The Languages and Writing Systems of Africa

Country	Language
Algeria, Al Jaza'ir, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Sha'biyah	National or official languages: Standard Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects. The number of languages listed for Algeria is 18, including Chaouia, Kabyle, Tumzabt, Taznatit and others. All are living languages.
Angola, Republic of Angola, República de Angola, former People's Republic of Angola	National or official languages: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages. The number of languages listed for Angola is 42, of which 41 are living languages (including Mbundu, Loanda, Kongo, Chokwe, Luchazi) and 1 (Kwadi) is extinct.
Benin, République du Benin, former kingdom, situated in present-day SW Nigeria	National or official languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in South), tribal languages (at least six major ones in North). The number of languages listed for Benin is 51 (including Fõ (Fon; Dahoméen),Yoruba, Gun-Gbe, Fulfulde, Benin-Togo, Aja-Gbe). All are living languages.
Botswana, (Republic of), Formerly Bechuanaland.	National or official languages: English (official), Setswana. The number of languages listed for Botswana is 26 (including Herero, Afrikaans, Birwa, !Xóõ, Shua). All are living languages.
Burkina Faso or Burkina, formerly Upper Volta	National or official languages: French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population. The number of languages listed for Burkina Faso is 66 (including Mooré, Fulfuldé, Jula, Gourmancéma, Koromfé, Lobi, Lyélé, Bobo Madaré, Southern, Bwamu, Láá Láá, Marka). All are living languages.
Republic of Burundi. Republika y'Uburundi. Formerly part of Ruanda-Urundi.	Three national or official languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili. The latter is widely spoken along Lake Tanganyika and in the area of the capital, Bujumbura. It is also spoken as first language in Buyenzi, Quartier asiatique, Muslim neighborhoods, and Congolese neighborhoods (probably Congo Swahili). Also spoken by Muslims in other provinces, such as Gitega.
Cameroon, Republic of Cameroon. (Formerly French Cameroun and British Cameroons)	National or official languages: 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official). The number of languages listed for Cameroon is 286 (including Beti, Basaa, Ewondo, Fulfulde, Adamawa, Ghomálá', Fe'fe'). Of those, 279 are living languages, 3 are second languages without mother tongue speakers, and 4 are extinct.
Central African Republic République Centrafricaine, RCA, CAR. Formerly Central African Empire.	National or official languages: French (official), Sango (lingua franca and national language). The number of languages listed for Central African Republic is 69 (including Gbaya, Northwest, Bokoto, Fulfulde, Bagirmi, Kare, Mbati). Of those, 68 are living languages and 1 is a second language without mother tongue speakers. (Sources:
Chad, Tchad, Republic of Chad, République du Tchad	National or official languages: Standard Arabic, French. The number of languages listed for Chad is 134 (inluding Arabic, Chadian Spoken, Ngambay, Fulfulde, Maba, Naba, Adamawa, Gulay, Kanuri, Central, Kera, Musey). Of those, 132 are living languages and 2 are extinct (Horo and Muskum).
Congo, Republic of the Congo, Congo (Brazzaville), République du Congo. Former Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo	Location: Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon. National or official languages: Lingala, Munukutuba, French. The number of languages listed for Congo is 61 (including Mbosi, Teke, Western, Kunyi, Yaka). All are living languages.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republique Democratique du Congo, former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire	Location: Central Africa, northeast of Angola. National or official languages: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba. The number of languages listed for Democratic Republic of Congo is 219 (including Ngbaka, Alur, Budza, Bwa, Kanyok, Kele, Lendu, Mangbetu, Mayogo, Mbala, Mbandja, Ngando, Ngbandi, Southern, Ngiti, Ngombe). 218 are living languages and 1 is extinct (Ngbee).
Egypt, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah, Misr, former United Arab Republic (with Syria)	National or official language: Standard Arabic. Also includes Adyghe, Tosk Albanian, Amharic, Moroccan Spoken Arabic, South Levantine Spoken Arabic 50,000, Sudanese Spoken Arabic, Armenian, Bedawi, Italian, West-Central Oromo. The number of languages listed for Egypt is 11 (including Greek, Domari, Nobiin and others). Of those, 10 are living languages and 1 is extinct. For more information, please refer to the following Global Advisor Newsletter
Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial, Guinea Ecuatorial, former Spanish Guinea	National or official language: Spanish (official), French (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo. The number of languages listed for Equatorial Guinea is 13. Of those, all are living languages.
Ethiopia, Ityop'iya, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik,former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa	National or official languages: Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic, other local languages, English (major foreign language taught in schools). The number of languages listed for Ethiopia is 86 (including Anuak, Awngi, Basketto, Berta, Gurage, East, Gurage, Soddo, Gumuz, Gurage, West, Hadiyya, Kambaata, Basketto, Komso, Koorete, Oromo, Borana-Arsi-Guji, Oromo, Eastern, Oromo, Eastern, Sidamo, Somali, Wolaytta, Yemsa). 82 are living languages and 4 are extinct (Gafat, Geez, Weyto) Birale, with 20 speakers in nearly extinct.
Gabon, Gabonese Republic, Republique Gabonaise	National or official languages: French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi. The number of languages listed for Gabon is 41. All are living languages.
The Gambia, Republic of The Gambia	National or official language: English (official). Also includes Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars. The number of languages listed for Gambia is 10. All are living languages.
Ghana, Republic of Ghana, former Gold Coast	National or official languages: English (official). The number of languages listed for Ghana is 79 (including Dagaare, Southern, Dagbani, Dangme, Frafra, Abron, Anyin, Awutu, Birifor, Southern, Birifor, Southern, Buli, Kasem, Konkomba). All are living languages
Guinea, Guinée, Republic of Guinea, Republique de Guinee, former French Guinea	National or official languages: Fuuta Jalon, French. The number of languages listed for Guinea is 35 (including Kissi, Northern, Maninka, Kankan, Maninka, Konyanka, Toma, Yalunka). 33 are living languages and 2 are extinct (Baga Kaloum, Baga Sobané).
Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Republique de Côte d'Ivoire,former Ivory Coast	Official language: French. The number of languages listed for Côte d'Ivoire is 78 (including Beti, Dan, Baoulé, Bété, Daloa, Bé, Abidji, Abron, Abure, Adioukrou, Anyin, Dida, Lakota, Guro, Jula, Senoufo, Cebaara, Wè). 77 are living languages and 1 is extinct (Esuma).
Kenya, Republic of Kenya, former British East Africa	National or official languages: English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages. The number of languages listed for Kenya is 61 (including Luo, Luyia, Maasai Meru, Kalenjin, Borana, Bukusu, Duruma, Embu, Embu, Gikuyu, Giryama, Gusii, Idakho-Isukha-Tiriki, Kamba, Kuria, Logooli, Nyore, Pökoot, Sabaot). All are living languages.
Lesotho, Kingdom of Lesotho, former Basutoland	National or official languages: Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa.
Liberia, Republic of Liberia	English (Liberian English) (official), some 20 ethnic group languages (including Bassa, Dan, Klao, Kpelle, Liberia, Vai), of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence.
Libya, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma	National or official language: Standard Arabic. Arabic, Italian, English are all widely understood in the major cities. The number of languages listed for Libya is 9. Of those, all are living languages. For more information, please refer to the following Global Advisor Newsletter
Madagascar, Republic of Madagascar, Republique de Madagascar,former Malagasy Republic	National or official languages: French (official), Malagasy (official). The number of languages listed for Madagascar is 7 (including Bushi). All are living languages.
Malawi, Republic of Malawi, former British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland Protectorate, Nyasaland	National or official languages: English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally. The number of languages listed for Malawi is 15 (including Afrikaans, Lomwe, Nyakyusa-Ngonde, Sena, Malawi, Tonga, Tumbuka, Yao). All are living languages.
Mali, Republic of Mali, Republique de Mali, former:French Sudan and Sudanese Republic	National or official languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages, including Arabic, Hasanya, Bamanankan, Bomu, Bozo, Hainyaxo, Fulfulde, Maasina, Fulfulde, Maninkakan, Senoufo,Songhay. The number of languages listed for Mali is 40. All are living languages.
Mauritania, Muritaniyah, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah Muritaniyah	National or official language: Arabic (official). The number of languages listed for Mauritania is 6 (including Pulaar, Soninke, French, Hassaniya, Wolof). All are living languages. French is also spoken.
Morocco, Kingdom of Morocco, Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah, Al Maghrib	National or official language: Standard Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy. Spanish is also spoken. The number of languages listed for Morocco is 11 (including Tachelhit, Tamazight, Tarifit). 9 are living languages and 2 are extinct(Ghomara and Senhaja De Srair). For more information, please refer to the following Global Advisor Newsletter
Mozambique, Republic of Mozambique, República de Moçambique, Moçambique, former Portuguese East Africa	National or official language: Portuguese (official). The number of languages listed for Mozambique is 39 (including Sena, Tshwa, Yao, Makhuwa, Makonde, Manyawa, Lomwe, Gitonga, Chuwabo, Manyika, Marenje, Mwani, Ndau, Nsenga, Nyanja, Nyungwe, Tewe). All are living languages.
Namibia, Republic of Namibia, former German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa	National or official language: English 7% (official), Afrikaans is the common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%. The number of languages listed for Namibia is 29 (including Herero, Kwanyama, Nama, Ndonga). All are living languages
Niger, Republic of Niger, Republique du Niger	Location: Western Africa, southeast of Algeria. National or official languages: French (official), national: Arabic, Fulfulde, Gourmanchéma, Hausa, Kanuri, Tamajaq, Tubu, Zarma. The number of languages listed for Niger is 20. All are living languages.
Nigeria, Federal Republic of Nigeria	Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. National or official languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, Edo, Efik, Adamawa Fulfulde, Yerwa Kanuri, Yoruba. The number of languages listed for Nigeria is 515. 505 are living languages, 2 are second languages without mother tongue speakers, and 8 are extinct (Ajawa, Auyokawa, Basa-Gumna, Gamo-Ningi, Kpati, Kubi, Mawa, Teshenawa).
Rwanda, Rwandese Republic, Republika y'u Rwanda, former Ruanda	National or official languages: Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers. The number of languages listed for Rwanda is 3. All are living languages.
Senegal, Republic of Senegal, Republique du Senegal	National or official languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka. The number of languages listed for Senegal is 36. All are living languages.
Sierra Leone, Republic of Sierra Leone	National or official language: English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the North), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%). The number of languages listed for Sierra Leone is 23. All are living languages.
Somalia, former Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic	National or official languages: Somali (official), Standard Arabic, Italian, English. The number of languages listed for Somalia is 13. Of those, all are living languages.
South Africa (Republic of )	English, Afrikaans, Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu, and six other African languages.
Sudan (Republic of the Sudan)	National or official language: Standard Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English (note: program of "Arabization" in process). The number of languages listed for Sudan is 142 (including Dinka, Feroge, Kanuri, Kanuri, Zaghawa, Toposa, Otoro, Nuer, Nobiin, Masalit, Hausa). 134 are living languages and 8 are extinct(Baygo, Berti, Birked, Gule, Homa, Mittu, Togoyo, Torona). For more information, please refer to the following Global Advisor Newsletter
Swaziland, Kingdom of Swaziland	National or official languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official). The number of languages listed for Swaziland is 4 (English, Swati, Tsonga and Zulu). All are living languages.
Tanzania, (United Republic of )	National or official languages: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Standard Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), many local languages. Note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most people is one of the local languages. The number of languages listed for Tanzania is 137 (including Asu, Bena, Chagga, Datooga, Guajarati, Hangaza, Haya, Jita, Kerebe, Kuria, Kwavi, kwaya, Kwere, Luo, Maasai, Machambe, Makhuwa-Meetto, Ndali, Ndengereko, Ngurimi, Nilamba, Nyakyusa-Ngonde,Nyamwezi, Nyaturu, Pogolo, Rangi, Rufiji, Ruguru,Safwa, Sukuma, Sumbwa, Tumbuka, Yao). 135 are living languages and 2 are extinct (Aasáx, Kw'adza).
Togo, Togolese Republic, Republique Togolaise, former Togoland	National or official languages: French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the South), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the North). The number of languages listed for Togo is 42 (including Aja-Gbe, Gourmanchéma, Lama, Moba, Nawdm, Ntcham,Tem, Waci-Gbe). All are living languages.
Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisian Republic, Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah	National or official languages: Standard Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce). The number of languages listed for Tunisia is 8. Of those, 6 are living languages and 2 are extinct (Lingua Franca, Sened).
Uganda, Republic of Uganda	National or official languages: English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic. The number of languages listed for Uganda is 45 (including Acholi, Adhola, Alur, Aringa, Chiga,Ganda, Gujarati, Gungu, Gwere, Hindi, Karamojong,Kumam, Kupsabini, Lango, Lugbara, Luyia, Ma'di, Masaba, Ndo, Nyankore, Nyole, Nyoro, Rundi, Teso, Tooro). 43 are living languages and 2 are extinct (Nyang'i and Singa).
Zambia, Republic of Zambia, former Northern Rhodesia	National or official languages: English (official). The number of languages listed for Zambia is 43 (including Bemba, Kaonde, Lala-Bisa, Lama, Lenje, Lozi, Luvale, Mambwe-Lungu, Nyiha, Subiya, Tonga, Tumbuka). 41 are living languages and 2 are second languages without mother tongue speakers.
Zimbabwe, Republic of Zimbabwe, former Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia	National or official languages: English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects. The number of languages listed for Zimbabwe is 20 (including Manyika, Kalanga, Ndau, Ndebele, Nyanja, Shona, Tonga). 19 are living languages and 1 is a second language without mother tongue speakers.

Writing Systems

Refer to the following site for information on African Writing Systems: http://www.library.cornell.edu/africana/Writing_Systems/Welcome.html

Writing systems include:

Ethiopic Writing System (Geez)
Afan-Oromo Script
Amharic Syllographs
Ethiopic System w/ Numeric Values
Bassa Script
Egyptian Writing System
Meroitic Script
Vai Syllabry
Mende Script
Nsibidi
Rock Arts
Akan
Adinkra
Wabuti
Tifingh