Angola's Geography: Landlocked And Rich In Natural Resources

Angola, officially known as the Republic of Angola, is a country located in the southern region of Central Africa. Angola is bordered by Zambia, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its coastline lying along the Atlantic Ocean. This western coastline distinguishes Angola from landlocked countries, which are enclosed entirely by land or have coastlines lying solely on endorheic basins. There are 16 landlocked countries in Africa, including Botswana, Ethiopia, and Uganda, and these countries face economic challenges due to their limited access to maritime trade.

Angola's western coastline

Angola is located on the western coast of Southern Africa, with a coastline of 1,650 kilometres washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a total area of 1,246,700 square kilometres and shares its borders of 4,837 kilometres with Namibia to the south, Zambia to the east, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north-east. The Republic of the Congo borders the northern exclave province of Cabinda, which is separated from the rest of Angola by a strip of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The coastal region of Angola consists of a sparsely watered and somewhat sterile plain extending inland from 31 to 99 miles. The coast is mostly flat, with occasional low cliffs and bluffs of red sandstone. Great Fish Bay, also known as Baía dos Tigres, is the only deep inlet of the sea along this coastline. Moving northwards, there are shallower bays, such as Port Alexander and Little Fish Bay, while Lobito Bay is deep enough for large ships to unload close to the shore. The coastal lowland rises from the sea in a series of low terraces, with the width varying from about 16 miles near Benguela to over 93 miles in the Cuanza River Valley, just south of the capital city of Luanda.

The approach to the great central plateau of Africa is marked by the west-central highlands, a series of irregular escarpments and cuestas parallel to the coast, ranging from 12 to 62 miles inland. The Cuanza River, which is navigable for nearly 200 kilometres from its mouth, divides the mountain zone into two parts. The northern part rises gradually from the coastal zone to an average elevation of 1,600 feet, with crests reaching up to 3,300 to 5,900 feet. South of the Cuanza River, the hills form a steep escarpment, extending from east of Luanda and running south into Namibia. Mount Moco, at 8,600 feet, is the highest peak in this region.

Angola's neighbouring countries

Angola is a country on the west-central coast of Southern Africa. It is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Angola has an exclave province, the province of Cabinda, that borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Angola shares its northern border with the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire). The two Congos are separated by the Congo River, which forms the boundary between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the final 90 miles (145 km) of its course.

The Republic of the Congo is a former French colony that gained independence in 1960. The country has a diverse economy, with oil production and support industries being the mainstay of the economy. The country is also rich in natural resources, including petroleum, forests, agricultural and mineral resources, and hydroelectric power.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the other hand, is a much larger country in terms of land area and population. It is a former Belgian colony that gained independence in 1960. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, including cobalt, copper, cadmium, diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, and uranium. The country also has vast agricultural and hydroelectric potential. However, despite its abundant natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a large majority of its population living below the international poverty line.

Namibia

Namibia is a country in Southern Africa, bordering Angola to the south, Zambia to the north, and South Africa to the east. It gained independence from South Africa in 1990, after a long struggle against apartheid and colonial rule. Namibia is a relatively dry country, with a diverse geography that includes the Namib Desert, the Central Plateau, and the Kalahari Desert. The country has a rich history and culture, with various ethnic groups and a diverse range of wildlife.

Namibia has a mixed economy, with a large agricultural sector and a growing tourism industry. The country is also rich in natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, gold, silver, copper, lead, tin, lithium, and zinc. However, despite its natural resources, Namibia faces challenges such as income inequality, unemployment, and a skills shortage.

Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordering Angola to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to the east, and Namibia and Botswana to the south. It gained independence from the British in 1964. Zambia is a relatively stable and peaceful country, with a diverse culture and a wide range of wildlife.

Zambia has a market-oriented economy, with a strong emphasis on private sector development. The country has abundant natural resources, including copper, cobalt, gold, and coal. However, despite its natural resources, Zambia faces challenges such as poverty, income inequality, and a high debt burden.

Advantages of having access to international waters

Angola is not a landlocked country. Here are some advantages of having access to international waters:

Trade and Economic Growth

Access to international waters facilitates maritime trade, a crucial component of economic and social advancement. Countries with coastlines tend to be wealthier and more populous than landlocked nations. The ability to transport goods by sea is significantly cheaper than overland transport, making it easier for coastal countries to participate in global trade and experience economic growth.

Fishing and Natural Resources

International waters provide opportunities for fishing and the exploitation of marine minerals and natural resources. Countries with access to the sea can benefit from the abundance of fish stocks and other marine resources, contributing to food security and economic development.

Tourism and Recreation

Coastal areas often attract tourists, and countries with access to international waters can develop their tourism industries, benefiting from the revenue generated by international visitors.

Easier Transit

Coastal nations generally have an easier time transporting people and goods in and out of the country. Efficient transit can be crucial during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or regional conflicts, making evacuation and aid delivery more accessible.

Political and Military Strength

Historically, access to the sea has been a source of political and military power. Coastal nations can develop strong navies and project their influence more effectively, which can be advantageous in international relations and negotiations.

Economic disadvantages of being landlocked

Angola is not a landlocked country. However, being landlocked can create economic disadvantages for a country. Here are some of the economic disadvantages of being landlocked:

Higher Transport Costs

Economist Jeffrey Sachs found that being landlocked reduces a nation's GDP by about half a percentage point. Landlocked countries pay more to transport goods to global markets because they lack direct access to waterways and seaports. Land transport is more expensive and time-consuming, making it challenging for landlocked countries to participate in the global economy.

Dependence on Neighboring Countries

Landlocked countries are dependent on the cooperation and infrastructure of their coastal neighbors for trade access. They are at the mercy of their neighbors' economic policies, government stability, and infrastructure development. If neighboring countries have poor infrastructure or inefficient border crossings, it further hinders the landlocked country's ability to trade efficiently.

Difficulties in Attracting Investment

Landlocked countries face challenges in attracting outside investment, especially for infrastructure projects that would facilitate border passage. This lack of investment can lead to unpredictable logistics, making it difficult for companies in landlocked countries to compete in the global marketplace.

Negative Spillover Effects

Landlocked countries can be negatively impacted by their neighbors' economic performance. If neighboring countries have low growth, it can negatively affect the landlocked country's economy. This dynamic is particularly prominent in Africa, where most countries are landlocked and suffer from the low growth of their neighbors.

Administrative Burdens at Border Crossings

Border crossings often entail bureaucratic procedures, customs charges, and lengthy wait times, affecting delivery contracts and increasing costs. These issues compound geographically, leading to significant delays in the transportation of goods.

Angola's geographical coordinates

Angola is a country in Southern Africa, located on the western Atlantic coast of the continent. It is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north and east, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its exclave province of Cabinda shares borders with the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Angola is not a landlocked country, as it has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is worth noting that its territory, excluding the Cabinda exclave, is bordered by land on three sides. Angola's total land area covers approximately 1,246,700 square kilometres (481,354 square miles), making it the seventh-largest country in Africa.

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