Which African country has Spanish as an official language?

English · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The African country that has Spanish as an official language is Equatorial Guinea. Located in Central Africa, it is the only sovereign African country in which Spanish is an official language. Spanish is used in administration, education, and daily communication within the country.

Equatorial Guinea comprises a mainland region, called Río Muni, and several islands including Bioko, where the country's capital, Malabo, is located. Spanish is not indigenous to Africa; it was brought to Equatorial Guinea during the colonial period when the country was a Spanish colony. The Spanish influence on Equatorial Guinea remains strong, with Spanish being one of three official languages alongside French and Portuguese. Understanding the role of Spanish in Equatorial Guinea provides an interesting insight into the historical and cultural development of the country. It also reflects the broader pattern of linguistic diversity within Africa, where many countries have official languages that are remnants of their colonial pasts. This adds to the continent's rich tapestry of languages, which includes thousands of indigenous tongues.

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