Here's why:
* Official Language Status: Countries officially recognize certain languages for various reasons, including administrative, educational, and legal purposes. Having Spanish as an official language means it's used in government, schools, and legal proceedings.
* Prevalence of Spanish: While Spanish may not be the *only* official language in some countries (like Andorra or Equatorial Guinea), it still holds a significant place in government and society.
* Cultural Importance: In many countries where Spanish is spoken, it's deeply rooted in culture and identity. Official recognition reflects this cultural significance.
Therefore, if a country has a substantial Spanish-speaking population and uses Spanish in everyday life, it's likely to have officially recognized it as a language.