The four new football stadiums, built at a cost of US$600m, have delighted Angolans. They are aesthetically pleasing and reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. They are a far cry from the ugly old cement buildings in which Angolans and many other Africans generally watch football matches.

The stadiums are meant to show that Angola has finally recovered from a 27-year civil war that cost a million lives and drove four million people from their homes. But they also symbolise Angola's reliance on foreign investment, for the stadiums were built and largely funded by China. In stark contrast with the Communist policies adopted in the years following independence, Angola's current model of development relies heavily on a big influx of foreign money.

Ever since the war ended in 2002, Angola has been a mecca for adventurers, many of them working for multinational companies. The composition of the passengers flying into Luanda from London on a British Airways flight on a Friday -- the only day of the week to have a direct flight -- in 2003 is indicative.

• Capital Togo Africa

  Play the Capitals of Africa Quiz on Sporcle, the best trivia and game site on the web!

• Midas Capital

• For Capital One Credit

• Committed Capital Australia

• Capital One Creadit Card