Geography
The Republic of Angola is in Southern Africa, bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Namibia. The enclave of Cabinda is separated from Angola by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Luanda is the capital. Other cities are Benguela, Huambo, Lobito and Namibe.

Angola's coastal plain rises to high plateau. Principal rivers are the Cuanza and the Cunene.

The climate is tropical and varies according to altitude.

Environment
National Parks in Angola include Bicuari, Cameia, Cangandala, lona, Mupa and Quissama. Other parks are Luando Special Reserve, and Namibe and Carumbo Regional Nature Parks.

Following the civil war in Angola, wildlife, such the African elephant, has been reintroduced to Quissama National Park. Many species of birds inhabit the parks and reserves.

Architecture
Portuguese Colonial architecture can be seen throughout the provinces of Angola; examples include forts and religious buildings. The first Portuguese church in Angola, the Church of Our Lady of Cabo, was built in Luanda in 1575.

Today, Luanda is a modern city with much of the population living around the capital. In rural areas, traditional wattle and daub buildings have given way to homes constructed in modern materials.

Population
The population of Angola was estimated at 12,799,293 in 2009.

Languages
Portuguese is the official language. Bantu and other indigenous languages are spoken.

Religion
Many Angolans are Christians and a significant number of the people follow indigenous beliefs.

Food
Traditional dishes in Angola are palm oil beans and fish and meat calulu (layers of fish or meat and vegetables). Corn funge, made with cornflour, is served with fish and meat sauces. Farofa, prepared with manioc (cassava) flour, also accompanies meals.

Vegetables include okra, onions, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes and zucchini.

Fruits available are apples, bananas, mangoes, oranges and papayas.

Soft drinks are produced. Maize beer and palm wine are favourite alcoholic drinks.

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