Last modified: 2003-07-05 by jarig bakker
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![[Angola]](../images/a/ao.gif)
![[Variant]](../misc/fis_vari.gif){kind=small}
2:3~ by Manuel Gabino, 31 Aug 2002
The PRA adopted a flag closely based on that of the ruling
MPLA
: red over black with a yellow design in the centre featuring a cogwheel,
machete and star. The PRA was proclaimed by the MPLA in March 1975; it
was this action which caused the final split between the MPLA, FNLA and
UNITA who had previously agreed to bury their differences in the run-up
to independence. Initially, it was recognized only by radical African nations
and the Communist bloc. Cuba dispatched thousands of troops to Angola in
1975 to ensure victory for the MPLA, and South Africa intervened (with
tacit US backing) in support of UNITA and the FNLA. Once South Africa became
involved in the conflict, other African nations recognized the PRA and
by 1976 it was also acknowledged by the Organization of African Unity.
In contrast, the United States did not recognize the PRA until 1991 - by
which time the ruling MPLA had officially abandoned Marxism, and the word
"People's" from the title of the country. In view of political developments,
it is quite likely that a new flag will be adopted by a future Angolan
government.
Stuart A. Notholt, 1 October 1996
The country name was altered to Republic of Angola in the COA by Angola
Constitution Article 163 in Part VI issued on Aug 25 1992.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 17 Jun 1999
![[Angolan Coat of Arms]](../images/a/ao).gif)
sent by M.V. Blanes, 12 Sep 2000
The insignia of the Republic of Angola shall be formed by a segment
of a cogwheel and sheaves of maize, coffee and cotton, representing respectively
the workers and industrial production, the peasants and agricultural production.
At the foot of the design, an open book shall represent education and
culture, and the rising sun shall represent the new country. In the center
shall be a machete and a hoe symbolizing work and the start of the armed
struggle. At the top shall be a star symbolizing international solidarity
and progress.
In the lower part of the emblem shall be a golden band with the inscription
'Republic of Angola'.
Source: the Constitution of Angola.
M.V. Blanes, 12 Sep 2000
Just a note on the terminology: as the emblem in question is not following
the rules of heraldry, it ought not to be called coat of arms. Note, that
in the legal text below, the words used are insignia, design and emblem.
There is no mention of arms or coat of arms.
Elias Granqvist, 13 Sep 2000
Knowing the current status of Angola, this description can be seen as
a piece of very sad humour. It is true, anyway, that Angola was once one
of the world leaders in coffee production. Now the production is nearly
extinct, not because of plant pathogens but because of human ones. Only
armed struggle (but Angoleses vs. Angoleses) has remained. There is of
course international solidarity to protect diamond fields and progress
towards better mining techniques.
Ivan Sache, 13 Sep 2000