WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States today congratulated the people of Angola as the south African nation marks 50 years of independence.
According to the U.S. State Department, “Over the past half century, the people of Angola have created a nation that is peaceful, culturally rich, economically growing, and a close friend to the United States. Through initiatives like the Lobito Corridor, Angola is driving regional trade and connectivity, creating opportunities that benefit both our countries. As Angola marks this historic anniversary, the United States looks forward to deepening our collaboration and building on the foundation of trust and shared goals that unite us.”
Angola (pictured at top via CIA) is located in southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The nation has an estimated population of
37,202,061. Angola gained its independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, after a long war of liberation. The country had been a Portuguese colony for nearly 500 years. Portuguese is the official language with 71.2% speaking the Western European language, after it was formerly dominated by a devastating slave trade centuries ago, originating from there.