Local culture in Angola

With one of the most economically unequal societies in the world, Angola’s contrast between the haves and have-nots is one of the biggest things about the local culture that expats will have to adjust to. Language barriers are also an issue, but overall, you’ll likely find that the locals’ hospitality shapes the local culture in Angola.

Inequality in Angola

With much of the population in Angola living without access to clean water and electricity or adequate healthcare and schools, inequality is a reality throughout the country.

On the other hand, Luanda is an El Dorado-like place for the rich and connected. The pot-holed roads are jammed with an astounding array of expensive cars, taking their owners to exquisite restaurants overlooking marinas full of yachts and luxury speedboats.

In contrast, the streets are also home to groups of children willing to wash cars in exchange for something to eat and people scraping together a meagre income to survive. All of this can be jarring for expats who are from more egalitarian societies.

Language barrier in Angola

Portuguese is the official language in Angola, and few locals outside the oil and gas industry are likely to speak or understand English.

Angolan society is largely closed to foreigners, and relationships are generally restricted to the workplace. Without a good command of Portuguese, attempts at interaction are often unfruitful. This makes building friendships outside the expat community challenging.

LGBTQ+ in Angola

Although same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 2021 in Angola, members of the LGBTQ+ still experience some discrimination in the country. Transgender individuals have no legal protections in the country and are banned from serving in the military.

It may also be challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals to access employment opportunities, healthcare, and education. Despite legal protections against discrimination, we recommend avoiding public displays of affection while in the country.

Women in Angola

The Angolan government is working towards achieving gender parity in the country, but many challenges still remain. The biggest among these is violence against women. Domestic violence and sexual abuse are prevalent in the country. We would recommend avoiding walking alone at night or in isolated places as an expat woman.

Women in the country also suffer high maternal and infant mortality rates, so private healthcare is essential in Angola. That said, the Ministry of Social Action, Family, and Promotion of Women is working to address domestic violence and economic inequality in the country.

Managing culture shock in Angola

When you arrive in Angola, you’ll find that expats generally react in one of two ways: either they retreat into an expat bubble until their contract is over, or they throw themselves into trying to do something to help – volunteering at a local orphanage, organising food distributions or teaching children to read and write.

You should come to Angola prepared to be challenged emotionally, psychologically, and professionally. You should also be armed with a good understanding of the complexities and challenges facing a country that, within a lifetime, has undergone colonisation, civil war, and then massive oil wealth.