The relationship between Africa and Brazil is rarely spared a second glance. When African countries are examined in relation to the wider world, people often focus on the continent's significant economic, historical and security links with nations such as China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. But aided by cultural similarities and mutual interests, Brazil has in fact been forging strong ties with African countries for decades. Brazil was colonized by Portugal, as were several African states, and their common Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) identity has helped to bind the South American nation with Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe. Shared socio-cultural characteristics, in turn, have served as a foundation for good relations between Brazil and these African nations in other areas.