There are numerous synonyms for the term "African country," which refers to any one of the 54 countries located on the African continent. Commonly used synonyms include "nation," "state," "republic," "kingdom," and "commonwealth." Other descriptors for African countries include "sub-Saharan," "Maghreb," and "Sahelian," which refer to geographic regions or cultural groupings within the continent. In terms of language and ethnicity, African nations may also be referred to as Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone, Swahili-speaking, or Hausa-speaking, among other designations. Ultimately, the choice of synonyms for "African country" will depend on the context and intended meaning of the term.