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Luanda

Luanda
Angola

languages

Portuguese

Kimbundu

Kikongo

Umbundu

in this area

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about

Luanda is the capital and largest city of Angola, situated on the country's Atlantic coast in the northwestern part of the nation. With a tumultuous history marked by Portuguese colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and a long struggle for independence, Luanda represents a complex blend of old and new, tradition and modernity, prosperity and need. Geographically, Luanda is located at approximately 9° south of the Equator, which gives it a tropical climate with two distinct seasons—wet and dry. The city's coastal position has been advantageous for trade and contact with the rest of the world, making it an important port city throughout history. Founded in 1575 by the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, Luanda served as the administrative center of Portuguese West Africa from the 16th century until Angola's independence in 1975. This long period of colonial rule has left its mark on the city's language, architecture, and cultural institutions, with Portuguese still being the official language. However, indigenous languages, such as Kimbundu, Kikongo, and Umbundu are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. Luanda's history is characterized by periods of economic boom, particularly due to the slave trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, and more recently, due to oil and diamond resources. Angola is the second-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has contributed to Luanda's reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world for expatriates. Culturally, the city is a melting pot. It is notable for its music scene, particularly the genre of kizomba, which has spread beyond Angola's borders and gained international popularity. Other cultural expressions such as semba and kuduro also originate from Angola and have influenced the regional and global music landscape. Luanda is also home to a variety of landmarks including the Fortress of São Miguel, a historical military complex offering panoramic views of the bay, and the Iron Palace, which is controversially said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel. Demographically, Luanda has experienced rapid growth. From a relatively small town at the beginning of the 20th century, it has expanded into a bustling metropolis, surpassing five million inhabitants. This growth has been accompanied by challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unreliable public services, and stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Slums known locally as 'musseques' house a significant portion of the population and coexist with more affluent areas featuring modern commercial and residential developments. In terms of governance, Luanda reflects the political structure of Angola, which has been dominated by the MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) since independence. The city has been central to the country's political and economic life, with major policy decisions and investments often focused on this urban hub. In conclusion, Luanda is a city of contrasts where traditional Angolan culture coexists with the influences of centuries of Portuguese rule, and where the challenges of rapid urbanization and social disparities are juxtaposed with the wealth generated from natural resources. Despite its complexities, it remains a vibrant and dynamic city, key to understanding Angola's past, present, and future.

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