The Spanish settled in small territories along the northern coast of Africa, including present-day Ceuta and Melilla.
And now, more specifically
The Spanish colonial presence in Africa lasted from the late 15th century until the mid-20th century. During this time, the Spanish settled in small territories along the northern coast of Africa, including present-day Ceuta and Melilla. These territories were essential to Spanish trade, serving as gateways to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The Spanish also established settlements in what is now Western Sahara, Equatorial Guinea, and the Canary Islands.
One interesting fact is that the Spanish established the city of Ceuta in 1415, making it one of the oldest European outposts in Africa. Another is that the Spanish presence in Western Sahara led to a territorial dispute with Morocco that remains unresolved to this day.
According to the historian Eduardo Galeano, “The colonial epoch has been one of the longest and least happy periods in African history,” as it brought with it “the imposition of a new religion, the destruction of traditional economies, and arbitrary physical, political, and cultural borders.” Despite this legacy, the Spanish influence on African culture and history is palpable to this day.
Here is a table summarizing the Spanish colonial presence in Africa:
| Territory | Location | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Ceuta | Northern Coast | 1415 |
| Melilla | Northern Coast | 1497 |
| Western Sahara | West Coast | Late 19th Century |
| Equatorial Guinea | Gulf of Guinea | 1471 |
| Canary Islands | Atlantic | 1402 |
See a video about the subject.
The video focuses on Equatorial Guinea, the only African country that has Spanish as its official language. Despite being one of Africa’s most secretive and hottest countries, Equatorial Guinea possesses sheer beauty, and its people share a passion for football. The country gained independence from Spain in 1968, and its print, media, education, and public services have Spanish as the language used. Christianity is the predominant religion, but traditional animistic beliefs still exist in certain communities. Equatorial Guinea has transformed into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies due to the discovery of oil and gas, with a relatively low population and one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa. Nonetheless, the majority of oil revenue goes to the ruling elite, while over 70% of Equatorial Guineans still live in poverty. Despite the issues, the country boasts one of the top three adult literacy rates in Africa, with Spanish as the commonly spoken language.
See additional response choices
The effective Spanish colonization of Africa was finally established in the first third of the 20th century. North Morocco, Ifni, the Tarfaya region, Western Sahara, and the territories of early-21st-century Equatorial Guinea comprised what broadly could be defined as Spanish colonial Africa.
Surely you will be interested
What were the 2 Spanish colonies in Africa?
In Morocco they call them the occupied "Sebtah and Melilah". The rest of the world knows them as the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa.
Which part of Africa is Spanish?
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, having become independent from Spain on October 12, 1968, during the eleventh Government of Francisco Franco, as part of the "process of decolonization of Africa", supported by the United Nations.
What African country did Spain colonize first?
When you think of Spanish colonization, Latin America probably comes to mind. Yet, the Spanish Empire also encompassed the Philippines and parts of Africa. Equatorial Guinea is arguably the least-known Spanish-speaking country in the world.
How many African countries did Spain colonize?
The response is: Answer and Explanation: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the European country of Spain had two major colonies on the continent of Africa. Spanish Guinea was a colony on the west coast of Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. Spain received control of this region in the 1778 Treaty of El Pardo with Portugal.
Where were the Spanish colonies in Africa in 1950?
Spanish colonies in Africa in 1950. Plazas de soberanía, sovereign territories scattered along the Mediterranean coast bordering Morocco Canary Islands, an archipelago off the coast. Cape Juby, on the coast of southern Morocco, part of the Spanish protectorate prior to 1958
When did Spain invade Africa?
Answer to this: Spain had its proverbial eye on Africa as early as 1400 when it invaded the Canary Islands in 1402 and finally brought it into the Spanish Empire nearly 100 years later in 1496. These islands then became a Spanish possession and worked as an important location to springboard Spanish expansion into Africa.
What is Spanish West Africa?
Spanish West Africa ( Spanish: África Occidental Española, AOE) was a grouping of Spanish colonies along the Atlantic coast of northwest Africa. It was formed in 1946 by joining the southern zone (the Cape Juby Strip) of the Spanish protectorate in Morocco with the colonies of Ifni, Saguia el-Hamra and Río de Oro into a single administrative unit.
What countries did Spain colonize?
Response to this: Spain colonized all of South America (except for Brazil), most of the large Caribbean islands, Central America, Florida, and the North American Southwest. What were the main goals of Spanish colonization? The initial goal of Spanish colonization was to find a route to East Asia.