In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most fluent English speaking countries in the world. If you would like to skip our discussion on the global reach of the language, you can go to the 5 Most Fluent English Speaking Countries In The World.
English is spoken by nearly 1.5 billion people across the world. Out of these, about 400 million speak it as a first language, and over 1 billion use it as a secondary language. Thus, by combining native and non-native English Speakers, English is the single most widely-spoken global language. English is widely spoken throughout the world as a lingua franca because of its origins in Great Britain and the British Empire's extensive colonial reach. School systems set up by previous colonizing powers resulted in the adoption of English as an official language by former colonies. English also acts as the official language of numerous nations. In fact, 27 non-sovereign entities and 67 distinct countries acknowledge English as an official language. In addition, it is also widely used in commerce and is the official language of some of the most significant organizations in the world, such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.
The United States and the United Kingdom are probably most frequently associated with the English language and are amongst the largest English-speaking countries in terms of the total number of English speakers. The widespread adoption of English can be largely attributed to the influence of the United States of America. It is estimated that over two billion individuals worldwide are exposed to American influence through various mediums, including marketing, television, literature, and other forms of communication. With over 20 million native English speakers, Canada is also among the countries with the largest English-speaking population in the world despite having two official languages. The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand are a few other well-known nations where English is the official language.
As a means of communication, education, and career advancement in today’s globalized world, fluency in English is a highly sought-after skill. This demand has fueled a thriving English Language Learning (ELL) industry, which is witnessing continuous evolution. The global ELL industry is a multi-billion dollar market, with estimates suggesting a size of around $21.3 billion in 2022. This figure is projected to reach $70.7 billion by 2030, reflecting a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2%. In 2022, the English language learning market in the United States was valued at about $5.6 billion. Meanwhile, in China, the second-biggest economy in the world, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.6% from 2022 to 2030 to reach an estimated size of $17.9 billion. Other notable geographic markets are Canada and Japan, which are expected to expand at respective rates of 11.5% and 13.8% between 2022 and 2030. Additionally, Germany is forecasted to demonstrate solid growth in Europe, with a CAGR of approximately 12.5%. Several key players dominate the global English language learning market, including companies such as Udemy, Inc. (NYSE:UDMY), 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE:COE), and Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR). These companies play an important role in shaping the landscape of English language education on a global scale.
20 Most Fluent English Speaking Countries In The World
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Our Methodology
To shortlist the 20 most fluent English speaking countries in the world, we referred to credible sources such as Berlitz and WorldData to gather information regarding the percentage of English speaking population across countries. Furthermore, we referenced the 2023 English Proficiency Index to supplement our findings with information on English proficiency levels across countries, where available. The countries have been ranked in ascending order of their percentage of English speaking population as of 2024.
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20 Most Fluent English Speaking Countries In The World
20. Liberia
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 82.67%
English gained prominence in Liberia during the mid-1800s when English-speaking settlers arrived and settled themselves in the region. It is now the official language of the country. Liberian English refers to various dialects of the language spoken throughout the country. Standard Liberian English serves as the primary language for business transactions, diplomatic discussions with other nations, and educational instruction in Liberian schools. It is the medium through which children are taught in elementary, middle, and high schools across the nation.
19. Canada
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 83.06%
In the ten provinces of Canada, a lot of different languages are spoken. This is especially true in places like Toronto and Vancouver, where languages from all over the world are spoken, along with English and French. Even though Canadian English sounds a lot like American English, it also has features that are unique to Canada and are influenced by British English. About 76.1% of Canadians speak English as their first language, while 22% speak French as their first language.
18. Sierra Leone
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 83.53%
In Sierra Leone, 4.3 million individuals, constituting 83.53% of the population, speak English. This community communicates primarily in Sierra Leonean English, an English dialect specific to the region. Additionally, the Krio language, heavily influenced by English, serves as the country's principal lingua franca.
17. Israel
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 84.97%
Israel has a diverse population, with individuals from various cultures, faiths, and linguistic backgrounds. Hence, numerous languages are spoken within the country. English holds significant prominence in Israel, owing to its historical use as a language of trade among foreign traders and merchants. Since the 1940s, English has been integrated into the school curriculum, with current estimates suggesting that approximately 85% of Israelis possess some degree of proficiency in the language. Moreover, English serves as the preferred mode of communication in businesses and government agencies across the nation.
16. Denmark
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 86%
Denmark is known for its high level of English proficiency among its population. Children in Denmark start their English education as early as the first grade, allowing them to develop strong language skills from a young age. As a result, an impressive 86% of the Danish population can speak English. Alongside other Scandinavian countries, Denmark consistently ranks among the top four nations globally in terms of the English Proficiency Index.
15. Suriname
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 87.09%
While Dutch serves as the official language of Suriname, primarily due to its history as a former Dutch colony, the majority of the population, particularly in urban areas, speaks English as a second language. In fact, the English-based Creole language, Sranan Tongo, is commonly used in everyday interactions. In Suriname, an increasing number of individuals are becoming proficient in English due to factors such as business relations, educational opportunities, and media exposure.
14. Malta
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 89%
Due to its history as a former British colony, English has been a part of the daily and professional lives of the people of Malta for centuries. Today, around 89% of Maltese individuals can speak English, although it is not their first language. English has become the second most commonly spoken language in Malta. Furthermore, legal documents in the country are typically prepared in English. Both English and Maltese are compulsory subjects in schools across the country. Malta is at the fourteenth position on our list of the most fluent English speaking countries in the world.
13. Sweden
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 89%
In Sweden, 89% of the population speaks English proficiently. While the official language is Svenska or Swedish, English is widely regarded as the second language and is taught as a foreign language in schools. English is a mandatory subject in the Swedish curriculum, with students beginning English classes at an early age. According to the 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) data, Sweden has achieved a "very high proficiency" level in the language.
12. Uganda
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 89.9%
More than forty different languages are spoken in Uganda. The most widely spoken local language in the country is Luganda. However, English and Swahili are Uganda's official languages. English is well-integrated into the educational system, used in courts of law, and employed by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts across the country.
11. Norway
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 90%
Around 90% of Norwegians speak English as a second language, making it one of the most fluent English speaking countries in the world. As per the English Proficiency Index 2023, most Norwegians fall under the "Very Highly Proficient" category. Companies like Udemy, Inc. (NYSE:UDMY), 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE:COE), and Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) have also played a significant role in promoting language learning through their platforms.
10. Guyana
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 90.55%
Guyana is the only South American country where English is the official language, a legacy of British colonial rule. Guyana is among the top 10 most fluent English speaking countries in the world, with over 90% of its population speaking the language.
9. Netherlands
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 90.9%
The Netherlands has a high level of English proficiency among its population. This proficiency can be attributed to several factors, including the linguistic similarity between English and Dutch and the country's heavy reliance on international trade. In the Netherlands, an increasing number of schools at all levels have adopted English as the language of instruction, further reinforcing English proficiency among the Dutch populace.
8. Australia
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 92.8%
When the British arrived in Australia in 1788, they introduced English to the region. Over the next few decades, English slowly replaced the native languages and became the main language of Australia. While English is widely regarded as the de facto official and national language of Australia, it is not formally designated as the official language by law. Nevertheless, it stands as the most prevalent language in the country, with 72% of the population speaking it as their first language.
7. United States
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 95.5%
American English is used in various domains, such as business, government, and educational institutions across the United States. This linguistic variant includes the diverse range of accents spoken throughout the country. Over the past few decades, American English has risen in prominence.
6. Singapore
Percentage of English-Speaking Population: 96.43%
Situated in Southeast Asia, Singapore recognizes English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as its four official languages. Singaporeans demonstrate exceptionally high proficiency in English, ranking second out of 113 countries according to the EF English Proficiency Index. In 1987, Singapore made a significant shift by replacing Chinese with English as the primary language of instruction for most school subjects, including history, science, and mathematics. This strategic decision has contributed to the widespread fluency and proficiency in English among Singaporean students and the broader population.
