Angola's history began with various indigenous groups, including the Ovimbundu, Kongo, and Chokwe, who established complex societies. In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived, leading to colonization and the establishment of Luanda as a key port. The slave trade significantly impacted the region, with many Angolans forcibly taken to the Americas. After centuries of colonial rule, Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, following a protracted liberation struggle involving groups like the MPLA and UNITA. However, the country soon descended into a civil war that lasted until 2002, leaving a lasting impact on its social and economic landscape.