Map Angola

A much-troubled former Portuguese colony on the west coast of southern Africa. Gained full independence from Portugal in November 1975, but has since then been pretty much in a constant state of civil war. First stamps were issued in 1870 and were inscribed “Republics Portuguesa – Angola”.

Currency: 1870 to 1913 – 1000 reis = 1 milreis; 1913 to 1928 and again from 1960 to 1975 – 100 centavos = 1 escudo; 1928 to 1960 – 100 centavos = 1 angolar; 1975 to date – 100 iwei = 1 New Kwanza

Capital: Luanda

Population: (1997 estimate) 11,906,300