The cultural origins of Angola are tied to Bantu traditions mixed with Portuguese culture. Portugal occupied the coastal enclave Luanda since 16th century and ruled Angola until 1975. Both countries share the Portuguese language and have Roman Catholicism as the main religion.
Angolan People
There are over 90 different ethnic groups in Angola. The largest groups are the Ovimbundu, in the centre and south, the Bakongo in the northwest, the Mbundu in the north. Chokwe, Lunda and Nganguela peoples in the east.
The Ovimbundu represent 37% of Angola’s population followed by the Mbundu at 25% and 13% of the population are Bakongo. Others include Chokwe, Lunda and Nganguela 22%, European 1% and Mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%.
Language and Religion
Portuguese is spoken by 71.2% Angolans. It is both the official and predominant language in the black, mestiço and white populations. Umbundu is spoken by 23% of Angola, Kikongo 8.2%, Kimbundu 7.8%, Chokwe 6.5%, Nhaneca 3.4%, Nganguela 3.1%, Fiote 2.4%, Kwanhama 2.3%, Muhumbi 2.1%, Luvale 1%, other 3.6%.
The majority of Angolans are either Christian (Roman Catholics and Protestants), or follow native beliefs. According to the World Factbook, Roman Catholics make-up 41.1% of the population, Protestants 38.1%, other 8.6%, none 12.3%.
Traditional Angolan religions believe in a close connection with the spirit of ancestors. Diviners and healers also have important positions in society.
Poetry, Art and Music
Angola has a strong oral storytelling tradition. The ability to articulate oneself is admired throughout Angolan society. In the 19th century, Portuguese-educated Angolans began to write articles, novels and poems which explored Angolan history and folklore. The country’s most famous poet is Antonio Agostinho Neto, an admired political poet and former president of Angola.
Music in Angola was shaped by wide musical trends and by the political history of the country. The country’s music was instrumental in creating and reinforcing the Angolan national identity.
Economy
Angola’s economy is driven by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute to about 50% of GDP, more than 70% of government revenue, and more than 90% of the country’s exports. Diamonds contribute an additional 5% to exports.
Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people. However, half of the country’s food is imported.
This article is part of a series highlighting the unique cultures featured in the recently concluded Limkokwing International Cultural Festival 2017.