Luso-Africa

What is Luso-Africa?

Luso-Africa refers to the cultural, historical, and linguistic connections between Portugal and five African countries that share Portuguese as an official language: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Principe. These connections originated in the Portuguese colonial era when the European nation established and ruled these countries as colonies. Each of Luso-Africa’s five countries has a unique and rich cultural heritage shaped by their African roots, local traditions, and influences, and, for better or worse, their Portuguese colonial history, which plays a vital role in the cultural identity of each nation.

Luso-Africa at a Glance

Cabo Verde

Capital: Praia
Population: 550,000
Language: Creole 98%, Portuguese 95%
Religion: Catholic 77%, “Protestant” 8%

Guinea-Bissau

Capital: Bissau
Population: 2 Million
Language: Creole 90%, Portuguese 32%
Religion: Islam 45%, Christian 22%, Animism, 14%

São Tomé & Príncipe

Capital: São Tomé
Population: 215,000
Language: Portuguese 98%, Creole 40%
Religion: Catholic 85%, “Protestant” 12%

Angola

Capital: Luanda
Population: 32 Million
Language: Portuguese 71%, Bantu Languages 35%
Religion: Catholic 56%, “Protestant” 35%, Animism 5%

Mozambique

Capital: Maputo
Population: 30 Million
Language: Portuguese 50%, Bantu languages 50%
Religion: Catholic 30%, “Protestant” 30%, Islam 19%

The Countries of Luso-Africa

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde (or Cape Verde) is a small island nation consisting of ten inhabited islands, with a rich cultural heritage that reflects its African, Portuguese, and Portuguese-Creole roots. First discovered and colonized by Portugal in the 15th century, the Portuguese slave traders used the  islands as a stopover for their ships en route to the Americas. Cabo Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since become a stable, democratic nation with a growing economy. Cabo Verdean music, especially the genre known as morna, is widely recognized for its soulful melodies and melancholic lyrics. Cabo Verde is also known for its stunning beaches and vibrant coastal cities.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1974, when it declared independence following a long and bloody struggle for independence. It became the first sub-Saharan African nation to overthrow colonial rule by military force. Since independence, Guinea-Bissau has struggled with political instability but has also made progress in working toward democratic governance and economic growth. It is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries, with a rich array of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. Guinea-Bissau’s history as a former Portuguese colony and its location at the crossroads of West Africa make it a culturally diverse nation.

São Tomé & Príncipe

São Tomé and Principe is a small two-island nation with a rich cultural heritage that reflects its African and Portuguese roots. The islands were discovered and colonized by Portugal in the 15th century and became an important center for the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The island nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since established a stable, democratic government with a growing economy based on tourism and agriculture. São Tomé and Principe is known for its colonial-era architecture, including historic churches, forts, and palaces. The island nation also produces high-quality coffee and cocoa, which are important exports. 

Angola

Angola has a rich and complex history, dating back to the pre-colonial period when various kingdoms and tribes inhabited the region. In the 16th century, Portugal established a colony in Angola and ruled the country for nearly five hundred years. Angola gained independence in 1975 following a bloody war for independence. A long and brutal civil war followed Angola’s independence and lasted until 2002. Portugal’s centuries of rule in Angola had a lasting impact on the country’s culture, language, and religion. Angola’s cultural heritage integrates Portuguese colonial influences with African traditions. Today, Angola is one of the largest economies in Africa.

Mozambique

Luso-Africa refers to the cultural, historical, and linguistic connections between Portugal and five African countries with Portuguese as an official language: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Principe. These connections originated in the Portuguese colonial era when the European nation established and ruled these countries as colonies. Each of these five countries has a unique and rich cultural heritage shaped by their African roots, local traditions, and influences, and, for better or worse, their Portuguese colonial history, which plays a vital role in the cultural identity of each nation of Luso-Africa.