FACTS

Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Area (only Total) total: 1,246,700 sq km

Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Terrain: narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Population: 12,531,357

Main Language (only first): Portuguese

Government type: republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital (Name): Luanda

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+1

Independence: 11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975)