Wherever you go, you’re bound to hear someone speaking Spanish. You might think at that moment that it’s a tourist… But what if we told you that it’s the second most spoken language in the world and has more than 500 million native speakers? It’s one of the languages with the greatest international reach. Its influence is not only evident in the number of speakers, but also in its cultural, economic, and social weight. Learning Spanish opens doors.
It is estimated that more than 24 million people worldwide are actively studying it as a foreign language, reflecting its growing importance in education and international relations. But where can we find the strongest presence of this language? Let us tell you!
Spanish as a global language
Spanish has become globalized in recent years. More and more international companies are looking favorably on Spanish language skills on resumes. Spanish has been part of major events and is increasingly present in movies and music.
Over 500 million native speakers
As we mentioned earlier, according to the Cervantes Institute, by 2024 Spanish will be spoken by more than 500 million people as their mother tongue. But if we add those who are taking Spanish language courses in Spain for international students , the figure rises to 600 million.
The second most widely spoken native language worldwide
After Mandarin Chinese, Spanish ranks second in terms of native speakers, ahead of English, making it a key tool for international communication.
One of the six official languages of the UN
Spanish is one of the six languages of the United Nations (UN) and is also used in international organizations such as the European Union, the Organization of American States, and the African Union, demonstrating that it is a globalized language.
Why is Spanish spoken in so many countries?
But how did Spanish become so widespread in different parts of the world?
Colonial history and cultural expansion
During the 15th and 19th centuries, Spanish reached continents such as America, Africa, and Asia. During this period, Spanish established itself as another language and spread to other territories, leaving a legacy that can still be heard on the streets today.
Modern influence on the media, commerce, and education
Modern influence in the media, commerce, and education. Today, Spanish is everywhere: on the streets, on television, in literature. TV series, songs, and films have crept into our lives, with Spanish as their main language, making it a global reference language.
Countries where Spanish is the official language
As we mentioned earlier, Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide. However, it is not the official language in every country. Here are the countries where Spanish is the primary language.
Spain: place of origin of the language
Spain is the heartland of Spanish, a language that evolved from Latin and today boasts an enormous wealth of dialects and culture.
Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America
In Latin America, Spanish is the official language in most countries, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, among others, consolidating the continent as the epicenter of Spanish-speaking culture.
Spanish-speaking countries in Africa
You may not have known this, but Spanish is also spoken in Africa, especially in Equatorial Guinea, where Spanish is an official language alongside French and Portuguese, making it unique on the African continent.
Places where Spanish is widely spoken but not official
Spanish has spread so much over the years that it is now widely spoken in other countries, even though it is not the official language:
United States of America
With more than 41 million people who speak Spanish as their first language and nearly 12 million bilingual speakers, the United States is one of the countries where this language has the strongest presence. Furthermore, although it is not the official language, it is the second most widely spoken language in the country.
Spanish in Asia and Oceania
In the Philippines, Spanish was the official language until the early 20th century and still influences its vocabulary. In countries such as Australia and Japan, interest in learning Spanish is growing every year.
Learn Spanish with Proyecto Español in Spain
At Proyecto Español, we help all our students learn Spanish both inside and outside the classroom. Through our courses to get student visa in Spain , or our long-term training, you will have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
