A tribal kingdom along the coast of Congo (Republic of), established in the 15th century by the Vili people. The monarchy was ceremonial, increasingly so over time, and marked by long intervals of interregnum (one important reason for the long gaps is that a candidate must undergo a demanding series of magical and ritual tests of his worthiness, which last for seven years from his nomination) - after 1787 administration was completely decentralized. From an early date the Portuguese had exercised a vague protectorate over this general region, without having much impact on locals, but in the late 19th century the French actively sought territory in the region, resulting in most of Loanga falling within French Equatorial Africa; the Portuguese retained an enclave at Cabinda.