Angola, located in south-west Africa, was a Portuguese colony. After centuries of colonial rule, Angola gained independence in 1975, marking the beginning of a new phase characterised by internal tensions.
Soon after independence, Angola was the scene of a long and violent civil war involving several political groups and liberation movements, including the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
The civil war, which lasted until 2002, had devastating consequences for the country, causing enormous loss of life and significant infrastructure damage. With the signing of the Lusaka Peace Accords in 1994 and the ceasefire in 2002, Angola finally embarked on a path of reconstruction and national reconciliation.
Today, Angola is the second largest oil producer in Africa and possesses rich natural resources. However, the country still faces significant challenges such as extreme poverty, economic inequality and the need to diversify the economy beyond the oil sector.
Italy and Angola have solid political relations, rooted in strong historical ties. Italy supported Angolan independence movements and played a significant role in cooperation during the country's long civil war. In 1976, Italy was the first Western European country to recognise Angola's independence
