About Angola
Located on the west-central coast of Africa, Angola spans about 482,000 square miles (1.25 million square kilometers), with a population of approximately 33 million as of recent estimates. Its capital, Luanda, is a major economic hub.
Angola is Africa’s second-largest oil producer, with oil and diamonds driving its economy. Despite this, poverty remains widespread, with about 50% of the population living below the poverty line. Recent economic reforms aim to diversify from oil dependency, but challenges like corruption and infrastructure deficits persist.
Angola is an emerging tourism destination known for its vast, untouched natural landscapes from Atlantic beaches and waterfalls to unique rock formations and diverse wildlife in national parks.
Angola is culturally diverse, with major ethnic groups like the Ovimbundu, Mbundu, and Bakongo. Portuguese is the official language, alongside Bantu languages. The country is predominantly Christian, with the population split between Roman Catholics (around 41-56%) and Protestants (around 23-38%) according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of State and the 2014 national census. Islam and other faiths like the Baha’i Faith make up a small minority, with the government not recognizing most Muslim organizations.
History of the Catholic Church in Angola:
The Catholic Church’s history in Angola began in 1491 with Portuguese explorers and missionaries, leading to the conversion of Kongo Kingdom rulers like King Nzinga. The Church maintained a privileged, yet often paternalistic, relationship with the Portuguese colonial state through the Colonial Act of 1930, which advanced the view that Portuguese Catholic missions to the country were “instruments of civilization and national influence”.
After Angola’s independence in 1975, the new government initially viewed religion negatively, leading to the nationalization of Church assets and properties. Following the Second Vatican Council, as The Church shifted its focus from solely conversion to addressing social issues like poverty and human rights, relations with the government improved.
Catholic places of interest in Angola:
Bunguela: Church of Our Lady of the Navigators
Luanda: Capital city with the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and several churches such as the Church of Our Lady of Remedies,
M’Banza: The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, a site of early Christian history in sub-Saharan Africa.
Muxima (near Luanda): The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muxima.