Spanish is not commonly associated with Africa, yet it has a historical and linguistic presence on the continent. While most Spanish-speaking countries are found in Latin America and Europe, Africa is home to one sovereign country where Spanish is an official language, as well as a few regions and territories with Spanish influence or usage. In this post, we’ll study the list of Spanish-speaking countries in Africa, their linguistic status, and how Spanish arrived and evolved on the continent.
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List of Spanish-Speaking Countries in Africa
| No. | Country | Status of Spanish Language |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equatorial Guinea | Spanish is one of the three official languages (alongside French and Portuguese). |
Equatorial Guinea
- Official Language: Spanish, French, and Portuguese
- Capital: Malabo
- Region: Central Africa
- Why Spanish?: Equatorial Guinea was a former Spanish colony, and Spanish has remained a key part of its administration, education, and media. It is the only sovereign African country where Spanish is an official language.
Other Territories or Regions with Spanish Influence
While not countries, these African regions have historical or present-day Spanish language usage:
| No. | Territory/Region | Notes on Spanish Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Western Sahara | Spanish is used as a second language; former Spanish colony. |
| 3 | Morocco (Northern regions) | Spanish is spoken in parts of northern Morocco, especially near Ceuta and Melilla. |
| 4 | Ceuta and Melilla | Spanish is the official language; they are autonomous cities of Spain on African soil. |
Summary Table of Spanish Speaking Countries in Africa
| No. | Location | Spanish Language Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equatorial Guinea | Official national language |
| 2 | Western Sahara | Widely spoken second language (cultural/political use) |
| 3 | Northern Morocco | Spoken in education and trade; not official |
| 4 | Ceuta and Melilla (Spain) | Official (as Spanish territories in Africa) |
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Revision Questions and Answers
Q1: How many sovereign countries in Africa have Spanish as an official language?
Answer: One – Equatorial Guinea.
Q2: What are the official languages of Equatorial Guinea?
Answer: Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Q3: Why is Spanish spoken in Equatorial Guinea?
Answer: Because it was a former Spanish colony, and Spanish was retained as an official language.
Q4: What is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea?
Answer: Malabo.
Q5: Name one African region where Spanish is widely spoken but not official.
Answer: Western Sahara.
Q6: How did Spanish influence develop in Northern Morocco?
Answer: Due to geographical proximity to Spain and historical Spanish presence in the region.
Q7: Are Ceuta and Melilla part of any African country?
Answer: No, they are Spanish territories located in North Africa.
Q8: Is Spanish used in education in Western Sahara?
Answer: Yes, Spanish is taught and used as a second language in education and media.
Q9: What makes Equatorial Guinea unique among African nations?
Answer: It is the only African country where Spanish is a national official language.
Q10: How does Spanish continue to play a role in Africa today?
Answer: Through education, cultural preservation, international diplomacy, and regional communication in areas with historical Spanish ties.
READ ALSO
- Spanish Dialects Around the World | Meaning and Major Dialects
- List of Spanish Speaking Countries in the world either official or national
Conclusion
Though limited in number, Spanish-speaking regions in Africa play a significant role in the linguistic diversity of the continent. Equatorial Guinea stands out as the only sovereign African nation with Spanish as an official language, while former colonial ties and geographical proximity have kept Spanish alive in parts of Morocco and Western Sahara. These connections highlight how European colonization and trade shaped Africa’s linguistic map, with Spanish remaining a symbol of identity and international connection for millions of Africans.