Lusófona

Lusófona refers to the community of Portuguese-speaking people and nations. It encompasses individuals and countries where Portuguese is spoken as an official or widely used language. This linguistic and cultural sphere is primarily centered around Portugal and Brazil, but also includes several countries in Africa such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as East Timor in Asia and Macau in China.

The term "lusófona" is derived from "Luso," referring to Lusitania, an ancient region of the Iberian Peninsula that corresponds roughly to modern Portugal, and "fona," meaning sound or voice, collectively indicating the Portuguese language. This community shares a common linguistic heritage, which has fostered significant cultural exchange and cooperation.

The Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP), or Community of Portuguese Language Countries, was established in 1996 to promote and strengthen these ties. The CPLP serves as an intergovernmental organization that supports cooperation in various fields including education, health, culture, and economic development among its member states. It aims to be a unifying force for the lusophone world, celebrating its shared history and diverse contemporary expressions.