Assignment in Luanda

Today I would like to discuss Luanda in Angola. If you were to be sent to Luanda on an expatriate assignment or if you were to relocate there, you are likely to experience:

• Weather that is semiarid in the south and along coast to Luanda. The north has a cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April);
• You will meet people who speak Portuguese (official), Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo;
• You will find the cost of clothing yourself is very high compared to other places;
• The cost of food and beverages is very high compared to other places;
• The cost of housing yourself  is very high compared to other places;
• The cost of transporting yourself is average compared to other places;
• Luanda is the capital and largest city of Angola;
• Located on Angola's coast with the Atlantic Ocean is both Angola's chief seaport and administrative centre, as well as the capital city of Luanda Province;
• Luanda is currently undergoing a major reconstruction, with many large developments taking place that will alter the cityscape significantly;
• Around one-third of Angolans live in Luanda, 57% of whom live in poverty;
• Living conditions in Luanda are extremely poor, with essential services such as safe drinking water still in short supply;
• From a day to day comfort perspective, you are likely to experience extreme hardship;
• Make sure you negotiate an appropriate salary or allowance.

If you live in Luanda or if you lived there recently, let us know what your experience has been. Would you live in Luanda again?