Σουαχίλι, or Swahili, is a widely spoken language in East Africa, primarily in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It is a Bantu language that has incorporated many words from Arabic, due to historical trade and cultural exchanges along the East African coast. The language serves as a lingua franca, facilitating communication among diverse ethnic groups. With over 16 million native speakers and around 80 million people who speak it as a second language, Σουαχίλι is also one of the official languages of the African Union and is recognized for its rich literary tradition.