"Portuguese Africa" refers to the territories in Africa that were colonized by Portugal from the 15th century until the mid-20th century. This included regions such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The Portuguese established trade routes and settlements, significantly impacting local cultures and economies. The decolonization process began in the mid-20th century, leading to independence movements across these territories. By the 1970s, most of these countries, including Angola and Mozambique, gained independence, marking the end of Portuguese colonial rule in Africa.