Long-form name: People's Republic of Angola

Type: in transition from a one-party Marxist state to a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential system

Capital: Luanda

Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Independence: 11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

Constitution: 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, and 6 March 1991

Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to accommodate multipartyism and increased use of free markets

National holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Assembleia do Povo)

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal da Relacao)

Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS (since 21 September 1979)

Political parties and leaders: only one party exists--the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola-Labor Party (MPLA), Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS--although others are expected to form as legalization of a multiparty system proceeds; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) lost to the MPLA and Cuban military support forces in the immediate postindependence struggle, but is to receive recognition as a legal party

Suffrage: universal at age 18

Elections: first nationwide, multiparty elections to be held between September and November 1992

Member of: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation: none

Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)

NOTE: The information regarding Angola on this page is re-published from the 1991 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Angola Government 1991 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Angola Government 1991 should be addressed to the CIA.