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Belgium and Angola Kingdom of Belgium with the capital city of Brussels is located in Western Europe, and bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the North Sea. Geographically and culturally this country is at the crossroads of Europe. During the past two centuries Belgium has witnessed a constant movement of different races and cultures. The Republic of Angola is the country on the South Coast of Western Africa between Namibia and the Republic of Congo. The country stretches on the coastal strip from wet highland to dry savannah and rain forests in the north.
These two countries are radically different. These differences are rooted deeply into history. Under the Spanish and Austrian rulers from the 12 th to the 17 th century, Belgium becomes among the major European centers for commerce, industry (textile) and art. Angola at this time was of the primary interest of slavery. The Portuguese first came to Angola in 1482 and gradually took control of the country throughout the 16 th century. Many scholars agree that by the 19 century this African country became the largest source of slaves not only for Brazil but also for both Americas.
Belgium in 1830 won its independence and a constitutional monarchy was established in 1831. Angolas colonial economic development was an obstacle on its real social and economic development. Only in 1975 Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) declared the independence of the country. However the civil war between MPLA and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) continued until 1989.
They are two different countries with two different histories. Economic and political lives of these countries fell under the influence of their histories, their rulers and peoples. A parliamentary democracy Belgium was governed to become the center of political and economic Europe. At the same time Angola was trying to survive through its civil wars and continued to struggle for its peace and economic development.
In many countries dominated by several subcultures, for example Belgium, differences are so vast that any sample selected from a specific geographic region cannot be used to make any general conceptions about the whole country. In Angola the main economic activity and revenue is based on the large farms owned by Europeans. While Portuguese parent companies do not consider Angola as a separate country, the companies from other countries treat Portugal and Angola as two separate countries. While organizing a subsidiary in one of this countries what philosophical approach is to be used there? The most probable for Angola is the ethnocentric corporation when headquarters maintains the responsibility for all main decisions. The parent company is considered superior and this type of organization also arouses the suspicion of local governments.
For Belgium the most probable is the poly centric corporation. The situations are different in countries but parent companies rely on the financial control rather than on the command structure. Then the parent company remains in the hands of nationals of the headquarters country who occupy all the important posts. Belgium is the country in the center of all European political, economic and social events. EU and NATO headquarters are in Brussels.
The country played a key role in helping the EU work through the economic and financial issues related to the launching of the Euro currency. Belgium is also continuing its counter-terrorism measures. Angola because of severe wartime conditions has been brought to a near standstill. At present the country has to import most of its food. Still the diamonds make up most of its remaining exports. Current situation is Angola is in economic disarray because of continuous wars, corruption and economic mismanagement.
However it focuses on improving the relationships with European countries and is asserting its own national interests in Central Africa through military and diplomatic intervention. Bibliography (sources) web web web
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