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> Expat to Angola

More and more expats are moving to Angola in search of adventure and the generous salary packages attached to life in Africa's second largest oil producing nation. Though the country is still struggling to recover from thirty years of war, it remains rich in raw materials (petroleum and diamonds) and is fast cultivating a dynamic business environment with plenty of opportunity.

The climate is tropical and the beaches and countryside spectacular, while the night life in Luanda, the largest city and the most common expat destination, is as lively as any major metropolis.

Angola’s economy is booming and even exceeded the World Bank's prediction for GDP growth in 2010 (predicted at 7.5%, and actually grew at 8.5%). International relationships with nations like China, Portugal and South Africa are becoming more and more solid, and oil rights are actively being exchanged for infrastructural improvements that will benefit the country in the long-term.
 
There are, however, some negative aspects for expats moving to Angola. The most glaring drawback is certainly that Luanda is officially the city with the highest cost of living in the world. Traffic is also very bad, as antiquated road networks struggle to cope with the profusion of luxury vehicles and cargo trucks.

Safety has greatly improved these days, but expats must still be wary, and by default, often find themselves living in very insular environments. Foreigners are cautioned against travelling into Luanda's neighbouring provinces, especially diamond producing areas around the Cabinda region.
 
Furthermore, healthcare is available, but not up to standard to treat complicated cases.