Exploring Luanda: Angola's Capital City

Angola, officially the Republic of Angola, is a country on the west-central coast of Southern Africa. The capital city of Angola is Luanda, which is also the country's largest city and main port. Founded in 1575 or 1576 by Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, Luanda has been the capital of Angola since 1975. It is built around Luanda Bay, a natural harbour, and is known for its blend of Portuguese-style colonial landmarks, traditional African housing styles, and modern industrial complexes.

Luanda's history

Luanda, the capital and largest city of Angola, has a long and complex history that dates back to the 16th century. Here is an overview of the key moments in the city's development over the centuries:

Pre-Colonial Period

The area around Luanda was inhabited from prehistoric times, with the first settlers believed to be Bushmen, who were hunters similar in stature to Pygmies with light brown skin. In the 6th century CE, the Bantu migrated from the north and easily dominated the Bushmen and other less advanced groups. The Kingdom of Kongo emerged in the 13th century, stretching from present-day Gabon in the north to the Kwanza River in the south and encompassing the area of modern-day Luanda.

Portuguese Colonial Era

In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in the Congo River estuary, marking the beginning of the Portuguese colonial era in Angola. Luanda was founded in 1575 or 1576 by Portuguese colonists, who named it "São Paulo de Loanda" or "São Paulo da Assumpção de Loanda." It was established as a slave-trading centre, with a brisk trade developing soon after its foundation. The city served as a major hub in the Atlantic slave trade, primarily sending enslaved people to Brazilian plantations until the practice was abolished in 1836.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Luanda continued to grow and consolidate its position as an administrative and economic centre. The Portuguese built several fortresses, including the Fortaleza São Pedro da Barra in 1618 and the Fortaleza de São Miguel in 1634. Luanda became the administrative centre of Portuguese Angola in 1627, except for a brief period of Dutch rule from 1640 to 1648.

In the 19th century, Luanda experienced significant economic and urban development. The opening of the port to foreign shipping in 1844 sparked an economic boom, and by 1850, Luanda was one of the most developed cities in the Portuguese Empire outside of mainland Portugal. The city thrived as a trading centre for commodities such as palm and peanut oil, wax, timber, ivory, cotton, and coffee.

20th Century to Present

The early 20th century saw the emergence of nationalist sentiments among Luso-African thinkers, which evolved into a nationalist movement by the 1950s. This led to a brutal guerrilla war with Portuguese colonial rulers, lasting over a decade. A revolution in Portugal in 1974 eventually led to negotiations and the independence of Angola on November 11, 1975.

However, competing nationalist movements, bolstered by foreign intervention, plunged the country into a brutal civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. The civil war had a significant impact on Luanda, with mass migration from the countryside, the exodus of the city's Portuguese population, and the emergence of sprawling slums.

Since the end of the civil war, Luanda has undergone a period of extensive reconstruction and development. Oil and diamond revenues have fuelled economic growth, and the city has attracted investments from numerous foreign companies. Social housing projects, infrastructure improvements, and the expansion of transportation networks are transforming the cityscape. Despite these developments, Luanda continues to face challenges such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequalities.

Luanda's economy

Luanda is Angola's capital and principal city. In 2015, it was considered the most expensive city in the world, with the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment being $6,800 per month. This is due to a booming oil economy, a limited supply of luxurious housing, and high demand for it among expats.

The economy of Luanda, like the rest of Angola, is heavily dependent on the oil sector. Oil accounts for 42% of Angola's GDP and 90% of its total exports. The oil industry is jointly run by foreign oil companies and the state oil firm Sonangol. The oil sector expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s, with high international oil prices and rising oil production contributing to strong economic growth. However, with the end of the oil boom, Angola entered a period of economic contraction from 2015 onwards.

In recent years, Luanda's economy has faced challenges due to its dependence on the oil sector, which has left the country vulnerable to external shocks and undermined macroeconomic stability. The non-oil sector has been struggling to grow, and urban and youth unemployment rates have surged. However, economic growth is expected to rebound, driven by non-oil sectors, and the government is working to promote economic diversification and private sector investment, particularly in agriculture.

Luanda's population and demographics

Luanda is the capital and largest city of Angola. It is also the country's primary port and its major industrial, cultural, and urban centre. Located on Angola's northern Atlantic coast, Luanda is the administrative centre of the country and its chief seaport. It is divided into two parts: the Baixa de Luanda (lower Luanda, the old city) and the Cidade Alta (upper city or the new part).

The population of Luanda has grown dramatically in recent years, due in large part to war-time migration to the city, which is considered safe compared to the rest of the country. In 2020, the population reached more than 8.3 million inhabitants (a third of Angola's population). By 2024, the population was estimated to be 9,651,032, representing an annual change of 3.86%. Luanda and its metropolitan area is the most populous Portuguese-speaking capital city in the world and the most populous Lusophone city outside of Brazil.

The inhabitants of Luanda are primarily members of African ethnic groups, mainly Ambundu, Ovimbundu, and Bakongo. In recent decades, the number of ethnic Bakongo and Ovimbundu has also increased. There is a sizable minority population of European origin, especially Portuguese (about 260,000), as well as Brazilians. In recent years, immigration from Portugal has increased due to greater opportunities in Angola's booming economy. There is also a small expatriate South African community and a significant Chinese community.

Around one-third of Angolans live in Luanda, 53% of whom live in poverty. Living conditions in Luanda are poor for most people, with essential services such as safe drinking water and electricity still in short supply. Luanda is one of the world's most expensive cities for resident foreigners. Skyscrapers are left barren as oil prices drop, fuelling rampant inequality in the city.

The population growth in Angola is accompanied by a fast expansion of the urbanisation rate. More than 66% of Angolans dwell in urban areas, a rate that has been constantly increasing in recent decades. Almost half of the urban population of Angola live in slums, locally known as "musseques".

Luanda's climate

Luanda, the capital city of Angola, has a tropical climate with a marked dry season. The climate is largely affected by the seasonal movements of the rain-bearing intertropical convergence zone, the northward flow of the cold Benguela Current off the coast, and elevation.

Summers in Luanda are short, hot, oppressive, and overcast, and winters are short, comfortable, and humid. Throughout the year, temperatures typically vary from 67°F to 87°F and rarely fall below 64°F or rise above 90°F. The hottest month is March, with an average high of 86°F and a low of 78°F, and the coldest month is August, with an average low of 68°F and a high of 79°F.

The rainy season in Luanda lasts from October to May, with March seeing the highest amount of precipitation. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with the precipitation level for the year amounting to 15.2 inches. The city experiences extreme seasonal variation in cloud cover, with the clearest month being July, which is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 74% of the time.

The best times of the year to visit Luanda for hot-weather activities are from mid-May to late July and from late August to mid-October.

Luanda's attractions

Luanda, Angola's capital, is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions to visit during your stay:

Fortaleza de Sao Miguel

The Fortaleza de Sao Miguel, built in the 16th century, is a historical fortress that served as a defensive location during the colonial period. Now, it houses the Museum of Military History, showcasing artefacts and documents from Angola's past. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot for photography.

Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto

The Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto is dedicated to Angola's first president, Dr. António Agostinho Neto. This imposing monument showcases stunning architectural design and offers insight into the country's history. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about Agostinho Neto's role in Angola's independence struggle. The mausoleum also offers panoramic views of Luanda from its rooftop terrace.

National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology celebrates Angola's diverse cultural heritage. It features traditional artefacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the country's history and indigenous tribes. Visitors can explore pre-colonial history, popular culture, religion, and ancestral traditions. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational activities.

Ilha do Mussulo

Ilha do Mussulo is a stunning island located just off the coast of Luanda. It offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and captivating landscapes. The island is known for its vibrant marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Nature lovers will delight in the diverse flora and fauna, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans. Ilha do Mussulo provides a range of water sports activities and accommodation options for visitors.

Kissama National Park

Kissama National Park, located a short drive from Luanda, is Angola's most accessible and well-stocked wildlife park. It is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Visitors can go on game drives or guided walks to get up close to the wildlife. The park also boasts stunning landscapes with savannahs, forests, and rolling hills.

Sangano Beach

Sangano Beach, with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters, is a must-visit destination. It offers a range of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to water sports like snorkelling and jet skiing. The beach has a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks.

Frequently asked questions