Updated Jan 18, 2026
KEY STATS
555K
Population
2,100 km2
Area
15 Mbps
Internet
Africa/Luanda
Timezone
BUG (4km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Angola's Atlantic coastal retreat features sweeping beaches, Portuguese fort ruins, and lobster feasts under eternal summer skies. Digital nomads enjoy emerging co-working spaces, improving fiber optics, and a laid-back vibe ideal for balancing work with Lobito's nearby surf breaks.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Angola
Region
Middle Africa
Population
555K
Timezone
Africa/Luanda
Currency
AOA
Language
Portuguese
Airport
BUG
GPS
-12.58, 13.40
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
Internet at 15 Mbps — plan for offline work or find coworking spaces
History
Founded in 1617, with 409 years of history
Travel
BUG airport just 4 km from the city center
Climate
Year-round average of 24C — near-ideal temperatures
INFRASTRUCTURE
232 total POIs 0.1 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
10
Cafes
4
Bars
4
Fast Food
4
Shopping
Supermarkets
5
Convenience
2
Shopping Malls
3
Healthcare
Hospitals
4
Clinics
3
Pharmacies
2
Education
Schools
33
Universities
10
Libraries
1
Recreation
Parks
23
Sports
15
Cinemas
2
Museums
1
Transport
Bus Stops
10
Train Stations
9
Fuel Stations
9
Services
Banks
25
ATMs
1
Post Offices
2
Police
3
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
15 Mbps
Download
7 Mbps
Upload
43ms
Latency
179
Tests
43
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Dec
21°
J
21°
F
22°
M
24°
A
25°
M
26°
J
27°
J
26°
A
25°
S
24°
O
22°
N
21°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 23.6 C Range: 26.7 - 20.5 C Rain: 357 mm/year Sunshine: 3,730 h/year
CITY SCORES
88.5
Nomad Index
B
Livability
39.8
Culture
57.1
Overall
AIRPORT
BUG
Benguela Airport
4 km from center
Very close — ~6 min ride
FUN FACTS
Benguela (Portuguese pronunciation: [bẽˈɡɛlɐ]; Umbundu: Luombaka) is a city in western Angola, capital of Benguela Province.
History Portuguese rule Benguela was founded in 1617 as São Felipe de Benguela by the Portuguese under Manuel Cerveira Pereira, 8th Governor of Angola (1604–1607).
António, the hospital, and the fortress, as of 1911 there were only a few stone-built houses.
The Benguela Railway was built in the early 20th century by Portugal to connect the city and Lobito to the interior, and it achieved great success when linked to the Copperbelt of Katanga, DR Congo and Zambia.
Starting in the early 20th century, Benguela attracted, developed, and retained quality businesses and professionals into its growing economy.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Benguela known for?
Angola's Atlantic coastal retreat features sweeping beaches, Portuguese fort ruins, and lobster feasts under eternal summer skies. Digital nomads enjoy emerging co-working spaces, improving fiber optics, and a laid-back vibe ideal for balancing work with Lobito's nearby surf breaks.
How fast is the internet in Benguela?
Benguela has an average download speed of 15 Mbps and upload speed of 7 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Benguela?
Benguela has an average year-round temperature of approximately 23.6 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Benguela?
Benguela is served by BUG (Benguela Airport), approximately 4 km from the city center.
What is the population of Benguela?
The population of Benguela is approximately 555K.
What infrastructure does Benguela have?
Benguela has 232 mapped points of interest, including 10 restaurants, 4 hospitals, 33 schools.
What country is Benguela in?
Benguela is located in Angola.
