People and Society of Angola

More than two decades after the end of Angola's 27-year civil war, the country still faces a variety of socioeconomic problems, including poverty, high maternal and child mortality, and illiteracy. Despite the country's rapid post-war economic growth based on oil production, about 30 percent of Angolans live below the poverty line and unemployment is widespread, especially among the large young-adult population. Only about 70% of the population is literate, and the rate drops to around 60% for women. The youthful population - about 48% are under the age of 15 as of 2022 - is expected to continue growing rapidly with a fertility rate of more than 5 children per woman and a low rate of contraceptive use. Fewer than half of women deliver their babies with the assistance of trained health care personnel, which contributes to Angola's high maternal mortality rate. Of the estimated 550,000 Angolans who fled their homeland during its civil war, most have returned home since 2002. In 2012, the UN assessed that conditions in Angola had been stable for several years and invoked a cessation of refugee status for Angolans. Following the cessation clause, some of those still in exile returned home voluntarily through UN repatriation programs, and others integrated into host countries.

Nationality

noun: Angolan(s) adjective: Angolan

Ethnic Groups

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Population

36,684,202

Population (Male / Female)

male: 18,196,058 female: 19,006,003

Population Distribution

most people live in the western half of the country; urban areas account for the highest concentrations of people, particularly the capital of Luanda

Urban Population

urban population: 68.7% of total population rate of urbanization: 4.04% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

9.292 million LUANDA (capital), 959,000 Lubango, 905,000 Cabinda, 809,000 Benguela, 783,000 Malanje

Age Structure

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 8,752,419/female 8,701,422) 15-64 years: 50.7% (male 9,076,080/female 9,795,035) 65 years and over: 2.4% (2024 est.) (male 367,559/female 509,546)

Median Age

total: 16.3 years male: 15.8 years female: 16.8 years

Sex Ratio at Birth

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female