In 2002, Angola was a large, oil-rich nation located in Southern Africa. It had recently emerged from a long civil war which had caused significant destruction and displacement for the population. Despite this, the economy was largely dependent on oil exports and foreign investment. The population was mostly composed of native Angolans as well as Portuguese citizens. According to computerannals, the government of Angola had recently implemented economic and political reforms which were desperately needed in order to improve the lives of Angolans. Despite this, poverty levels remained high with nearly one third of the population living below the poverty line. In addition, Angola faced significant political instability due to its weak government institutions, which were unable to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. This led to social unrest which further hindered economic growth and development of the country. Despite these challenges, there were some positive developments in 2002 with foreign investment helping to spur economic growth and create jobs for Angolans. In addition, the government began to focus on improving infrastructure and providing basic services such as healthcare and education which provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for the people of Angola.

Yearbook 2002

Angola. The 27-year war between the army and the rebel movement UNITA ended at the beginning of the year, after UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi was killed in battle.

In the months leading up to Savimbi’s death in February in the eastern province of Moxico, the army had pursued the rebel leader using “the tactics of the burnt earth.” Up to 300,000 people were estimated to have been driven away from their homes and their crops destroyed to deprive UNITA of protection and livelihood. Savimbi and his closest companions were forced into open terrain, where they could be tracked by airplanes and spy satellites.

Following Savimbi’s death, UNITA lost all combat power, especially as the movement’s second man Antonio Dembo was reported to have died. A few weeks after Savimbi’s death, the army interrupted the offensive and began peace talks with captured rebel generals. A peace agreement was signed in early April and A’s parliament granted amnesty to all UNITA members. UNITA’s military branch was disbanded and a new leader after Savimbi was appointed secretary-general of the movement Paulo “Gato” Lukamba.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Angola is every November 11. More than 80,000 UNITA members and their families, a total of over 300,000 people, gathered in demobilization camps. Of these, 5,000 rebel soldiers will be included in the army and the others will receive job training in order to participate in the reconstruction of the country. More than half a million people are estimated to have been killed in the war and 100,000 mutilated by mines. More than four million became homeless. According to the UN, the final phase of the war also led to acute distress due to the devastation in the countryside. Half a million people were estimated to starve and another one million were directly dependent on drug aid to survive.

In December, the government was broadened and UNITA was awarded four ministerial posts. At the same time, the post of Prime Minister was reinstated after more than three years of vacancy. The assignment was awarded to former Minister of the Interior Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos. After the government reform, the UN lifted all economic and political sanctions against UNITA.

Angola Country Overview

Visa
Finnish citizens need a visa when traveling to Angola.

Insurance
Every person participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, AGO stands for Angola.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
Check that your basic vaccinations are valid (tetanus, polio and diphtheria). Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for the trip.

There is a yellow fever in Angola. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. Malaria also occurs in the country.

Always check the vaccination requirements at the health center or the Vaccination Advice of the Tourist Clinic

The currency of
Angola is the Angolan Kwanza (AOA).

Electricity
in Angola has the same electricity and plugs as in Finland.

Mobile phones
Check the availability of your mobile phone with your operator. Angola’s area code is +244.

Time difference
Angola’s time difference to Finland is -1 hour in winter and -2 hours in summer.