Introduction
Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, and it is the official language of 20 countries. These countries are located in Europe, Central and South America, and even in Africa. The majority of these countries were once colonized by Spain, and as a result, their cultures and customs are deeply influenced by Spanish traditions.
Spain is one of the Spanish speaking countries, and it is located in southwestern Europe. It has a rich cultural heritage, including famous painters such as Goya and Picasso, as well as popular festivals such as La Tomatina and Las Fallas. Spain is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like paella, tapas, and churros.
In North America, there are three Spanish-speaking countries: Mexico, the United States, and Cuba. Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with a population of over 126 million people. The United States has a significant Spanish-speaking population, with over 40 million people who speak Spanish as their first language – , although it does not have Spanish as one of its official languages, and can, as such, not truly be counted in the list of 20 Spanish-speaking countries. Cuba is a Caribbean island nation with a population of over 11 million people.
In Central America, there are seven countries where Spanish is the official language: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. These countries have diverse cultures and histories, but they share many commonalities, including a love of music, dance, and traditional crafts.
South America is home to nine Spanish speaking countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. These countries are known for their stunning natural landscapes, including the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. They also have vibrant cultural traditions, ranging from tango in Argentina to the colorful festivals of Peru and Bolivia.
In Africa, there is a Spanish-speaking country and a Spanish-speaking region: Equatorial Guinea and Western Sahara. Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the west coast of Africa, while Western Sahara is a disputed territory located in the northwest of the continent.
Countries That Speak Spanish
| Country | Spanish-Speaking Countries | Spanish Speaking Population |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Yes | 45,864,941 |
| Bolivia | Yes | 11,758,869 |
| Chile | Yes | 18,307,925 |
| Colombia | Yes | 50,355,650 |
| Costa Rica | Yes | 5,151,140 |
| Cuba | Yes | 11,032,343 |
| Dominican Republic | Yes | 10,597,348 |
| Ecuador | Yes | 17,093,159 |
| El Salvador | Yes | 6,528,135 |
| Equatorial Guinea | Yes | 1,468,777 |
| Guatemala | Yes | 17,422,821 |
| Honduras | Yes | 9,346,277 |
| Mexico | Yes | 130,207,371 |
| Nicaragua | Yes | 6,243,931 |
| Paraguay | Yes | 7,272,639 |
| Peru | Yes | 32,201,224 |
| Puerto Rico | Yes | |
| Spain | Yes | 47,260,584 |
| Uruguay | Yes | 3,398,239 |
| Venezuela | Yes | 29,069,153 |
Largest Spanish Speaking Country
With a population of over 126 million people, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. It is located in North America and shares borders with the United States, Belize, and Guatemala. Mexico is a developing country with a diversified economy, and it is famous for its rich culture, history, and gastronomy.
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Argentina
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
45,864,941
Ranked in the World
#4
Argentina is a Spanish-speaking country located in South America. Spanish is the official language of Argentina and is spoken by the majority of the population. It is in fact the 8th largest country in the world with an estimated population of over 47 million people. The Spanish spoken in Argentina has some unique features that distinguish it from other varieties of Spanish spoken in other countries. For example, Argentinians tend to use a lot of slang and have a distinct accent that is sometimes described as more musical or Italian-sounding. Due to its colonial history and the influence of Spanish culture, the Spanish language has been an integral part of Argentine identity and is deeply ingrained in the country's history and culture.
Bolivia
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
11,758,869
Ranked in the World
#10
Bolivia, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its rich history, including its role as the site of the Inca Empire. It is also famous for being home to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.
Chile
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
18,307,925
Ranked in the World
#7
Chile, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains.
Colombia
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
50,355,650
Ranked in the World
#2
Colombia, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its vibrant culture, including its music and dance. It is also famous for its coffee.
Costa Rica
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
5,151,140
Ranked in the World
#17
Costa Rica, a Spanish-speaking country located in Central America, is known for its stunning beaches and for being one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.
Cuba
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
11,032,343
Ranked in the World
#11
Cuba, a Spanish-speaking country located in the Caribbean, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and for being the birthplace of the mojito cocktail.
Dominican Republic
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
10,597,348
Ranked in the World
#12
The Dominican Republic, a Spanish-speaking country located in the Caribbean, is known for its beautiful beaches and for being the birthplace of merengue music.
Ecuador
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
17,093,159
Ranked in the World
#9
Ecuador, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Galapagos Islands. It is also famous for being the only country in the world named after a geographical feature, the equator.
El Salvador
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
6,528,135
Ranked in the World
#15
El Salvador, a Spanish-speaking country located in Central America, is known for its beautiful scenery, including its volcanoes and mountains.
Equatorial Guinea
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
1,468,777
Ranked in the World
#20
Equatorial Guinea, located in Africa, is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa and is known for its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Guatemala
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
17,422,821
Ranked in the World
#8
Guatemala, a Spanish-speaking country located in Central America, is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and for being home to many ancient Mayan ruins.
Honduras
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
9,346,277
Ranked in the World
#13
Honduras, a Spanish-speaking country located in Central America, is known for its beautiful beaches and for being the birthplace of the Mayan civilization.
Mexico
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
130,207,371
Ranked in the World
#1
Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country and Spanish is the official language of the country. The Spanish language has been an integral part of Mexican culture and history since the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Today, Mexico is home to one of the largest Spanish-speaking populations after Spain, with over 124 million people being native Spanish speakers. As such, Mexico has a rich cultural history of language and literature, with some of its most famous writers such as Juan Rulfo, Octavio Paz, and Carlos Fuentes being renowned for their works in Spanish literature.
Nicaragua
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
6,243,931
Ranked in the World
#16
Nicaragua, a Spanish-speaking country located in Central America, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its lakes and volcanoes.
Paraguay
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
7,272,639
Ranked in the World
#14
Paraguay, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its beautiful landscapes and for being one of the only countries in the world that is officially bilingual, with Spanish and Guarani as its official languages.
Peru
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
32,201,224
Ranked in the World
#5
Peru, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its ancient Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu. It is also famous for its diverse cuisine.
Puerto Rico
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean, is a Spanish-speaking territory of the United States and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, including its music and dance.
Spain
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
47,260,584
Ranked in the World
#3
Spain is a Spanish-speaking country located in southwestern Europe. Spanish, also known as Castilian, is the official language of Spain and the most widely spoken language in the country. It originated in the Castile region of Spain in the 13th century and has since spread throughout the world. Spain has a rich history and culture, with the Spanish language and literature playing an important role in its identity. Spanish spoken in Spain has its own unique characteristics like the use of the “vosotros” form for the second person plural and differences in vocabulary and pronunciation compared to other varieties of Spanish spoken elsewhere in the world.
Uruguay
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
3,398,239
Ranked in the World
#19
Uruguay, a Spanish-speaking country located in South America, is known for its beautiful beaches and for being one of the most socially progressive countries in the world.
Venezuela
Spanish-Speaking Countries
Yes
Spanish Speaking Population
29,069,153
Ranked in the World
#6
Venezuela, located in South America, was one of the first Spanish-speaking countries to gain independence from Spain in 1811. It is known for its diverse culture, including its music, dance, and food.
FAQs
What country speaks Spanish ?
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela are all Spanish-speaking countries.
What percentage of the world speaks Spanish ?
According to the latest estimates, approximately 7.6% of the world’s population speaks Spanish as their native language. This translates to around 580 million people worldwide. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese and is the second most commonly used language in international communication, after English.
What is the largest Spanish speaking country ?
Mexico is the country with the most number of Spanish speakers worldwide, boasting over 123 million native Spanish speakers and an additional 11 million people who speak it as a second language.
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