Current Time in Lubango
Angolan culture regarding time
Angolan culture regarding time
Flexible sense of time
As Angola calls it "African time," the sense of time is very flexible. It is not uncommon for meetings and gatherings to start later than scheduled, and flexible schedules are common.
Activities that start with sunrise
Many people tend to start their day with sunrise and concentrate their main work and activities during the daytime hours. In particular, in rural areas, a lifestyle that is in tune with the movement of the sun is deeply rooted.
Religious events affect time
Angola is a country where the majority of people are Christian, and Sunday mass and religious events can have a significant impact on daily life and schedules.
Angolan values regarding time
Relationships with people take priority over time
In Angola, "relationships with people" tend to be more important than the time of appointments, and polite conversations and interactions are also considered socially important.
Working hours are relatively short
In many workplaces, work starts early in the morning and ends in the evening. To avoid the heat, activities are often refrained from after noon.
Flexible schedule adjustment
Plans are often changed at the last minute, and being too strict on time can actually cause friction. Flexibility is valued in the culture.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Angola
Appointments should be considered as a guideline
Appointments for meetings, visits, etc. are only a guideline, and you are expected to be tolerant of the other party's lateness. It is important to plan your schedule with plenty of time.
Administrative procedures take time
City hall and public institutions work relatively slowly, so one errand can take half a day. It is important to move around with plenty of time.
Traffic delays should also be considered
Traffic in the capital Luanda is heavy in the mornings and evenings, making it difficult to travel on time. Allow plenty of time for travel.
Fun facts about time in Angola
Some regions have more than two hours for lunch
Some regions have a long lunch break to avoid the heat. In particular, in rural areas, it is common to take a short break after lunch.
New Year's countdowns vary from region to region
In urban areas, New Year's Day is celebrated according to the clock, but in rural areas, there is a culture of celebrating the New Year based on nature, such as sunset or dawn.
Local buses may not have timetables
Many local transport services do not have set departure times, and generally do not depart until full. They rarely run on time.