Which Country Speaks the Most Fluent English? Top 10 Highest English Proficiency in the World

Do you know English is the most spoken language in the world, having a total of 1.5 billion speakers worldwide? It is also the official language of over 50 countries.

According to web data, out of 1.5 billion, somewhere around 373 and 400 million people are native English speakers, with the remaining 1.08–1.1 billion individuals speaking English as a second or foreign language. Additionally, it is spoken in over 186 countries.

However, which country in the world has the highest English proficiency, according to Education First (EF), the creator of the EF Standard English Test (SET)? Curious? Let's get started!

Top 10 Countries With the Highest EPI Scores: Where Does India Stand?

According to the latest 2024 EPI data, here’s the list of the top 10 countries with the highest EPI scores. The list includes:

#1. Netherlands

The Netherlands leads the EF EPI 2024 with a score of 636, indicating very high proficiency. This high proficiency is due to the widespread use of English in education and business.

Most Dutch people learn English from a young age, and it is commonly used in media and international interactions. The Netherlands' strong education system and cultural emphasis on language learning contribute to its high ranking.

#2. Norway

Norway ranks second with a score of 610, also showing very high proficiency. English is widely used due to Norway's strong international business ties and lack of dubbing in media. Norwegians often watch TV shows and movies in English, which helps improve their proficiency.

#3. Singapore

Singapore is third with a score of 609. English is one of its four official languages, making it a primary language for communication. Singapore's education system places a strong emphasis on English, and it is widely used in business and government.

#4. Sweden

Sweden ranks fourth with a score of 608. English is commonly used in business, education, and media. The country's strong education system and cultural emphasis on language learning contribute to its high ranking. Swedes often watch English-language TV shows and movies without dubbing.

#5. Croatia

Croatia is fifth with a score of 607. English is increasingly important in tourism and international business, encouraging its widespread use. Croatian schools emphasise English language learning, contributing to the country's high proficiency.

#6. Portugal

Portugal ranks sixth with a score of 605. English is crucial in tourism and international business, promoting its use. Portuguese schools teach English as a mandatory subject, supporting high proficiency levels.

#7. Denmark

Denmark is seventh, with a score of 603. Most Danes learn English from childhood, and it is commonly used in media and international interactions. The lack of dubbing in TV shows and movies encourages Danes to improve their English skills.

#8. Greece

Greece ranks eighth with a score of 602. English is widely used in tourism and international business. Greek schools emphasise English language learning, contributing to the country's high proficiency.

#9. Austria

Austria is ninth, with a score of 600. English is widely taught in schools, and many Austrians use it for international business and tourism. Austria's education system supports language learning, with English being a key subject from an early age.

#10. Germany

Germany rounds out the top ten with a score of 598, indicating high proficiency. English is widely used in business and education, and many Germans learn it from a young age. Germany's strong economy and international ties promote English as a key language.

#69. India

India ranks 69th, with a score of 490, indicating low proficiency. Despite this, India has a large number of English speakers due to its colonial history and the language's use in education and business. India's education system emphasises English, and it is widely used in international interactions.

Despite challenges in rural areas, urban centres show higher proficiency levels. Measures to improve English skills include increased focus on language training in schools and the use of English in media and government communications.

What is the EF English Proficiency Index Score?

The EF Score is a numerical value given by the Education First (EF) organisation to the nations and territories coming in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).

It operates by publishing this index annually by EF (Education First), which attempts to rank all adult English language skills in countries and regions around the world.

Education First is a large, privately held international education company specialising in a wide range of educational programmes. It is the creator of the EF Standard English Test (SET), according to which the rankings are given to a country. You can give this test for free and earn a free certificate.