UPSC Prelims 2005 Q10: Geography – Population & Demography
For which one of the following countries, is Spanish not an official language?
- (a) Chile
- (b) Colombia
- (c) Republic of Congo
- (d) Cuba
Answer: (c) Republic of Congo
Explanation
Official language Spanish
| Country | Spanish official? |
|---|---|
| Chile | Yes |
| Colombia | Yes |
| Cuba | Yes |
| Republic of Congo | No — French is the official language (a former French colony) |
The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) uses French, so Spanish is not official there.
Answer: (c) Republic of Congo.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Spanish is official in Chile.
- (b) Incorrect. Spanish is official in Colombia.
- (c) CORRECT. French, not Spanish, is official in the Republic of Congo.
- (d) Incorrect. Spanish is official in Cuba.
Key point
Spanish is official across most of Latin America, except Brazil (Portuguese), Haiti, Guyana, Suriname.
Remember
Republic of Congo's official language is French.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every country named Congo has the same colonial language.
- Forgetting Equatorial Guinea is Africa's Spanish-speaking state.
- Mixing Republic of Congo (French) with the DR Congo (also French).
Exam tip
Africa's only Spanish-speaking state: Equatorial Guinea.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Congo, Republic of the (People and Society: languages)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Spanish language