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Economic and Social Development of Angola since Independence

Introduction

Angola is one of the largest and most populous countries of Africa. It is endowed with the wealth of natural resources. However, not all are rich in Angola. Only a minority have the wealth. This appears unfortunate that most are poor and the wealth in Angola is not evenly spread. However, Angola has much prospect of developing economically and socially. It was ravaged by Portuguese colonialism in the 20th century. However, the people of Angola fiercely opposed the Portuguese hegemony with their several movements. This resulted in the war of 1961 to 1975. However, this was not enough and the leaders and people of Angola could not reconcile again after independence, and thus followed the civil war which started 1974 and ended 2002. Although the ruling elite keep becoming even richer, the situation is not expected to inverse for the ordinary poor people in the near future (James, ix).

However, now the situation is stable in Angola. Now they have to focus on the problems of nation-building. Although, there is continued peace in Angola now, much economic and social development needs to be done (James, 1).

Angola is a country named the Republic of Angola in the south-central Africa. To its north is Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while Namibia is to its south. The east has Zambia. The Enclave of Cabinda is separated by a strip of DRC. Cabinda is the most important region of Angola as it contains all the oil deposits of Angola. To its west is the Atlantic Ocean which provides it with fishing and even more oil. The shoreline is 1,650 kms. Most of the Angolans speak native languages and another language Bantu. However, Portuguese is the official language of Angola. As of 2010, the estimated population of Angola is 13 million people. The annual growth rate in population is 2.18 percent. Fifty-six percent of the population is Roman Catholic in religion while another 15 percent believe in Protestantism. Islam has been accepted by 6 percent of Angolans (James, 1-3).

Furthermore, current Angola is no different from what it was six hundred years ago. The relationship of its politicians with people and how they accumulated wealth remains unchanged even today. Angola then consisted of slaves and those who were free people. However, then Angola also developed trade and became important strategic partners with the European countries and America. However, it was the Afro-Portuguese who assumed power then when they developed relations with the Europe and America, and it was this same group who assumed power in 1975 when the independence was achieved. Also, then they became the owner's of all the Angola's wealth (Newitt, 19).

Newitt further tells of the political and economic evolution of Angola and its traditions. We already know that many pre-colonial societies emerged in Angola and then established the Portuguese colony. This shows that there is a certain weight of Angola's history on its current economic and social condition (Brinkeman).

Economic and Social Development of Angola since Independence

Economic Analysis

The ...