The Portuguese language is spoken in at least ten countries around the world, totally or partially, as a first language or as an inheritance from the times when these nations were part of the former Lusitanian Empire. These countries share with Brazil, in addition to vocabulary, cultural traditions, customs and riches that make them at the same time brothers of origin and unique in the way they adapt their influences.

And Brazilians like to speak their own language when they are out of the country. According to a survey * of momondo, airline ticket search and hotel reservations, 37% of domestic travelers immediately try to pull conversation when they realize that someone is speaking Portuguese.

With that in mind, we have prepared a list with only destinations where the language is spoken. Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique and, of course, Portugal, are part of the selection rich in culture, natural beauty and accent varieties. Check it!

Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago lies 570 km off the coast of West Africa, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Formed by ten volcanic islands, it was an important navigation route between Europe, India and Australia. It became independent of Portugal in 1975. Currently, its population is approximately 550 thousand inhabitants. Known for their hospitality, the Cape Verdean people have a true passion for music and some of the country’s own genres, such as moma and funaná, have won the world. Much of the land is desert. The main cities are Mindelo, Santa Maria, Santa Cruz, São Filipe and the capital Praia. One of the most popular tourist spots is Pico do Fogo, an active volcano of nearly 3,000 meters. Other places worth visiting are Ilha do Sal, Tarrafal, Boa Vista and Santo Antão.

Sao Tome and Principe

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and became an island state in 1975. Located along the equator, each island has an administrative capital. The population is approximately 197 thousand inhabitants and the main cities are Santo Amaro, Neves, Santana and the capitals of São Tomé and Santo Antônio. Principe Island was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 2011 and is practically inaccessible. It is São Tomé which attracts the majority of visitors, with its beautiful and varied natural landscapes, which include beaches of golden sand, palm trees and waterfalls. Other attractions not to be missed are the historic São Tomé Roads, the tiny and paradisiac Ilhéu das Rolas, the São Sebastião Fort, the Pico Cão Grande and the Ôbo Natural Park.

Guinea Bissau

The first Portuguese colony on the African continent to have its independence recognized by Portugal, the small Guinea- Bissau enchants the visitors with its archipelagos, national parks and beautiful beaches. Despite the history of political instability, the country has good infrastructure to receive tourists, especially in popular regions such as the Archipelago of Bijagos and the Marine Park João Vieira. The population is approximately 1.7 million inhabitants and the main cities are Bafatá, Gabú, Bstanstan, Bolama and the capital Bissau, known for its festivals and strong cultural traditions. For there, the historical patrimony reflects well the inheritance of the Portuguese colonization.

Mozambique

Located in southeastern Africa, Mozambique gained its independence from Portugal in 1975 and today is one of the cultural and natural jewels of the African continent. The capital Maputo is visited by Europeans, especially Portuguese. The population of the country is approximately 26 million inhabitants and other important cities are Matola, Beira, Nampula and Chimolo. Bathed by the Indian Ocean, the Mozambican coastline is littered with pristine beaches, especially those furthest from urban centers. This is the case of the province of Cabo Delgado, the Quirimbas Islands and the province of Inhambane, with the beautiful Bazaruto archipelago. For those who enjoy ecotourism, the country is a great option because it has several national parks. One of the most popular is Gorongosa National Park, where you can make jeep safaris and hike through beautiful waterfalls.

Portugal

The country that is responsible for so many people speaking the Portuguese language is deservedly among the 20 most visited in the world, receiving more than 13 million foreign tourists a year. And it is no less. With a blessed geography, rich history, enviable gastronomy, more than welcoming people and many other qualities, Portugal has countless World Heritage Sites: from historical centers of cities like Évora, Guimarães and Porto, to spectacular monuments such as the National Palace of Pena in Sintra and the Belem Tower in the capital Lisbon. With a population of approximately 10 million inhabitants, the country still has beaches, national parks, natural landscapes and sunshine practically all year round. The main cities are the capital Lisbon, Sintra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto and Cascais. Some of the tourist destinations that can not miss a visit to Portugal are Algarve, Fatima, Madeira, Serra da Arrábida, Azores and Douro Valley.