of thievery. ONe site to see is a church - "Igreha da Nossa Senhora da Nazzare" is quite good. The Anthropological Museum has many artifacts from Angola. Outside of town there some islands of note including the Ilha do Mussulo which has very nice beaches. One other place outside of town is the Museu da Escravatura which is a museum for the thousands of Angolans who were taken to the Americas to be slaves.

Malange - This is a nice place but dangerous at night. It is Angola's second largest city. Calandula Falls is about 1.5 hours away by car and Rio Kwanza Falls is about a 1 hour drive.

Lubango - In the are there are good beaches to be found at Namibe. If you go there, on the way you'll find the Tunda Vala volcanic fissure.

International Airport

Luanda - The airport is only 2.3 miles from the center of the capital. Use only taxis to/from the airport, Make sure of the cost in advance. Best prices will come if you pay in foreign currency.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected but the anticipation that you will tip will get you a long way. Be sure that you do it but do not go overboard. Restaurants waiters need a 10% tip as well as taxi drivers. Baggage people and those who provide any service should be recognized with a tip - even if it is pocket change.

Shopping: No one expects tourists to show up so native "touristware" is nowhere to be found. Goods are scarce.

Food and Drink: You can find some good restaurants in Luanda but that's it. Be prepared for a limited menu and a narrow choice of beverages.

Social: If you do not speak Portuguese in Angola, you will not do well here. Hardly any English is spoken or any other European language other than Portuguese. Angolans have been through a lot of war and the country is impoverished because of it. Those who have money or position use it to usually make their own lives as predictable as can be against the largely unpredictable atmosphere. Do not depend on the police. They may turn on you if they feel it useful. Always be in touch with your embassy in the event of a problem (other than leaky faucets of which there are many).

Business: If you need to be in Angola on business, you need to speak Portuguese. Always be sure to have your entire business program spelled out way in advance and be in touch with your embassy often

Money and Banks

Banking: Banking hours are very erratic. Most banks are open by 9:00 in the morning are closed by 2 pm.

Currency: The Kwanza

Money Exchange: Best done at banks if you do it at all. Hotels and other significant services will insist in being paid in foreign currency. Best currencies are US, UK and Germany as well as Portugal

Credit cards: Accepted by hotels and some restaurants. Since credit cards must be processed through banks and banks are unreliable, credit cards are not widely accepted. Visa and Master Card.

Climate

The climate varies little during the course of the year. It is always hot with a temperature range from about 75F to 88F. Toward the south the temperature is cooler and has more rain. The wet season is from November to April.