Portuguese-Speaking Countries in Africa
The African countries where Portuguese is an official language.
Last updated: September 2026
Portuguese is an official language in 6 African countries: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe, all former Portuguese colonies, plus Equatorial Guinea, which added Portuguese in 2010. The largest is Angola (about 38 million people), followed by Mozambique (about 35 million). The five former colonies form the PALOP group (Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa).
| Country | Capital | Region | Population | Status of Portuguese | Independence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angola | Luanda | Central Africa | 37.9 million | Official | 1975 |
| Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) | Praia | West Africa | 0.52 million | Official | 1975 |
| Guinea-Bissau | Bissau | West Africa | 2.20 million | Official | 1973–74 |
| Mozambique | Maputo | East Africa | 34.6 million | Official | 1975 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | São Tomé | Central Africa | 0.24 million | Official | 1975 |
| Equatorial Guinea | Malabo | Central Africa | 1.89 million | Official since 2010, alongside Spanish and French; little spoken | 1968 (from Spain) |
Population: UN 2024 estimates. Regions follow the UN grouping, which places Mozambique in East Africa.
Portuguese in Africa
Portugal was the first European power to establish itself on the African coast, in the 15th century, and among the last to leave. Its colonies won independence only after long wars of liberation (1961–1974) and the Carnation Revolution in Lisbon in April 1974: Guinea-Bissau declared independence in 1973 (recognised by Portugal in 1974), and Mozambique, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola followed in 1975.
Portuguese is now the main language of government, education and the media in all five PALOP countries and is a first language for a growing share of city dwellers, especially in Luanda and Maputo. Portuguese-based creoles are widely spoken in Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe. All six countries are members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) with Portugal, Brazil and Timor-Leste.
Other Languages in Portuguese-Speaking Africa
- Angola: Umbundu, Kimbundu and Kikongo are widely spoken; Portuguese is now the first language of a large share of the urban population.
- Mozambique: Emakhuwa, Xichangana and many other Bantu languages; Portuguese is a first language for a minority but understood by about half the population.
- Cabo Verde: Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the everyday language of almost everyone.
- Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau Creole (Kriol) is the main lingua franca, alongside Balanta, Fula and Mandinka.
- São Tomé and Príncipe: Portuguese is widely spoken, alongside the Forro, Angolar and Principense creoles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many African countries speak Portuguese?
Portuguese is official in 6 African countries: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea. The first five are former Portuguese colonies.
What is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in Africa?
Angola, with about 38 million people and an area of about 1,246,700 km². Mozambique is second.
Why is Portuguese spoken in Equatorial Guinea?
Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish colony, but it added Portuguese as an official language in 2010 to join the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Spanish remains its main language.