Bié Plateau
Quick Summary
The Bié Plateau is a significant geographical feature in Angola, covering about one-tenth of the country's surface. This plateau rises abruptly from a narrow coastal plain and reaches elevations of approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), with its highest point near 8,600 feet (2,600 meters).1
The Bié Plateau is also a major center for Angola's population. It is estimated that about half of the country's rural population resides in this region. Historically, the plateau and its surrounding highlands have been densely populated, with people living in villages. However, decades of conflict have impacted settlement patterns, leading to population shifts and the destruction of towns in some areas.2
Agriculture is important in the Bié Plateau region, with coffee production being a key export crop. The plateau, along with other favored locations in the highlands and river valleys, represents some of Angola's most fertile land, though much of the country's agricultural potential remains underutilized.3
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