Angola is located in the western region of southern Africa. With 37.2 million people, it is the 11th most populous country in Africa. Its economy relies heavily on oil and gas, accounting for over 90% of exports and 43% of GDP. Its largest trading partners are China and India. The proposed visit reflects Africa's growing importance to the US, amid the 'new cold war' sparked by rivalry with China. The US is responding to the expanding influence of China, Russia and other emerging powers in Africa. It's intensifying economic, diplomatic and military cooperation. Angolans fought a liberation war against the Portuguese for 15 years ' 1961 to 1974. On attaining independence in 1975, a new socialist and pro-communist government, led by the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), took control. The country was plunged into a civil war between 1975 and 1988. The US supported the anti-government rebel forces National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) and the National Union for the Total...
learn more
