The Portuguese-speaking world includes countries on nearly every continent, from Asia to South America. Approximately 237 million people in the world speak Portuguese.
Portugal
Portugal occupies the western part of the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal has a population of just over 10 million. Besides the mainland country, where the capital of Lisbon is located, it also includes the Azores archipelago to the west and the island of Madeira to the southwest, which are both Autonomous Regions. The 9 islands of the Azores archipelago are divided into three groups. The Eastern Group of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria. The Central Group of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial. The Western Group of Flores and Corvo. Madeira archipelago is composed of Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean 400 miles west of Senegal, Africa. With a population of more than 480,000, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. Its capital is Praia. Cape Verde is formed by 10 main islands and about 8 islets. The main islands are:
- Barlavento (northern island group)
- Boa Vista, Sal, Santa Luzia, Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau
- Sotavento (southern island group)
- Maio, Brava, Fogo, Santiago
Only Santa Luzia and the five islets are uninhabited.
Guinea-Bissau
Located on the west coast of Africa, this country has a population of over 1 million and gained independence from Portugal in 1974. The capital is Bissau.
São Tomé / Príncipe
This small country of 157,000 people is located in the Gulf of Guinea, it consists of two islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located 125 miles off the coast of west central Africa. It became independent from Portugal on July 12, 1975. The capital is also called São Tomé.
Brazil
Situated on the southeast coast of South America, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. Its capital is Brasilia. Brazil has a population of more than 187 million, and gained its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822.
Angola
This former Portuguese colony, located on the southwest coast of Africa, gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975. Its capital is Luanda. Angola has a population of 16 million.
Mozambique
Situated on the southeast coast of Africa, this country of more than 21 million became independent from Portugal on June 25, 1975. Its capital is Maputo.
Macau
This former Portuguese territory of about 500,000 people came under Chinese rule in 1999, and consists of a peninsula on the southeast coast of China. It consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The capital is Macau.
East Timor
East Timor is an island in the southeastern Malay archipelago divided with Indonesia. East Timor became officially independent from Indonesia in 2002. With a population of about 1 million, its capital is Dili.