Spanish in the World
Find out what makes Spanish one of the most important languages in the world, both inside and outside of Spanish-speaking communities.
Infographic of the languages of the world (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
The languages of the world
We identify with a language from the moment we are born. We grow up with it and use it as we learn to communicate. Linguistic diversity enriches cultures and societies, and represents the identity of the communities in which a language is spoken.
Some sources suggest that there are around 7,000 languages in the whole world, while others are more circumspect, estimating that the number could lie anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000.
Regardless, most inhabitants of the globe communicate using a much smaller number of them. Some languages have a large number of native speakers, while others are spoken by far fewer people, but are nonetheless spoken in a wide range of locations around the world.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
Spanish: a large community
The Spanish language is currently spoken by over 591 million people across the globe, whether as their native language or as a second or foreign language. Spanish speakers make up 7.5% of the global population.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
When measured by numbers of native speakers, it is the second most commonly spoken language in the world (around 493 million people) and the second most commonly spoken language for international communication.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
The official language of 21 countries
Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, and Spain.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
In addition, Spanish is the third most commonly used language at the UN, and the fourth most commonly used language within the institutional framework of the European Union. It is an official language in both.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
Spanish as a foreign language
Teaching a language is so much more than just vocabulary. It involves sharing values and showing a culture of openness and democratic values.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
More than 24 million students study Spanish as a foreign language. This figure is taken from the number of current students of Spanish in 111 countries.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
In the USA alone, more than eight million people are learning Spanish. In Europe, France has the largest number of students learning Spanish in its formal education system, while in the United Kingdom, Spanish is viewed as the most important language for the future.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
The future of Spanish
Projections suggest that the Spanish-speaking community will continue to grow steadily until the middle of the century. However, by 2100, only 5.2% of the world's population will be able to communicate in Spanish.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
By 2068, it is anticipated that the number of Spanish speakers will exceed 726 million people. That is when the number of Spanish speakers will peak, and after that date it is anticipated that there will be a gradual decline, falling to 690 million people by 2100.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
In 2060, the USA will have the second largest number of Spanish speakers in the world, after Mexico. One in every three US citizens—27.5% of the population—will be Hispanic.
Infographic of spanish language (2022) by Rodrigo DíazFundación Antonio de Nebrija
Nonetheless, projections suggest that the relative prevalence of Spanish will become progressively lower, mainly due to a declining birth rate. It is likely to be replaced by India and several of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The data in this article is taken from the Instituto Cervantes' Yearbook (2021), and from statistical information available in each country.
Curator: Rodrigo Díaz
