Angola's Population Boom: Reasons Behind The Surge

Angola's population is increasing rapidly, with a growth rate of over 3% since 1975. The population currently stands at over 37 million people and is projected to surpass 50 million by the end of 2034. The country's high population growth rate is attributed to its high fertility rate, currently at 5.55 births per woman, one of the highest in the world. This has resulted in a very young population, with a median age of around 16.5 years. The population growth is also influenced by urbanization, with cities like Luanda, the capital, urbanizing at approximately 4% annually and attracting a large portion of the country's population. Angola's economic situation, particularly the oil sector's dominance and the resulting poverty and inequality, also play a role in the population dynamics.

High fertility rate

Angola's population growth can be attributed to several factors, one of the most significant being its high fertility rate. The country's fertility rate is estimated at 5.55 births per woman, according to recent data, which is one of the highest in the world. This high fertility rate has a substantial impact on the country's rapid population growth.

The high fertility rate in Angola is influenced by various cultural, social, and economic factors. Firstly, cultural norms and values play a role. In Angola, there may be a cultural emphasis on large families, and children are often viewed as a source of pride, support, and labour in rural and agricultural settings. This cultural preference for larger families can contribute to a higher number of births.

Secondly, limited access to reproductive health services and education can impact fertility rates. In Angola, there may be challenges in terms of access to modern contraceptive methods, family planning services, and sexual health education. This can result in a lower usage of birth control methods, leading to more pregnancies and higher fertility rates. Additionally, socioeconomic factors, such as income and education levels, can also influence fertility rates.

The median age in Angola is quite low, at around 16 years. This suggests that a significant proportion of the population is of reproductive age, which can contribute to a higher number of births. Moreover, the country's recent history, including the end of the civil war in 2002, may have contributed to a so-called "baby boom" as societal stability increased, leading to more pregnancies and births.

Lastly, religious beliefs and practices can also influence fertility rates. In Angola, Christianity is the dominant religion, with a significant proportion of the population adhering to Catholicism or Protestantism. These religious beliefs can influence family planning decisions, with some religious groups promoting larger families or having specific teachings against certain contraceptive methods.

Addressing the high fertility rate in Angola is crucial for sustainable development and improving the well-being of Angolan women and families. This can include improving access to reproductive health services, education, and economic opportunities for women. By empowering women with knowledge, skills, and resources, they can make informed choices about their reproductive health, which can contribute to a voluntary reduction in fertility rates over time.

Migration from rural to urban areas

Angola's population is increasing due to a variety of factors, one of which is migration from rural to urban areas. This internal migration within Angola has resulted in a significant urban population, with 68.1% of Angolans living in urban areas as of 2024. This trend is particularly evident in the capital city of Luanda, which is urbanizing at approximately 4% annually and is home to roughly one-quarter of the country's population.

There are several push and pull factors contributing to the migration of Angolans from rural to urban areas. One key factor is the disparity in economic opportunities between rural and urban areas. Rural areas in Angola, such as the villages in the Municipality of Kalandula, are characterized by limited access to employment, with agriculture being the dominant economic activity. In contrast, urban areas like Luanda offer a wider range of formal and informal employment opportunities. While unemployment remains an issue in urban areas, with urban unemployment surging to 42% at the end of 2023, the diversity of economic sectors in cities provides more opportunities for income generation.

Another factor influencing migration is the availability of social infrastructure and services. Urban areas in Angola generally have better access to education, healthcare, and other social services compared to rural areas. For example, in Luanda, schools and health facilities exist, although they may be costly. In contrast, rural areas like Kalandula often lack access to schools and hospitals, contributing to higher rates of illiteracy and early mortality. The availability of social infrastructure in urban areas can be a significant pull factor for migrants seeking improved access to essential services.

Housing and living conditions also play a role in rural-to-urban migration in Angola. Rural areas typically have lower population densities and consist of sparsely populated villages. People in these areas often live in mud- and grass-roof dwellings. In contrast, urban areas are dense and heterogeneous, with a mix of brick houses and shacks. While overcrowding and inadequate housing can be issues in cities, the availability of diverse housing options may attract migrants seeking better living conditions.

Additionally, the sense of community and social networks differs between rural and urban areas in Angola. Rural villages in Kalandula have a long-shared history and are ethnically homogeneous, with strong extended family ties. However, migration and limited space in urban areas can lead to dispersed families and weaker community cohesion. While rural areas offer a stronger sense of community, urban areas may provide more opportunities for social mobility and individual advancement outside of traditional social networks.

Overall, the migration from rural to urban areas in Angola is driven by a combination of economic, social, and infrastructural factors. The concentration of economic opportunities, improved access to essential services, and the perception of better living conditions in urban areas contribute to the increasing urbanization of the country's population.

High population growth rate

Angola's population growth rate has been above 3% since 1975, with no signs of slowing down in the coming decades. The country's population growth rate was 3.27% in 2024, adding over 1 million people to its population every year. At this rate, Angola's population will surpass 50 million by the end of 2034, 100 million by 2062, and 185 million by 2099.

There are several factors contributing to Angola's high population growth rate:

Fertility Rate

Angola has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, with 5.55 births per woman, according to a 2024 estimate. This high fertility rate is a significant contributor to the country's rapid population growth.

Urbanization

Angola is experiencing a growing trend of urbanization, with around 68% of its inhabitants living in larger cities. The urbanization rate is increasing by about 3.9% annually, contributing to the concentration of population growth in urban areas.

Life Expectancy

Angola's life expectancy has been increasing. As of 2022, the average life expectancy was estimated at 62.11 years, with 60.05 years for males and 64.24 years for females. This increase in life expectancy contributes to a higher population as more people live longer.

Economic Factors

Angola's economy has been tied to the global oil demand, bringing volatile growth. High levels of poverty and inequality have resulted from this, impacting birth rates and life expectancy. Additionally, the economy has struggled to generate enough jobs to match the growing working-age population, with over 550,000 new workers joining the labour force between 2022 and 2023.

Migration

Migration has also played a role in Angola's population growth. The country has experienced an influx of migrants, particularly from China, resulting in a net gain of one person every 28 seconds in 2024.

Low mortality rate

Angola's population is increasing due to a variety of factors, one of which is the country's low mortality rate. Here is an in-depth analysis of how a low mortality rate contributes to Angola's population growth:

Angola's low mortality rate is a significant contributor to the country's population growth. Mortality rate refers to the number of deaths in a population during a specific period, usually expressed as a rate per 1000 individuals. A low mortality rate indicates that fewer people are dying in the country, which leads to a higher overall population.

Angola has made significant strides in improving healthcare and reducing mortality rates, particularly in specific areas. For instance, the Municipal Health Service Strengthening Project has provided urgent health sector support, contributing to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This project made COVID-19 vaccines available, with approximately 20 million doses administered. Additionally, the project facilitated the digitalization of health systems with the ReDIV platform, which has become the country's largest identification database.

Furthermore, Angola has made notable progress in addressing infant and child mortality rates. The Angola Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) 2015 revealed that infants born to mothers with secondary or higher education had a 1.5 times lower mortality rate than those born to illiterate women. This disparity underscores the importance of maternal education in reducing infant mortality.

The country's overall infant mortality rate (IMR) has also decreased, with the latest estimates placing it at 50 deaths per 1000 live births. While this rate is still high compared to other countries, it signifies progress. Additionally, there is a notable geographic variation in IMR, with Benguela having the highest rate and Moxico the lowest. Addressing these disparities is crucial to further reducing mortality rates.

Moreover, Angola's economic development and poverty reduction efforts have played a role in lowering mortality rates. The World Bank has supported initiatives to enhance social protection and improve the quality of life for Angolans. These initiatives have empowered women, improved access to healthcare, and promoted inclusive development.

In conclusion, Angola's low mortality rate is a result of improved healthcare, targeted interventions, and social development initiatives. These factors have collectively contributed to a decreasing mortality rate, which, in turn, drives population growth. As Angola continues to prioritize these areas, a further decline in mortality rates can be expected, positively impacting the country's overall population.

High number of births

Angola's population growth rate has been above 3.0% since 1975, with a recent growth rate of 3.27% translating to over 1 million people added to the population each year. The country's population currently stands at approximately 38 million, and it is projected to surpass 50 million by the end of 2034, 100 million by the end of 2062, and 185 million by 2099.

A key factor contributing to Angola's rapidly growing population is its high birth rate. Angola's birth rate in 2024 is 38.59 births per 1000 people, which is a slight decline from 38.91 in 2023 and 39.31 in 2022. While the birth rate has been gradually decreasing over the years, it still remains relatively high compared to other countries.

The country's fertility rate, which is one of the highest in the world, also contributes to the high number of births. The fertility rate in Angola is 5.55 births per woman, significantly contributing to the country's rapid population growth. This high fertility rate, combined with a declining crude death rate, results in a positive rate of natural increase, which further drives population growth.

Angola's population dynamics are also influenced by its young population, with a median age of around 16.5 years. This youthful demographic structure, coupled with the high fertility rate, suggests that a significant proportion of women of childbearing age, further contributing to the high number of births in the country.

Additionally, Angola's population growth is impacted by its low emigration rate. While the country experiences some emigration, it is not substantial enough to offset the high number of births. As a result, the net migration rate is relatively stable, and the population continues to grow driven primarily by the high number of births.

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