Stay in touch!

Never miss out on the latest articles and get sneak peeks of our favorite classes.

How Many Countries Speak English

EnglishLanguagesSkillsArticle

There are 67 countries worldwide that speak English. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the reach of the English language across the world. This article will provide an answer to this intriguing question while shedding light on how many countries speak English.

 

English, often hailed as the “lingua franca” of the modern world, holds a prominent place on the global stage. Its prevalence extends far beyond the borders of its native-speaking countries, raising a question of considerable interest: how many countries speak English? 

 

Table of contents 

What countries all speak English? 

English is an official or widely spoken language in several countries, including: 

  • the United States

  • United Kingdom

  • Canada, Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Ireland

  • South Africa

and many more. It is also used as a second language in numerous other countries. 

What percentage of the world speaks English? 

 

Approximately 20% of the world’s population speaks English to some degree, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally. 

 

This percentage includes both native speakers and individuals who use English as a second or foreign language for communication and business purposes. 

quotation marks

Approximately 20% of the world's population speaks English to some degree, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally

Which language is most spoken in the world?

 

Chinese (Mandarin) is the most spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion native speakers. It holds this position due to the large population of China and its influence in various regions. 

 

You might also like: How Many Letters are in The English Alphabet

How Many Countries Speak English

How Many Countries Speak English? 

 

The English language has an impressive global presence, with millions of speakers scattered across numerous nations. 

 

67 countries internationally speak English, however, to best answer the question, “how many countries speak English?” we must consider both native speakers and those who use English as a second language for various purposes. 

List of 67 Countries that Speak English 

 

Here is a list of 67 countries where English is spoken: 

 

  1. United States 

  2. United Kingdom 

  3. Canada 

  4. Australia 

  5. New Zealand 

  6. Ireland 

  7. South Africa 

  8. India 

  9. Singapore 

  10. Malaysia 

  11. Philippines 

  12. Nigeria 

  13. Jamaica 

  14. Kenya 

  15. Ghana 

  16. Pakistan 

  17. Zimbabwe 

  18. Belize 

  19. Papua New Guinea 

  20. Malta 

  21. Trinidad and Tobago 

  22. Guyana 

  23. Barbados 

  24. The Bahamas 

  25. Saint Kitts and Nevis 

  26. Antigua and Barbuda
     
  27. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

  28. Saint Lucia 

  29. Grenada 

  30. Dominica 

  31. Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 

  32. Bermuda 

  33. Anguilla 

  34. Turks and Caicos Islands 

  35. British Virgin Islands 

  36. Cayman Islands 

  37. Falkland Islands 

  38. Gibraltar 

  39. Montserrat 

  40. Pitcairn Islands 

  41. Solomon Islands 

  42. Vanuatu 

  43. Tuvalu 

  44. Nauru 

  45. Kiribati 

  46. Marshall Islands 

  47. Federated States of Micronesia 

  48. Palau 

  49. Tonga 

  50. Samoa 

  51. American Samoa 

  52. Northern Mariana Islands 

  53. Guam 

  54. Federated States of Micronesia 

  55. Palau 

  56. Republic of the Marshall Islands 

  57. Belize 

  58. Liberia 

  59. Gambia 

  60. Sierra Leone 

  61. Cameroon 

  62. Malawi 

  63. Zambia 

  64. Rwanda 

  65. Uganda 

  66. Botswana 

  67. Namibia

 

Please note that in some of these countries, English may be one of several official languages or spoken as a second language. 

 

However, the influence of the English language reaches far beyond these countries and has an international presence in many additional nations. 

 

You might also like: 7 online english conversation practice courses



How Many Countries Speak English

Why is English Internationally Spoken? 

 

  • Historical Significance: 

 

English’s global journey began with the expansion of the British Empire. The British Empire, at its zenith, covered vast territories, and English became a dominant language in the colonies. This historical legacy left a lasting impact on the global prevalence of English. 

 

  • Economic Power: 

 

In the modern era, economic powerhouses like the United States and the United Kingdom have played significant roles in shaping international trade and commerce. English, as the primary language of these countries, became the language of business and diplomacy. 

 

  • Cultural Influence: 

 

Hollywood, British music, and American television have reached every corner of the globe, making English synonymous with popular culture. This cultural influence has fueled the desire to learn and communicate in English. 

 

  • Education: 

 

English is widely taught as a second language in schools across the world. Its importance in the fields of science, technology, and academia has made it essential for global communication and research. Internet and Technology: The internet, predominantly an English-language medium, has connected people worldwide. The majority of online content is in English, making it indispensable for accessing information and participating in the digital age. 

Conclusion 

 

In answering the question, “how many countries speak English?” it is clear that the English language is not confined to its native-speaking countries but has established itself as a global means of communication. 

 

Its historical significance, economic power, cultural influence, role in education, and prevalence in technology have all contributed to its international prominence. English is not merely a language; it is a bridge connecting people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, fostering understanding, and facilitating global collaboration. 

 

As the world continues to evolve, English’s influence is likely to endure, making it a language of vital importance in the modern age.

 

Related Content

Share this article
Back to top