People's Republic of Angola

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People's Republic of Angola
República Popular de Angola
1975–1992
Capital Luanda
Languages Portuguese
Government Marxist-Leninist one-party state
President
 •  1975−1979 Agostinho Neto
 •  1979−1992 José Eduardo dos Santos
Prime Minister
 •  1975−1978 Lopo do Nascimento
 •  1991−1992 Fernando José de França Dias Van-Dúnem
Historical era Cold War
 •  Established 11 November 1975
 •  Disestablished 25 August 1992
Currency Kwanza
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Overseas Province of Angola
Angola

The People's Republic of Angola (Portuguese: República Popular de Angola) was a self-declared socialist state (commonly known as a "communist state" in the West) that was established in 1975 after it was granted independence from Portugal, akin to the situation in Mozambique. The newly founded nation enjoyed friendly relations with the Soviet Union, Cuba, and the People's Republic of Mozambique.[1] The country was governed by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which was responsible for its adoption of communism. The group was backed by both Cuba and the Soviet Union. An opposing group, known as the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), sparked a civil war with the MPLA, with the backing from both South Africa and the United States.

In 1991, the MPLA and UNITA signed a peace agreement, which would allow for multiparty elections in Angola. Though harsh disputes still followed, the People's Republic of Angola was finally dismantled in 1992, becoming the present day Republic of Angola.

References