Introduction
English is the world’s most widely spoken language, with over 1.5 billion speakers globally. However, English proficiency varies greatly by country. Some nations have near-native fluency, while others struggle with basic communication. In this article, we analyze the English proficiency rankings worldwide, using data from the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) and other linguistic studies.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest English Proficiency (2025)
According to the EF EPI 2023 Report, the top 10 countries with the highest English proficiency are:
| Rank | Country | EF EPI Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 661 (Very High) |
| 2 | Singapore | 642 (Very High) |
| 3 | Austria | 628 (Very High) |
| 4 | Denmark | 626 (Very High) |
| 5 | Norway | 624 (Very High) |
| 6 | Sweden | 618 (Very High) |
| 7 | Finland | 615 (Very High) |
| 8 | Portugal | 612 (Very High) |
| 9 | Germany | 610 (Very High) |
| 10 | Belgium | 605 (Very High) |
Native English Speakers by Country
In addition to proficiency rankings, some countries have a high number of native English speakers. Here are the top English-speaking countries by native population:
| Country | Native English Speakers (millions) |
| United States | 300+ |
| United Kingdom | 67 |
| Canada | 22 |
| Australia | 25 |
| New Zealand | 4.8 |
| Ireland | 4.2 |
| South Africa | 4.9 |
Countries with High English Proficiency Due to Colonial Influence
Many countries have a high level of English fluency due to historical ties with the British Empire. Some of these include:
- India 🇮🇳 – English is an official language alongside Hindi, widely spoken in business and education.
- Pakistan 🇵🇰 – English is used in government, law, and education.
- Nigeria 🇳🇬 – English is the official language due to colonial history.
- Philippines 🇵🇭 – English is a major language in education and media.
- Malaysia 🇲🇾 – English is widely spoken in business and tourism.
- Kenya 🇰🇪 & Ghana 🇬🇭 – English is the main administrative language.
Year‑on‑Year Trends in English Proficiency (2019–2023)
- Global average score: The population‑weighted worldwide EF EPI score was 502 in 2023, essentially unchanged from the 506 recorded in 2019. EF Education First: Choose Location EF Education First: Choose Location
- Big movers: Over the past three years, 26 countries saw significant gains of 20 + points on the index, while only 7 experienced significant declines. EF Education First: Choose Location
- Regional dynamics: Asia‑Pacific’s average proficiency has held steady—despite large swings within the region—thanks to rising scores in China offsetting drops elsewhere. EF Education First: Choose Location
EF EPI Methodology & Sample Characteristics
- Sample size & coverage: Based on 2.2 million EF Standard English Tests taken in 2023 across 116 countries and regions
- Demographics: Test‑takers are 18 + years old (median age 26), with an even gender split and over 90% non‑EF students.
- Scoring: National scores use a three‑year rolling average to smooth out volatility and better reflect long‑term trends.
Global English‑Learning Market Size & Forecast
- Digital segment: The digital English‑learning market grew to $10.39 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $12.30 billion in 2025 (CAGR 18.3%). The Business Research Company
- Regional leadership: In 2023, the United Kingdom accounted for 38% of total English‑learning revenue worldwide. Statista
- Long‑term outlook:
- Global market expected to hit $48.05 billion by 2028 (CAGR 6.32%). Cognitive Market Research
- Alternative forecasts put the broader English‑learning market at $29.48 billion in 2024, rising to $63.56 billion by 2031 (CAGR 10.08%). Verified Market Research
English Proficiency by Continent
📍 Europe: The Strongest English-Speaking Region
- Average EF EPI Score: 590 (High)
- Best Performers: Netherlands, Austria, Denmark
- Lowest Proficiency: France, Italy, Spain
📍 Asia: A Mixed Performance
- Average EF EPI Score: 520 (Moderate)
- Best Performers: Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines
- Lowest Proficiency: China, Thailand, Japan
📍 Latin America: Gradual Improvement
- Average EF EPI Score: 510 (Moderate-Low)
- Best Performers: Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile
- Lowest Proficiency: Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela
📍 Africa: Wide Gaps in Proficiency
- Best Performers: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya (English is an official language here)
- Lowest Proficiency: DR Congo, Chad, Angola
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Factors Influencing English Proficiency
- Education System: Countries with English-focused curricula rank higher.
- Economic Development: Wealthier nations invest more in language learning.
- Media Exposure: Countries that consume English media (movies, books, music) have better proficiency.
- Tourism & Globalization: Countries with high tourism and international trade tend to improve English skills.
Where Does Your Country Rank?
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Why Do Some Countries Struggle with English Proficiency?
While many nations excel in English fluency, others lag behind despite globalization and the increasing importance of English in business, education, and technology. Several key factors contribute to this gap:
Late Introduction in Education – In some countries, English is introduced at a later stage in schooling, limiting exposure and practice time. Countries with early English immersion tend to perform better.
Limited Real-World Usage – English proficiency thrives when people use it regularly. In nations where English isn’t needed for daily life, people may forget what they learn.
Lack of Qualified Teachers – Some regions face shortages of well-trained English teachers, leading to inconsistent instruction quality. Native-like pronunciation and fluency are difficult to achieve without skilled educators.
Social and Cultural Factors – Some cultures emphasize local languages, making English a lower priority. In contrast, countries with strong international business ties often prioritize English learning.
Economic Constraints – Access to high-quality English education is often expensive. Lower-income countries may struggle to provide widespread English training, leading to proficiency gaps.
Can AI Help Bridge the Gap?
AI-driven language tools offer a cost-effective way to improve English proficiency, especially in regions with limited access to quality education. By making personalized learning accessible to all, AI could be a game-changer for global English fluency. Take a look at best free AI tools to learn English.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are English proficiency rankings by country calculated?
Most global league tables—including the EF EPI 2025 report—use large‑scale, standardised test data to compare English proficiency by country. Scores are normalised so that results from tens of thousands of test‑takers can be ranked side by side.
Where can I see a full list of countries ranked by English proficiency in 2025?
The interactive map in our article visualises the EF EPI 2025 dataset, letting you sort all participating nations. For an official source, visit EF’s own page on countries ranked by English proficiency.
Which are the overall best English‑speaking countries this year?
According to the 2025 index, the Netherlands, Singapore, Austria and Denmark occupy the top four spots—making them the countries with the best English speakers outside the native‑speaking world.
Is there a quick table of English speakers by country or population size?
Yes—scroll to our “English Proficiency Population” section, where we match EF scores to census data so you can compare sheer speaker numbers with proficiency levels.
What is the English fluency rankings country metric mentioned in the report?
It is EF’s proprietary “Country Score,” a composite index that blends reading and listening performance to produce a single English‑fluency value for each nation.
How big is the dataset—really the world’s largest ranking of countries and regions by English skill?
Yes. EF’s 2025 edition analysed over 2.2 million adult test results, making it the world’s largest ranking of countries and regions by English skill available to the public.
Which country’s people speak English best in Asia?
Singapore tops the Asian sub‑ranking for 2025 with a “Very High” proficiency score, followed closely by the Philippines and Malaysia.
What does “English proficiency level—60 countries” refer to in the chart?
EF groups 60+ participating nations into five bands (Very High, High, Moderate, Low, Very Low) so readers can gauge relative ability at a glance.
Do you list the top 20 English‑speaking countries separately?
Yes—our article includes a dedicated table highlighting the top 20 performers, complete with EF EPI scores and year‑on‑year movements.
How did Thailand rank in English speaking for 2025?
Thailand improved slightly, moving up two places to 78th worldwide. For details, see the subsection titled “Thailand Rank in English Speaking 2025.”
Which Nordic country speaks English best in 2025?
Denmark leads the Nordic region, edging out Sweden and Norway by a fraction of a point in the 2025 index.
Where can I compare European countries’ English level on one map?
Our heat‑map visual at the top of the article colour‑codes all European countries according to the latest EF scores, offering a quick regional overview.
Which nations show the highest English proficiency test scores overall?
The Netherlands and Singapore consistently achieve the highest mean scores, placing them among the countries with the highest English proficiency year after year.
Are there any surprises in the 2025 list of best English‑speaking countries to live in?
Yes—Portugal and Croatia both entered the “High Proficiency” band in 2025, making them attractive options for English‑speaking expatriates.
Why do some tables say “countries ranked according to English language proficiency” while others say “English speaking countries ranking”?
Both phrases describe the same hierarchy; the wording differs only for readability and SEO purposes.
Does the index track English proficiency population growth too?
Not directly, but EF releases participation data alongside scores, letting researchers estimate how the English‑speaking population changes each year.
