Latin Africa refers to the cultural region of African countries that speak a Romance Language. The languages spoken are primarily French and Portuguese. These countries either have a Romance Language as an official language, or an administrative language. Increasingly, the Romance Languages are being spoken as native languages in large metropolitan areas. [1] [2] Latin Africa has various sub-divisions, including the largest sections that are Francophone African and Lusophone Africa.
Contents
The term was first used by Barthélémy Boganda in the 1950s. [3] His idea of a united group of Romance speaking nations was called the United States of Latin Africa. While the term was not widely used after his death, in the early 2020's, the term has been picked up by YouTubers and online commentators. [4] [5] This was in response to social media backlash regarding who is and who isn't 'Latino". [6] [7] [8]
The term Latin Africa was also used by Fidel Castro, in an attempt to draw similarities between Cuba and Angola. [9] [10]
Other international organizations, such as the Latin Union, have given support for this term as they included Romance Language speaking countries in Africa in the organization. [11] [12]
