Angola is a Central, Southern African nation, on the South Atlantic Coast, sandwiched between Namibia, Zambia, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The total area of Angola is 1,246,700 sq km. Angola has a coastline measuring 1,600 km from north to south. The coastal plain of Angola rises towards the centre of the country to form the interior plateau. This vast plateau covers some two thirds of Angola, reaching altitudes averaging 1500m.This plateau is where you will find the highest point in Angola, Mount Morro de Moco, which stands at a height of 2,620m. The central region of Angola is also home to many of the country's important waterways including the Kwango, Cuango and Cubango rivers. In the north of the country, the main geographical feature is the Crystal Mountain Range, an area rich in waterfalls and lush forest. Further north still and actually within the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the isolated Angolan province of Cabinda. Angola's highland areas are home to some of the world's most precious rocks including gold, diamonds, bauxite and iron ore. In fact, Angola supplies the world with 15% of its diamonds. In the far south of Angola, you will find the country's only national park, Bikur, home to various declining animal species.

Angola once was a Portuguese colony but it gained independence in 1975. Many Portuguese influences, including place names, still exist today, particularly in the capital city Luanda. The official language of Angola is Portuguese and the national unit of currency is the kwanza.

The economy of Angola is currently in dire straights as a result of more than 20 years of civil war. Land mines prevent farmers from working in their fields. This has the effect of Angola having to import the majority of its food supplies as it simply cannot feed itself. A large number of the population remains malnourished. The fact still remains though, that 85% of Angolans depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Angola has the world's highest infant mortality rate with 191.66 deaths per 1,000 live births.

The climate of Angola is hot and semi-arid the in south. The north of Angola experiences a cooler dry season, which lasts from May to October. The wet season is from November to April. During this time, heavy sporadic downpours often bring periodic flooding to the central plateau. Daily temperatures average 30°C.