Population: In 1988 estimated at 8.2 million, most of which concentrated in western half of country. About 46 percent of population under age fifteen in 1986.

Ethnic Groups: Ovimbundu, Mbundu, and Bakongo constituted nearly three-fourths of population in 1988. Other groups LundaChokwe , Nganguela, Nyaneka-Humbe, Ovambo, mestiço (see Glossary), and European.

Languages: Portuguese official language, but Bantu languages spoken by more than 95 percent of population.

Religion: Christians (Roman Catholics and various Protestant denominations) estimated at between 65 and 88 percent of population in 1988 remainder practiced traditional African religions.

Education and Literacy: Eight-year course compulsory until age fifteen, but enrollment severely disrupted by insurgency. Separate school system in rebel-controlled areas. Overall literacy rate about 20 percent in 1987.

Health and Welfare: Very poor health care because of years of insurgency. High prevalence of infectious diseases 20,000 to 50,000 amputees. Large number of foreign, especially Cuban, medical personnel in country. Life expectancy in 1987 forty-one for males and forty-four for females.

Data as of February 1989