Europe’s cultural map is threaded with languages that descend from Latin, shaping place names, literature and everyday speech across the continent. From regional dialects to national tongues, those Romance languages mark a clear historical pattern worth exploring in a simple list format.
There are 12 Latin Countries in Europe, ranging from Andorra to Switzerland. For each country you’ll find below the data organized as Flag,Primary language(s),% speakers so you can quickly compare visuals, official or primary languages, and estimated share of speakers in the population. The list moves geographically and linguistically, giving a compact view you’ll find below.
How were these 12 countries selected?
The list focuses on European countries where Romance (Latin-derived) languages are the primary national or official languages, or where a Romance language is widely spoken and central to national identity; selections rely on official language status and large speaker percentages rather than every region with historical Latin influence.
How should I interpret the “% speakers” column?
“% speakers” indicates the estimated proportion of the country’s population that speaks the listed primary language(s) natively or as the main language at home; figures come from censuses, national surveys, and reputable linguistic estimates, so methods and year of data can vary by country.
Latin Countries in Europe
| Country | Flag | Primary language(s) | % speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 🇫🇷 | French | 99% |
| Spain | 🇪🇸 | Spanish (Castilian). Co-official: Catalan, Galician. | 99% |
| Portugal | 🇵🇹 | Portuguese | 99% |
| Italy | 🇮🇹 | Italian | 98% |
| Romania | 🇷🇴 | Romanian | 92% |
| Belgium | 🇧🇪 | French (one of three official languages) | 75% |
| Switzerland | 🇨🇭 | French, Italian, Romansh (three of four official languages) | 70% |
| Moldova | 🇲🇩 | Romanian | 80% |
| Andorra | 🇦🇩 | Catalan | 93% |
| Luxembourg | 🇱🇺 | French (one of three official languages) | 98% |
| Monaco | 🇲🇨 | French | 95% |
| San Marino | 🇸🇲 | Italian | 100% |
Images and Descriptions
France
The heart of the Romance world, French originated here and spread globally. France is famous for its revolutionary history, haute cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, making it the most visited country in the world.
Spain
Home to the world’s second-most spoken native language, Spanish. Spain boasts diverse regions, from flamenco-filled Andalusia to the unique Basque Country, and is renowned for its vibrant fiestas, art, and Moorish architecture.
Portugal
The westernmost country on mainland Europe, Portugal’s language is spoken by over 250 million people worldwide. It’s known for its Age of Discovery legacy, Fado music, beautiful coastlines, and delicious pastéis de nata.
Italy
The birthplace of the Latin language itself, Italy is a cradle of Western civilization. From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, its cultural influence is immense. It’s celebrated for its art, fashion, and world-famous cuisine.
Romania
An “island” of Latinity in Eastern Europe, its name means “citizen of Rome.” Romanian is the most Eastern of the major Romance languages, known for the Transylvania region, painted monasteries, and the legend of Dracula.
Belgium
While nationally trilingual, Belgium’s southern half, Wallonia, and its capital, Brussels, are predominantly French-speaking. The country is a founding EU member and known for its medieval towns, waffles, chocolate, and comic book tradition.
Switzerland
A unique multilingual nation where three of its four official languages are Romance. French is spoken in the west, Italian in the south, and Romansh in the east. It’s famous for its neutrality, banking sector, and stunning Alps.
Moldova
Situated between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova shares a deep linguistic and cultural bond with Romania. The country is known for its rich agricultural land, sprawling vineyards, and some of the largest wine cellars in the world.
Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is the only country where Catalan is the sole official language. This microstate is famous for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping, and stunning mountain scenery.
Luxembourg
French is a key administrative language in this trilingual Grand Duchy, alongside German and Luxembourgish. A major global financial center, it’s one of the world’s smallest and wealthiest countries, with a rich medieval history.
Monaco
The second-smallest sovereign state in the world, this glamorous principality on the French Riviera has French as its official language. It is famous for its Monte Carlo Casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and high-end luxury.
San Marino
The world’s oldest surviving republic is a tiny enclave completely surrounded by Italy. Italian is its official language. Perched atop Mount Titano, it’s known for its historic fortresses and stunning panoramic views of the Italian countryside.
