The Portuguese language is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula. It evolved from the Latin spoken by the Romans and is now the official language of several countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. With over 250 million speakers worldwide, it is one of the most spoken languages globally. Portuguese has a rich literary tradition and is known for its diverse dialects, which can vary significantly between regions. The language is characterized by its unique phonetics and vocabulary, influenced by various cultures and languages, including African and Indigenous languages in Brazil.