Portuguese is the only official language in Portugal; it is spoken today by around 240 million people around the world.
Further expanding the use of the Portuguese language is a priority for Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Portuguese government. The International Portuguese Language Institute has been set up (2002) within the CPLP.
InNovember 2008, the government approved a Strategy for Recognition and Promotion of the Portuguese Language (Council of Ministers Resolution n. 188/2008) recognising the importance of the cultural, geo-strategic and economic value of the Portuguese language. It also recognises the fundamental role of the Portuguese Language in education and training in the scope of development cooperation. A special fund was allocated to this Strategy – The Portuguese Language Fund, with an initial allocation of EUR 30 million. An Inter-ministerial Commission representing five ministries (Foreign Affairs; Education; Culture; Science, Technology and Higher Education; Parliamentary Affairs) was created to monitor the developments made and to approve projects in this area (see also chapter 1.1).
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