What does angola mean?
Angola is a proper noun naming a republic in southwestern Africa. Situated along the Atlantic coast and bordered by Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it was a Portuguese colony for several centuries before gaining independence in 1975. Its capital and largest city is Luanda, a major port that has become known as one of the world's costliest cities. Portuguese remains the official language, making Angola one of the largest Lusophone countries by area. The adjective 'Angolan' describes its people, culture, or products. Because it is a place name rather than an ordinary vocabulary word, it appears mainly in geographic, historical, political, and news contexts rather than in general prose, but it remains essential knowledge for world geography.
nounA proper noun referring chiefly to Angola, a country in southwestern Africa on the Atlantic coast; it may also refer to related terms derived from the place name.
- Angola: a republic in southwestern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Atlantic Ocean; its capital is Luanda.
"Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after centuries of colonial rule."
"Luanda, the capital of Angola, is one of the most expensive cities in the world for expatriates."
"She studied Portuguese in Lisbon before moving to Angola to work as a journalist."
The country's very name comes from 'Ngola', the title of the Ndongo kings whom Portuguese colonizers first encountered in the 1500s.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of angola
The name Angola derives from 'Ngola', the royal title borne by kings of the Ndongo kingdom, whose rulers the Portuguese encountered when they arrived on the coast in the late 15th century. The Portuguese adopted the title as the name of their colony, established in the region during the following century. The term ultimately traces back to Kimbundu, a Bantu language of Angola.
Related word forms
How angola is actually used
As a proper noun, Angola is always capitalized. The adjective form is 'Angolan', used both for the people of Angola and for things relating to the country.
Easily confused with angola
'Anguilla' is a Caribbean island territory, whereas 'Angola' is a large country in southern Africa — the two names merely sound somewhat similar.