Immigrants In Angola: Understanding The Country's Population Composition

Angola, officially the Republic of Angola, is a country in Southern Africa with a population of over 37 million people. The country has a long history of migration, dating back to the early migrations of nomadic Khoi and San peoples, followed by the arrival of Bantu peoples from the north. Today, Angola continues to be a country of migration, with a significant number of refugees and asylum seekers. As of 2020, the total number of international migrants registered in Angola exceeded 650,000, with the migrant population in the country growing over the last two decades. Angola's population is diverse, with the Ovimbundu, Ambundu, and Bakongo being the largest ethnic groups, and Portuguese being the official language due to the country's historical colonial ties with Portugal.

Angola's population in 2014 was 25,789,024

The population of Angola has been growing rapidly since 1975, with a growth rate of over 3%. In recent years, this growth rate has been even higher, at 3.27%, adding over 1 million people annually. This high growth rate shows no signs of slowing down, and Angola's population is projected to surpass 50 million by the end of 2034 and will reach 100 million by the end of 2062.

The population of Angola is ethnically diverse, with three main groups: the Ovimbundu, making up 37% of the population; the Ambundu, representing 25%; and the Bakongo, accounting for 11%. There are also numerous other ethnic groups, including the Chokwe, Lunda, Ganguela, and Nyaneka-Khumbi. Additionally, around 7% of the population is mixed race (European and African), and about 1% is white, mainly of Portuguese ethnicity.

Angola's population is also quite young, with a median age of 16.7 years, and it is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a density of 14.8 people per square kilometer. The capital and largest city, Luanda, is home to about 8 million people, or roughly one-quarter of the country's population.

The number of international migrants in 2020 was over 650,000

In 2020, the number of international migrants in Angola exceeded 650,000. This figure represented a slight increase of 24,000 migrants over a five-year period since 2015. However, it was roughly double the number of registered migrants in 2010. Overall, the migrant population in Angola has increased over the last 20 years. In 2000, fewer than 50,000 immigrants lived in the country.

Angola has experienced significant population changes over the years, with a population of 25,789,024 in 2014 and an estimated 34,795,287 in 2022. The country has a history of international migration, dating back to its time as a Portuguese overseas territory until 1975. As a result, Angola has a sizeable population of Portuguese nationals, estimated at over 200,000. The country's growing demand for qualified human resources has contributed to the increasing number of Portuguese migrants.

In addition to the Portuguese community, Angola is also home to migrants from various other countries. The top five countries of origin for international migrants in Angola, as of 2020, were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Cabo Verde, and Sao Tome and Principe. Among these, the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for more than 75% of all international migrants in Angola.

The influx of international migrants has had an impact on Angola's demographics and economy. The country's oil and diamond wealth has been a significant attraction for migrants, both skilled and unskilled. Angola is the second-largest oil-producing country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this sector plays a crucial role in its economy. However, the recent decline in oil prices has affected Angola, contributing to an economic recession since 2016.

Despite the economic challenges, Angola continues to be a destination for migrants, and its overall population is expected to grow. The country's net migration rate is 0.2 migrants per 1,000 citizens, contributing to a population growth rate of 3.36% as of 2022.

Angola's population in 2022 was 34,795,287

The population of Angola is young, with a median age of 16.5 to 16.7 years. The population is also growing due to a high fertility rate of 5.55 births per woman, which is one of the highest in the world. The country's ethnic groups include Ovimbundu (37%), Ambundu (25%), Bakongo (11-13%), and other groups such as Chokwe, Lunda, Ganguela, and Nyaneka-Khumbi. There is also a significant Portuguese population of over 200,000, as well as a growing Chinese community estimated at around 50,000 to 300,000 people.

Angola's population density is low, with only 30 people per square km or 14.8 people per square mile. The country's largest city, Luanda, has a population of about 8 million people, or roughly one-quarter of the country's total population. Luanda is also urbanizing rapidly, with an annual urbanization rate of approximately 4%.

The net migration rate in Angola is estimated at 0.2 migrants per 1,000 citizens. The total number of international migrants registered in Angola as of 2020 exceeded 650,000, which is a slight increase from 2015 but nearly double the number from 2010. The migrant population in Angola has been growing over the last 20 years, and the country also has a significant number of temporary Chinese migrants estimated at 259,000 people.

The country's population in 2023 is estimated at 37.2 million

The population of Angola in 2023 was 36,684,202, a 3.08% increase from 2022. This estimate of 36.68 million falls within the range of values given for the country's population in 2022, which was between 34.8 million and 35.6 million.

Angola's population has been growing at a rate of over 3% since 1975, with the most recent population growth rate being 3.27%. This high growth rate is due to the country's high fertility rate of 5.55 births per woman, which is one of the highest in the world. As a result of this growth rate, Angola's population is projected to surpass 50 million by the end of 2034, 100 million by the end of 2062, and 185 million by 2099.

The median age in Angola is 16.7 years, and the country has a relatively low life expectancy of 60.6 years as of 2018. The population is predominantly Christian, with over 80% of the population belonging to a Christian denomination. The largest religious denomination is Catholicism, with about half of the population adhering to it. Approximately 2% of the population is Muslim, and very few people follow traditional indigenous religions.

Angola has a diverse demographic, with inhabitants from various African tribe heritages. The country's official language is Portuguese, which is also the most commonly spoken language. In recent years, a significant Chinese population has formed, with about 1.4% of the population being Chinese. There are also Portuguese, Congolese, and Cuban populations in the country, although the number of Congolese migrants has decreased over the last decade due to expulsions.

Angola's population is multiethnic and multicultural

The country's multiculturalism is also reflected in its religious diversity. Angola is a majority Christian country, with over 80% of the population belonging to a Christian denomination. More than half are Catholic, while around 26% follow traditional forms of Protestantism. Muslims, mostly immigrants from other African countries, make up less than 1% of the population.

Portuguese influence is also evident in Angola, as it was a Portuguese colony until 1975. Portuguese is the official language, and Catholicism and Portuguese culture have intermingled with indigenous customs and traditions. Angola is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in terms of population.

Angola's population further reflects its history as a major destination during the Atlantic slave trade. The early migrations and political units were significantly shaped by the slave trade, with the Kingdom of Kongo, which controlled the trade, becoming extremely wealthy and powerful.

Today, Angola continues to be a destination for immigrants, with the total number of international migrants exceeding 650,000 as of 2020, representing a doubling of the migrant population over the past decade. The country's growing economy and demand for qualified human resources have attracted immigrants from various countries, including Portugal, China, Brazil, and other European and Latin American nations.

Frequently asked questions