About Angola

Population: 18,600,000
Capital City: Luanda
Official Language(s): Portuguese
Currency: Angolan Kwanza
Calling Code: +244

Today, Angola is undergoing a process of gradually rebuilding itself after being ravaged by a 27-year civil war. The People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo Dos Santos is one of Angola’s major political parties, and is responsible for independence after centuries of Portuguese rule.

The Portuguese regime was overthrown in late 1975 but a bitter civil war soon ensued between the MPLA and another of Angola’s political parties – the UNITA.

The earliest known inhabitants of the territory now recognised as Angola were the Khoisans. These hunter-gatherers were gradually replaced by Bantu tribes migrating from the north who possessed a much more sophisticated understanding of craftsmanship and farming.

In 1575 Portugal founded a Portuguese colony at Luanda, which became a focal point for the slave trade. The Portuguese gradually took control of the coastal strip throughout the 16th century through a series of accords and wars.

Much later, in 1951, Portugal classified Angola as one of its overseas territories around the same time strong movements for independence emerged from the Angolan people themselves.

The most well known Angolan folk song is Kumbaya (Come by here, my Lord). However, its origin in Angola is disputed by those linguists who consider it to have originated in Gullah, a Creole language used today by many African Americans living in the south-eastern states of the USA.

Angolan pop music is known as ‘Kizomba’, and has produced several international stars.

Portuguese rule has inevitably had a marked effect on Angola’s culture, and today Portuguese remains the sole official language whilst Catholicism is the dominant religion.

Safety and Special Considerations

The provinces of Cabinda and North Lunda as well as South Lunda should be avoided.

You should only venture away from Angola’s major cities if accompanied by an experienced local travel guide due to dangers of domestic travel.

Crime in Luanda is a significant problem so all possible precautions should be taken. Do not carry around valuables or walk around past dark.

Unexploded mines still exist away from urban areas and the standard of infrastructure is generally poor.

Same sex relationships are illegal.

Entry Requirements

US and EU citizens must obtain a visa before entering Angola. The process can take several weeks so should be initiated well in advance of your trip.

Angolan embassies are located in Washington and London respectively. There is a fine of 150USD per day if you remain after the expiration of your visa.

A valid certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination is required otherwise you will be inoculated on entrance to the country.

Must See

Angola boasts much natural beauty, particularly along its striking coastline. The nation is full of culture, color and spectacular landscapes.

Popular national parks include Cameia and Iona. Here you can soak up nature over vast plains and woodlands – home to a staggering assortment of wildlife including beautiful aquatic birds.

Luanda, the Angolan capital

About Algeria

Population: 35,257,000
Capital City: Algiers
Official Language(s): Arabic and French
Currency: Algerian Dinar
Calling Code: +213

Algeria is a country in Northern Africa situated on the Mediterranean coastline. With a land area of 920,000 sq miles it is not only the second largest country in Africa (after Sudan) but also the eleventh biggest across the globe.

Algeria finally gained independence in 1962 after long periods of Spanish, Ottoman then French rulership. The French conquered Algeria’s capital city in 1830 and went on to rule for over a century. After independence was passed down many Algerians took advantage of French law allowing mass immigration from former colonies. Today over 3 million people of Algerian descent reside in France (around 5% of the population).

468 miles of the Mediterranean separates Algiers from Marseille in France’s southwest, whilst Algeria’s African neighbours include Morocco to the west, Mali and Niger to the south and Tunisia and Libya to the east.

Today Algeria has an emerging economy benefiting from oil and gas profits. As a result infrastructure and facilities have improved over recent decades. Immediately after independence Algeria suffered from years of authoritarian leadership and corruption. Urbanisation during the 1970s did, however, bring about growth and improvement in the country’s literacy rate. Tensions between Algeria’s socialist party and an increasing Islamist movement ended in a 10 year civil war claiming the lives of approximately 150,000 people between 1992 and 2002.

Algeria is recovering as a nation and is more somewhat more peaceful, but travelers still need to be extra cautious. Kidnappings too are a very real threat. The vast majority of the population is Muslim, and as specified by the country’s constitution, Arabic is the official language. Berber is defined as a ‘national language’ and French is widely used in education and the media.

The Algerian culture is comparable to many other predominantly Islamic nations. Literature is important with well known poets including Achour Fenni and authors such as Mohammed Dib. Female writer Assia Djebar is a preeminent novelist known for her work towards women’s rights and several Nobel Prize nominations.

Algeria’s younger generation enjoy a significantly westernized style of music called rai, which has seen some international success. The genre itself has elements of folk and pop and lyrically tends to deal with social issues. Shaabi, Kabyle and Andalusi music also enjoy some popularity.

Algerian cuisine is a blend of traditional Arab and French dishes with a Mediterranean influence. Couscous is a staple food.

Safety and Special Considerations

Caution should be taken when travelling the provinces surrounding Algiers in central north Algeria. The country’s borders should be avoided if at all possible for safety reasons.

It is important to take precautions as attacks and kidnappings may take place in areas popular with travellers.

It is advisable to travel with a local guide and to avoid carrying valuables and cash. Driving at night is risky due to the threat of carjacking, particularly in the suburbs of big cities.

Keep in mind the fact that Algeria is a Muslim country. Local traditions and laws should be respected at all times. Women are expected to dress conservatively and same sex relationships are illegal.

Entry Requirements

US and UK citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Algeria. Applications are submitted to the embassies situated in Washington and London respectively.

Must See

Algeria has something for every traveller, whether you prefer coastline, mountains or deserts. Oran situated on the Mediterranean coast is popular for its clubs, music and beaches. Many consider it to be Algeria’s cultural capital and the home of Rai music. Interestingly the city also features in the movie Casablanca!

The town of Tlemcen in northwestern Algeria has Roman origins and boasts a wealth of historical and artistic relics. Even during hostilities Tlemcen was relatively quiet and it remains one of the most cosmopolitan locations within the country. The border with Morocco is generally safe to visit.

Finally, Algiers (the capital city) is home to many irresistible attractions. Special recommendation goes to the Monument of Martyrs – a wonderful example of design and architecture. Aquafortland (Algeria’s best water park) is worth a visit and could easily pass for one of its American contemporaries!

Algiers by night