In todayโs interconnected world, English is the global language of communication, business, travel, and education. With over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, English is spoken both as a first and second language in many countries โ but where is it spoken best?
This article explores the top 10 English-speaking countries based on fluency, usage in daily life, and international communication, as well as how you can test and certify your English level with the International English Test (IET).
๐บ๐ธ 1. United States
- Native Speakers: 300+ million
- Status: Official Language (de facto)
- Why: As the largest native English-speaking country, the U.S. sets the standard for American English in media, business, and international relations.
๐ฌ๐ง 2. United Kingdom
- Native Speakers: 67 million
- Status: Official Language
- Why: The birthplace of English, the UK influences global English through education, literature, and culture. British English is the reference for many global learners.
๐จ๐ฆ 3. Canada
- Native Speakers: 22 million
- Status: Official Language (alongside French)
- Why: Canada boasts a bilingual population, but English dominates in business, universities, and everyday life in most provinces.
๐ฆ๐บ 4. Australia
- Native Speakers: 25 million
- Status: Official Language
- Why: Australian English features unique expressions and pronunciation but is widely understood. Australia is a top destination for English learners and international students.
๐ณ๐ฟ 5. New Zealand
- Native Speakers: 4.8 million
- Status: Official Language (alongside Mฤori and NZ Sign Language)
- Why: New Zealand offers high English proficiency, with clear and neutral accents. Itโs known for its education system and welcoming environment for international students.
๐ฎ๐ช 6. Ireland
- Native Speakers: 4.2 million
- Status: Official Language (alongside Irish)
- Why: English is dominant in daily life, and Ireland is a growing hub for global tech companies and startups that require strong English skills.
๐ฟ๐ฆ 7. South Africa
- Native Speakers: 4.9 million
- Status: One of 11 official languages
- Why: South Africa has a multilingual population, but English plays a central role in government, education, and business.
๐ธ๐ฌ 8. Singapore
- Fluency: Very High (EF EPI Score: 642)
- Status: One of four official languages
- Why: Singaporeans speak English fluently in all sectors โ education, law, and commerce โ often in a local variety called “Singlish.”
๐ณ๐ฑ 9. Netherlands
- Fluency: Very High (EF EPI Score: 661)
- Status: Not official, but widely spoken
- Why: Over 90% of the population speaks English fluently. The Netherlands consistently ranks #1 in global English proficiency among non-native countries.
๐ธ๐ช 10. Sweden
- Fluency: Very High (EF EPI Score: 618)
- Status: Not official, but widely used
- Why: Swedenโs education system prioritizes English from a young age, and the majority of Swedes are fluent, especially in professional settings.
๐งญ How to Know Your English Level
Do you live in one of these countries โ or plan to move there? Curious how your English compares?
You can test your English level online and receive a globally recognized certificate with the International English Test (IET).
๐ฏ Why Choose the International English Test?
- โ CEFR-aligned (A1 to C2 levels)
- ๐ป Fully online with instant results
- ๐ง AI-evaluated Speaking and Writing tests
- ๐ Get a certificate for study, work, or visa applications
- ๐ Associate Member of ALTE
- ๐ฐ Starts from just ยฃ9.99
๐ Take the IET now and discover your English level today.