List of languages by number of native speakers

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This is a list of languages ordered by number of first-language speakers, with some data for second-language use. Only languages spoken natively by more than one million are listed, and then they are listed for secondary locations only when spoken by more than 1% of the population.

For practical reasons in compiling this list, some listings are not single languages in the sense of being mutually intelligible, such as Chinese or Arabic; while in other cases mutually intelligible idioms with separate national standards or self identification have been listed separately, such as Scandinavian, Hindustani, and Malay. This should not be taken as an endorsement of any side of language versus dialect debates.

Data are not all up to date.

For the purposes of this article, a 'first language' is a language a person was raised with, while a 'second language' is a language of instruction or everyday communication. Thus a person may have more than one first language. Countries that are not sovereign states are listed according to the corresponding sovereign states.

For a comparison of various estimates, see Language speaker data. For languages spoken by very few people, and so in danger of extinction, see list of endangered languages.

Contents

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100 million native speakers or more

Language Family Official status and where spoken natively by more than 1% of the population Number of speakers
Chinese Sino-Tibetan

Official language in People's Republic of China (Mandarin; Cantonese de facto co-official in Hong Kong and Macau), Republic of China (Mandarin), and Singapore (Mandarin).

Significant communities in Australia (including plurality on Christmas Island), Brunei, Cambodia, Canada , France (French Polynesia, Réunion), Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Philippines, Surinam, Thailand, United States (California, Guam, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Washington), Venezuela, Vietnam

1080 million native (1999). Includes:

Mandarin: 872 million native + 178 million second language = 1050 million (1999 WA, 2004 CIA)
Wu: 77 million (2004 CIA)
Cantonese: 55 million (1984)
Southern Min: 46 million (1984)
Jin: 45 million (1995)
Xiang: 36 million (1984)
Hakka: 30 million (1984)
Gan: 21 million (1984)
Northern Min: 10.3 million (1984)
Eastern Min: 9.1 million (2000 WCD)
Hui: 3.2 million
Pu-Xian Min: 2.6 million (2000 WCD).
Hindi Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan Official in Fiji (Awadhi), India (Khariboli nationally and in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal; Maithili in Bihar).

Significant communities in Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal [1], South Africa, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Yemen 		370 million native, 125 million second language, = 495 million total (WA 2005). Includes:

Khariboli (180 million, 2004 CIA),
Bhojpuri (27 million, 1997),
Maithili (25 million, 1981),
Awadhi (21 million, 1999),
Haryanvi (13 million, 1992),
Marwari (13 million, 2002),
Magahi (13 million, 2002),
Chhattisgarhi (11 million, 1997),
Kanauji (6 million, 1977).
Spanish Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Iberian Official in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, United States (New Mexico, Puerto Rico), Uruguay, Venezuela.

Significant communities in Andorra, Aruba, Belize, Israel, Netherlands (Netherlands Antilles), Switzerland, United Kingdom (Cayman Islands, Gibraltar), United States 		322 million native (2004 CIA), 70 million second language (Indiana University 2003) = 390 million total
English Indo-European, Germanic, West, Anglic Official in Antigua and Barbuda, Australia (including external territories), The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada (nationally and in all major provinces but Quebec), Dominica, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong), India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, Realm of New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom (and in all overseas territories and crown dependencies), United States (national language; official in some states and unincorporated territories), Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Significant communities in Andorra, Bangladesh, Brunei, Israel, France (Saint-Pierre and Miquelon), Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands (Aruba), Somalia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland. 		308 million native (2004 CIA), 510-515 million total (Indiana University 2003, WA 2005)
Arabic Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South Central Modern Standard Arabic is official in Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt (along with Egyptian Arabic as the national language), Eritrea, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara, Yemen.

Hassaniya Arabic is official in Mauritania, Senegal; and a national language of Mali.

Significant communities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Central African Republic, France, Iran, Spain (Ceuta and Melilla), United Kingdom (Gibraltar). 		206 million native, 24 million second language, = 230 million total for all Arabic (WA 1999); 255 million total (2005 WA).
Egyptian Arabic: 46 million native.
Hassaniya: 2.8 million native.
Modern Standard Arabic is a second language only.
Portuguese Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Iberian Official in Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, People’s Republic of China (Macau), Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé e Príncipe.

Significant communities in Andorra, Antigua, France, India (Daman and Goa), Luxembourg, Namibia, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United States (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island), Canada (Toronto, Boston), Venezuela. 		206 million native (2004 CIA), 10+ million second language, = 216 million total (not counting 4 million Galician)
Bengali Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Magadhan Prakrit, Bengali-Assamese Official in Bangladesh, India (Tripura, West Bengal).

Significant communities in Myanmar, Oman, United Arab Emirates 		171 million native, counting 14 million Chittagonian, 10.3 million Sylheti (2004 CIA); 215 million total (2005 WA)
Russian Indo-European, Slavic, East Official in Abkhazia (de jure part of Georgia), Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Transnistria (de jure part of Moldova).

Significant communities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United States (New York), Uzbekistan 		145 million native (2004 CIA), 110 million second language, = 255 million total (2000, WCD)
Japanese Japonic Official in Japan and Palau (Angaur Island).

Significant communities in United States (Guam, Hawaii) 		127 million native (2004 CIA), 1 million second language (Ryukyuan)
Punjabi Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central Zone (Eastern Punjabi) or North-Western Zone (Western Punjabi) Official in India (Punjab). National language in Pakistan (Punjab).

Significant communities in Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, United Kingdom 		Western: 61–62 million (2000, WCD); Eastern: 28 million; Siraiki 14 million, = 104 million total
German Indo-European, Germanic, West, High Germanic Official in Austria, Belgium (East Cantons), Germany, Italy (South Tyrol), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland (Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Glarus, Graubünden, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Uri, Valais, Zug, Zürich).

Significant communities in Argentina, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Paraguay, United States (North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin),. 		101 million native (95 million Standard German [2004 CIA], 6 million Swiss German), 22 million second language = 123 million total
[edit]

30–100 million native speakers

Language Family Official status and where spoken natively, or as an immigrant language, by more than 1% of the population Number of speakers
Javanese Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Sunda-Sulawesi Native to Indonesia (originally Java). Significant communities in France (New Caledonia), Malaysia, Suriname 76 million
Korean Language isolate Official in People's Republic of China (Yanbian), North Korea, South Korea. Significant communities in Australia, Japan, United States (Guam, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands) 71 million
Vietnamese Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Vietic Official in Vietnam. Significant communities in Australia, Cambodia, Laos, France (New Caledonia), Norway, United States (California), Vanuatu. 70 million native, perhaps up to 16 million second language, = ~ 86 million total
Telugu Dravidian, South Central Official in India (Andhra Pradesh, district of Yanam). Significant communities in Bahrain, Fiji, Mauritius 70 million native, 5 million second language, = 75 million total (1997)
Marathi Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central Zone Official in India (Daman and Diu, Goa, Maharashtra). Significant communities in Mauritius. 68 million native, 3 million second language, = 71 million total
Tamil Dravidian, Southern Official in India (Tamil Nadu, (districts of Karaikal and Pondicherry)), Singapore, Sri Lanka. Significant communities in Bahrain, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, France (Réunion). 68 million native, 9 million second language, = 77 million total
French Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Oïl National or official in Belgium (Wallonia and Brussels), Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada (nationally and in New Brunswick, Quebec, and the territories), Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France (including territories), Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, India (districts of Karaikal and Pondicherry), Italy (Aosta Valley), Lebanon, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Martinique, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud), Togo, United Kingdom (Guernsey, Jersey), United States (Louisiana), Vanuatu. Significant communities in New Zealand, United States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont). 67 million native (2005 estimate); 130 million total (2005 WA)
Persian Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Southwestern Official in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan. Significant communities in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan 61-71 million native (including 50-60% of Iran, 40% of Afghanistan, 15-30% of Uzbekistan), may include Mazanderani and Gilaki; ~50 million second language, 110 million total (2005)1
UrduIndo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Hindustani Official in India (Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan. Significant communities in Bahrain, Botswana, Fiji, Malawi?, Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa? 61 million native, 43 million second language, = 104 million total
Italian Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italian Official in Croatia (Istria County), Italy, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland (Graubünden, Ticino). Significant communities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, United States (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island), Uruguay, Vatican City 61 million native (all varieties)
Turkish Altaic, Turkic, Southwestern, Oghuz Official in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (de jure part of Cyprus), Turkey. Significant communities in Australia, Austria, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iran, Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands. 60 million native, 15 million second language, = 75 million total (2005 estimate). Total for Oghuz Turkish, including Azeri, Turkmen, and Qashqai, is 100 million native.
Gujarati Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central Zone Official in India (Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli). Significant communities in Fiji. 46 million
Polish Indo-European, Slavic, West Official in Poland. Significant communities in Belarus, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, United States (Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey). 46 million
Ukrainian Indo-European, Slavic, East Official in Ukraine, Transnistria (de jure part of Moldova). Significant communities in Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Slovakia 39 million
Malayalam Dravidian, Southern Official in India (Kerala, Lakshadweep, district of Mahe). Significant communities in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates 36 million (1997)
Kannada Dravidian, Southern Official in India (Karnataka). 35 million native, 9 million second language, = 44 million total (1997)
Oriya Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Magadhi Official in India (Orissa). 32 million native (1997)
Burmese Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese Official in Myanmar. 32 million native, 10 million second language, = 42 million total
Thai Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai Official in Thailand. ~31 million native (1983 SIL, 1990 Diller, 2000 WCD) (dated data), = ~60 million first & second language (2001 A. Diller). Includes Southern Thai, Northern Thai/Western Lao, but not Shan, Isan, or Lao.
[edit]

10–30 million native speakers

Language Family Official status and where spoken natively, or as an immigrant language, by more than 1% of the population Number of speakers
Amharic Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, South Official in Ethiopia. Significant communities in Israel. 27 million native (32.7% Ethiopia [1994 census] and 2.7 million emigrants), 10% (7 million) as a second language = 34 million total
Sundanese Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Sunda-Sulawesi Native to Indonesia (originally western Java) 27 million (1990)
Azeri Altaic, Turkic, Southwestern, Oghuz Official in Azerbaijan. Native to Iran. Significant communities in Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Iraq. 21-33 million native, including Qashqai (data for Iran uncertain); 8 million second language (outside Iran)
Kurdish Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern Official in Iraq. Native to Armenia, Iran, Syria, Turkey. Significant communities in Germany, Lebanon. ~26 million (assuming 20% of Turkey)
Pashto Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern Official in Afghanistan. Native to Pakistan. Significant communities in Iran, United Arab Emirates. 21–27 million (data uncertain; ethnic population ~30 million)
Hausa Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West Official in Niger, north Nigeria. Significant communities in Chad, Benin, Ghana, Sudan 24 million native, ~ 15 million second language, = ~ 40 million total
Oromo Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East Cushitic National language of Ethiopia. Significant communities in Kenya 24 million native (31.6% of Ethiopia [1994 census]), ~ 2 million second language, = 26 million total (1998 census)
Romanian Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Eastern Official in Moldova, Romania, Serbia (Vojvodina). Significant communities in Greece, Hungary, Israel, Spain, Serbia and Montenegro. 24–26 million (2002)
Indonesian Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Sunda-Sulawesi Malayic Official in Indonesia. Significant communities in the Netherlands, Timor-Leste 23 million native, 140+ million second language, = 165 million total; 175 million total all Malay (2005 WA)
Dutch Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Germanic, Low Franconian Official in Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Suriname. 22 million [2] [3]
Tagalog Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo-Philippines, Central Philippines Official in Philippines. Significant communities in Canada, People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States (Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands). 22 million native (2000 census), ~65 million second language, = 85 million total
Uzbek Altaic, Turkic, Eastern Official in Uzbekistan. Native to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan 20 million (1995)
Sindhi Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan Official in India, Pakistan. Significant communities in People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong) ?, Oman?. 20 million native, 1 million second language, = 21 million total (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Yoruba Niger-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid Official in Nigeria. Native to Benin 19 million native, 2 million second language, = 21 million total (1993)
Somali Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, Central Cushitic Official in Somalia. Native to Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya. Significant communities in United Arab Emirates, Yemen 13-25 million (2004 WCD)
Lao Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai Official in Laos. Native to Thailand. ~19 million Lao-Phutai dialects (including Isan) (data dated)
Cebuano Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo-Philippines, Central Philippine Native to Philippines 18.5 million (2000 census)
Malay Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Sunda-Sulawesi, Malayic Official in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore. Native to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand. Significant communities in Australia, Bahrain. 18 million native, 3 million second language, = 21 million total (not counting Indonesian)
Igbo Niger-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid Official in Nigeria 18 million native (1999 WA), unknown number second language.
Malagasy Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo-Philippines, Barito Official in Madagascar. Significant communities in Mayotte, Réunion. 17 million
Nepali Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan Official in Nepal, India (Sikkim). Significant communities in Bhutan. 17 million native (2001 census), perhaps 10–15 million second language?
Assamese Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Magadhan Prakrit, Bengali-Assamese Official in India (Assam). Significant communities in Bhutan. 15 million (1997)
Hungarian Uralic, Finno-Ugric, Ugric Official in Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro (Vojvodina), Slovenia. Significant communities in Israel, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine 15 million
Shona Niger-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantu National language of Zimbabwe. Significant communities in Botswana, Mozambique. 15 million native, 1.8 million second language, = 16-17 million total, including Ndau, Manyika (2000 A. Chebanne)
Khmer Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer Official in Cambodia. Significant communities in Thailand, United States (California), Vietnam 14 million native, 1 million second language, = 15 million total (2004)
Zhuang Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai Official in People's Republic of China (Guangxi) 14 million native (1992), unknown number second language
Madura Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Sunda-Sulawesi Native to Indonesia (Originally Java, Madura) 14 million (1995)
Sinhala Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan Official in Sri Lanka. Significant communities in United Arab Emirates 13 million native, 2 million second language, = 15 million total (1993)
Fulani Niger-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian Official in Niger, Nigeria, Senegal. National language of Guinea, Mali. Significant communities in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone. ~13 million (all varieties)
Tamazight Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Northern National language in Algeria (Kabyle), Morocco. Significant communities in France, Netherlands, Spain (Ceuta & Melilla). 13+ million (1998)
Czech Indo-European, Slavic, West Slavic Official in Czech Republic. 12 million (1990 WA).
Greek Indo-European, Greek Official in Cyprus, Greece. Significant communities in Albania, Australia, Canada, Egypt, Georgia. 12 million (2004)
Serbian Indo-European, Slavic, South Official in Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Significant communities in Croatia, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland. 11 million (1981 WA); Serbian-Croatian-Bosnian together = 17 million
Quechua Quechuan Official in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru. Significant communities in Argentina 10.4 million, all varieties
[edit]

3–10 million native speakers

Language Family Official status and where spoken natively by more than 1% of the population Number of speakers
Zulu Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa. Significant communities in Lesotho, Swaziland 9.6 million native, ~16 million second language, = ~25 million total (1996 census)
Chichewa (Nyanja) Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Malawi, Zambia. Significant communities in Mozambique, Zimbabwe. 9.3 million native (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk), 0.4 million second language (1999 WA), = 9.7 million total
Belarusian Indo-European, Slavic, East Official in Belarus. Significant communities in Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania 9.1 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Swedish Indo-European, Germanic, North National language of Sweden. Official in Åland (Finland), Finland 8.8 million (1986)
Kongo Niger-Congo, Bantu National language in Angola, Congo-Brazzaville (Kituba), Congo-Kinshasa. 8.7 million, all varieties, including Yombe and creolized Kituba (1986-2002) (dated data)
Akan Niger-Congo, Kwa National language in Ghana 8.3 million native, ~1 million second language, = ~10 million total (2004 SIL)
Kazakh Altaic, Turkic Official in Kazakhstan. Significant communities in People's Republic of China (Xinjiang), Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan 8.2 million
Hmong Hmong-Mien China. Significant communities in France (French Guiana), Laos, United States (Minnesota, Wisconsin), Vietnam ~8 million, all varieties (1999 Li Yunbing)
Yi Tibeto-Burman People's Republic of China 7.8 million ethnic Yi (2000 census)
Tshiluba Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Congo-Kinshasa 7.8 million native, 0.7 million second language, = 8.5 million total (1991 UBS). Includes 1.5 million Kiluba.
Ilokano Austronesian, Borneo-Philippines, Northern Luzon Philippines. Significant communities in United States (Hawaii). 7.7 million native (2000 census), unknown number second language (1991 UBS)
Bulgarian Indo-European, Slavic, South Official in Bulgaria. Significant communities in Moldova. 6.6 million in Bulgaria (2005) and ~1 million abroad
Uyghur Altaic, Turkic Official in People's Republic of China (Xinjiang). Significant communities in Kazakhstan 7.6 million
Haitian Creole Indo-European, Romance, Creole Official in Haiti. Significant communities in Bahamas, Canada (Quebec), Cayman Islands (UK), Dominican Republic, France (Guadeloupe), United States (Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New York). 7.4 million (2001)
Kinyarwanda Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Rwanda. Significant communities in Congo-Kinshasa, Uganda 7.3 million (1998)
Xhosa Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa. Significant communities in Lesotho 7.2 million (1996 census)
Balochi Indo-European, Iranian Native to Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan. Significant communities in Oman, United Arab Emirates 7.0 million (1998)
Hiligaynon Austronesian, Borneo-Philippines, Central Philippine, Visayan Philippines 6.9 million (2000 census), unknown number second language
Tigrinya Afro-Asiatic, Semitic Official in Eritrea, Ethiopia 4.5 million in Ethiopia (6% of population–1994 census), ~2.25 million in Eritrea (50% of population–CIA) = 6.75 native, 146,934 as second language (1994 census) = 6.9 million total
Catalan Indo-European, Romance Official in Andorra, Spain (Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Valencia). Native to France (Pyrénées-Orientales), Italy (Alghero). 6.7 million native, ~5 million second language, = ~12 million total (1996) (includes Valencian)
Armenian Indo-European, isolate Official in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh (de jure part of Azerbaijan). Significant communities in Georgia, Lebanon, Syria. 6.7 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk, etc.)
Minangkabau Austronesian, Sunda-Sulawesi, Malayic Indonesia (Sumatra) 6.5 million (1981 Moussay) (dated data)
Turkmen Altaic, Turkic Official in Turkmenistan. Significant communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq. 6.4 million (1995)
Makua Niger-Congo, Bantu Major language of Mozambique. Significant communities in Tanzania 6.4 million, all varieties, including Lomwe
Croatian Indo-European, Slavic, South Official in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia. Significant communities in Austria, Slovenia 6.2 million
Santali Austro-Asiatic, Munda Official in India 6.2 million (1997)
Batak Austronesian, Borneo-Philippines Sunda-Sulawesi, Northern Sumatra Indonesia ~6.2 million, all varieties (c. 1991 UBS) (dated data). Includes Toba, Dairi, Simalungun, etc.
Albanian Indo-European, isolate Official in Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro (Kosovo). Significant communities in Greece. 6.0 million (data from Albania dated)
Afrikaans Indo-European, Germanic Official in South Africa. Significant communities in Namibia. 6.0 million native, 10.3 million second language, = 16 million total (1996 census)
Mongolian Altaic, Mongolian Official in People's Republic of China (Inner Mongolia), Mongolia 5.7 million
Bhili Indo-European, Indic India 5.6 million, all varieties (1994) (dated data). Includes 1.6 million Wagdi, etc.
Finnish Uralic, Finnic Official in Finland, Russia (Republic of Karelia). Significant communities in Sweden. 5.4 million (1993) (dated data)
Gikuyu Niger-Congo, Bantu Major language of Kenya 5.3 million (1994 I. Larsen BTL)
Danish Indo-European, Germanic, North Official in Denmark, Faroe Islands (Denmark), Greenland (Denmark). Significant communities in Germany (Southern Schleswig) 5.3 million (1980) (dated data)
Hebrew Afro-Asiatic, Semitic Official in Israel. Significant communities in West Bank (Palestinian Territories). 5.1 million (1998) (10 million literate)
Slovak Indo-European, Slavic, West Official in Slovakia. 5.0 million (1990 WA)
Mòoré Niger-Congo, Gur National language of Burkina Faso ~5 million (1991)
Swahili Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya, Tanzania. Significant communities in Comoros, Mayotte, Oman, Réunion. ~5 million native, ~40 million second language
Guarani Tupi Official in Paraguay. Significant communities in Argentina. 4.9 million (1995)
Kirundi Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Burundi. 4.9 million (1986) (dated data)
Sesotho (southern) Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Lesotho, South Africa. 4.9 million (1996 census)
Romani Indo-European, Indic Significant communities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iran, Macedonia, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Turkey 4.8 million, all varieties, including Domari (data for Vlax 2002–2004; for Domari 2000 WCD).
Norwegian Indo-European, Germanic, North Official in Norway. 4.6 million [Wikipedia figure; needs confirmation]
Tibetan Tibeto-Burman Official in People's Republic of China (Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Sichuan, Gansu) 4.6 million, all varieties
Kanuri Nilo-Saharan, Saharan Official in Niger, Nigeria. Significant communities in Chad (Kanembu) 4.4 million native, 0.5 million second language, = 4.9 million total (data mostly from 1985) (dated data)
Tswana Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Botswana, South Africa. National language of Namibia 4.4 million native, 0.2 million second language, = 4.6 million total (1993 Johnstone) (dated data)
Kashmiri Indo-European, Indic Official in India (Jammu and Kashmir), Native to Pakistan. 4.6 million (1997)
Georgian Kartvelian Official in Georgia. Significant communities in Israel. 4.2 million (1993 UBS)
Umbundu Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Angola ~4 million native, unknown number second language (1995 WA)
Konkani Indo-European, Indic Official in India (Goa) ~4 million (1999 WA)
Balinese Austronesian, Sunda-Sulawesi, Bali-Sasak Indonesia (Bali, Lombok) 3.9 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Northern Sotho (sePedi) Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa. Significant communities in Botswana 3.7 million (1996 census)
Bikol Austronesian, Borneo-Philippines, Central Philippine Philippines 3.7 native (2000 census), unknown number second language
Luyia Niger-Congo, Bantu Kenya 3.6 million (1989 census) (dated data)
Wolof Niger-Congo, Atlantic Official in Senegal. Significant communities in The Gambia. 3.6 million native (2002), unknown number second language
Bemba Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Zambia 3.6 million native, unknown number second language (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Buginese Austronesian, Sunda-Sulawesi, South Sulawesi Indonesia 3.5 million native, 0.5 million second language, = ~4 million total (1991 SIL)
Luo (Dholuo) Nilo-Saharan, Nilotic Kenya 3.5 million (1994 I. Larsen BTL) (dated data)
Maninka Niger-Congo, Mande National language of Guinea, Mali. Significant numbers in Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone. 3.3 million, all varieties
Mazanderani Indo-European, Iranian Iran 3.3 million (1993) (dated data) (numbers may be confused with or include Gilaki)
Gilaki Indo-European, Iranian Iran 3.3 million (1993) (dated data) (numbers may be confused with or include Mazanderani)
Shan Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai Myanmar 3.3 million
Tsonga Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa. Significant communities in Mozambique, Swaziland. 3.3 million (1989, 1996) (dated data)
Galician Indo-European, Romance. Official in Spain. 3.2 million (1986) (data dated)
Sukuma Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania 3.2 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Yiddish Indo-European, Germanic Significant communities in Belarus, Israel, Latvia, Ukraine. 3.2 million
Jamaican Creole Indo-European, Germanic, Creole Jamaica. Significant communities in Panama, Costa Rica 3.2 million (2001)
Kyrgyz Altaic, Turkic Official in Kyrgyzstan. Native to Tajikistan 3.1 million (1993 UBS) (dated data)
Waray-Waray Austronesian, Borneo-Philippines, Central Philippine, Visayan Philippines 3.1 native (2000 census), unknown number second language
Ewe Niger-Congo, Kwa Official in Togo. National language of Ghana. 3.1 million native, 0.5 million second language, = 3.6 million total (2003)
Lithuanian Indo-European, Baltic Official in Lithuania. Significant communities in Latvia. 3.1 million (1998)
Luganda Niger-Congo, Bantu Major language of Uganda 3.0 million native (1991 census), ~1 million second language (1999 WA), = ~ 4 million total
Acehnese Austronesian, Sunda-Sulawesi, Malayic Indonesia ~3 million (1999 WA)
Kimbundu Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Angola ~3 million (1999 WA)
Hindko Indo-European, Indic Pakistan ~3 million (1993) (dated data)
Ibibio-Efik Niger-Congo, Cross River Efik official in Nigeria ~3 million, including Anaang (1990; 1998 B. Connell) (dated data)
[edit]

1–3 million native speakers

Language Family Official status and where spoken natively, or as an immigrant language, by more than 1% of the population Number of speakers
Rajbangsi Indo-European, Indic India 3.0 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Garhwali Indo-European, Indic India 2.9 million (2000)
Bambara Niger-Congo, Mande National language of Mali 2.8 million native, 10 million second language, = 13 million total
Ometo Afro-Asiatic, Omotic Ethiopia 2.8 million, all varieties, including Wolaytta (1998 census)
Indian Sign Language Language isolate (Sign language) Bangladesh, India, Pakistan 2.7 million in India, plus unknown number in Bangladesh, Pakistan (2003). Same language as Pakistani Sign Language
Betawi creole Austronesian Indonesia 2.7 million (1993 Johnstone) (dated data)
Karen Tibetan-Burman Myanmar, Thailand 2.6 million, all varieties (dated data)
Gondi Dravidian India 2.6 million (1997)
Senoufo Niger-Congo, Gur National language of Mali. Native to Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire. 2.6 million, all varieties (1991, 1993, 2001) (dated data)
Kalenjin Nilo-Saharan, Nilotic Kenya 2.5 million (1989 census) (dated data)
Kumauni Indo-European, Indic India 2.4 million in India (1998)
Kamba Niger-Congo, Bantu Kenya 2.4 million native, 0.6 million second language, = 3.0 million total (1989 census) (dated data)
Luri Indo-European, Iranian Iran 2.4 million (1999, 2001)
Quiché Mayan Guatemala 2.3 million (2000 SIL)
Kapampangan Austronesian Philippines 2.3 million (2000 census)
Bosniak Indo-European, Slavic, South Official in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.8–2.7 million (2004) [needs verification]
Aymara Aymaran Official in Bolivia, Peru. Significant numbers in Argentina. 2.2 million Central Aymara (1987), plus unknown number Southern Aymara in Peru (dated data; needs confirmation)
Tiv Niger-Congo, Bantoid Nigeria 2.2 million native, unknown number second language (1991 UBS) (dated data)
Brahui Dravidian Pakistan, Afghanistan 2.2 million
Gbaya Niger-Congo, Ubangian Central African Republic, Congo-Kinshasa 2.2 million, all varieties, including Ngbaka (2000 WCD)
Zarma Nilo-Saharan, Songhai Official in Niger 2.2 million (1998)
Baoulé Niger-Congo, Kwa Côte d'Ivoire 2.1 million (1993 SIL) (dated data)
Dogri Indo-European, Indic Official in India (Jammu and Kashmir) 2.1 million (1997)
Lingala Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa. 2.1 million native (2000 WCD), 7 million second language in Congo-Kinshasa (1999 WA), unknown additional second language speakers in Congo-Brazzaville, = 9+ million total.
Sasak Austronesian Indonesia 2.1 million (1989) (dated data)
Kurux Dravidian India, Nepal 2.1 million (1997)
Mundari Austro-Asiatic, Munda India 2.1 million (1997)
Dinka Nilo-Saharan, Nilotic Southern Sudan 2+ million
Slovenian Indo-European, Slavic Official in Austria, Italy, Slovenia. 2.0 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Buyei Tai-Kadai China ~2 million (1990 census) (dated data)
Beti-Pahuin Niger-Congo, Bantu Major language of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea. Significant communities in Cameroon, São Tomé e Príncipe. ~2 million. Includes Fang, Ewondo, etc.
Dimli Indo-European, Iranian Turkey 1.5 to 2.5 million (all dialects) (1998 Paul)
Tulu Dravidian India 1.9 million (1997)
Sidamo Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic Ethiopia 1.9 million, 0.1 million second language, = 2.0 million total (1998 census)
Bashkir Altaic, Turkic Official in Russia (Bashkortostan) 1.9 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Yao Niger-Congo, Bantu Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique ~1.9 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Chuvash Altaic, Turkic Official in Russia (Chuvashia) 1.8 million native, 0.2 million second language, = 2.0 million total (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Ijaw Niger-Congo, unclassified Nigeria 1.8 million (all varieties)
Fon Niger-Congo, Kwa National language of Benin Significant communities in Togo 1.7 million native (2000 Hoddenbagh), unknown number second language
Swazi Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa, Swaziland. Significant communities in Lesotho 1.7 million (1996 census, 1993 Johnstone)
Nyankore Niger-Congo, Bantu Uganda 1.6 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Tatar Altaic, Turkic Official in Russia (Tatarstan). Significant communities in Bashkortostan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan 1.6 million (1989 census) [6.6 million ethnic Tatar]
Makasar Austronesian Indonesia 1.6 million native, 0.4 million second language, = 2 million total (1989) (dated data)
Macedonian Indo-European, Slavic Official in Macedonia 1.6 million (1986) (dated data)
Gusii Niger-Congo, Bantu Kenya 1.6 million (1994 I. Larsen BTL) (dated data)
Khandesi Indo-European, Indic India 1.6 million (1997)
Ndebele Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa. National language of Zimbabwe. 1.6 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Chin Tibetan-Burman Myanmar, India 1.6 million (1990 BAP, 1996 UBS) (dated data). All varieties, but not including Mizo etc.
Sara Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, Bongo-Bagirmi National language of Chad. Significant communities in Central African Republic. 1.5 million native, all varieties, large number second-language speakers (dated data)
Pangasinan Austronesian Philippines 1.5 million (2000 census)
Latvian Indo-European, Baltic Official in Latvia. Significant communities in Australia. 1.5 million
Tonga Niger-Congo, Bantu Zambia, Zimbabwe 1.5 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Lampung Austronesian Indonesia ~1.5 million (1981 Wurm and Hattori) (dated data)
Sardinian Indo-European, Romance Official in Italy (Sardinia) ~1.5 million (1977 M. Ibba, Rutgers University) (dated data)
Scots Indo-European, Germanic, West, Anglic Scotland, Significant communities in Northern Ireland ~1.5 million native (General Register Office for Scotland, 1996)
Dong Tai-Kadai China 1.5 million
Mende Niger-Congo, Mande National language of Sierra Leone 1.5 million native, unknown number second language (1987 UBS) (dated data)
Tày Tai-Kadai Vietnam 1.5 million in Viet Nam (1999 census)
Nahuatl Uto-Aztecan, isolate Mexico 1.4 million (all varieties) (dated data)
Afar Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti 1.4 million (1998 census)
Dagbani Niger-Congo, Gur National language of Ghana 1.4 million, including Kusaal, Mampruli (2004 SIL)
Koli Indo-European, Indic India, Pakistan 1.4 million, all varieties (some data dated)
Chiga Niger-Congo, Bantu Uganda 1.4 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Soga Niger-Congo, Bantu Uganda 1.4 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Tumbuka Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in Malawi. Significant communities in Zambia 1.3 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Iu Mien Hmong-Mien, Yao China 1.3 million, all varieties (1995 Wang and Mao)
Meru Niger-Congo, Bantu Kenya 1.3 million (1994 I. Larsen BTL) (dated data)
Gogo Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania ~1.3 million (1992 UBS) (dated data)
Teso Nilo-Saharan, Nilotic Uganda. Significant communities in Kenya 1.3 million (1991 census) (dated data)
Meithei Tibetan-Burman Official in India (Manipur) 1.3 million (1997)
Tamang Tibetan-Burman Nepal 1.3 million
Makonde Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania, Mozambique 1.3 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Bai Tibetan-Burman, unclassified China 1.2 million (2003)
Tuareg Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Southern Official in Niger. National language of Mali. 1.2 million (1991-1998) [dated data]
Mandinka Niger-Congo, Mande Official in Senegal. Significant communities in Gambia, Guinea-Bissau. 1.2 million (2002)
Jula Niger-Congo, Mande Native to Burkina Faso, Significant communities in Côte d'Ivoire ~1.2 million native, 3 to 4 million second language
Temne Niger-Congo, Atlantic National language of Sierra Leone ~1.2 million native, 0.2 million second language, = ~1.4 million total (1989 J. Kaiser) (dated data)
Haya Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania ~1.2 million (1991 UBS) (dated data)
Serer Niger-Congo, Atlantic Official in Senegal. Significant communities in Gambia. 1.2 million (2002)
Beja Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic or isolate Sudan, Eritrea 1.2 million (1982 SIL) (dated data)
Nyamwezi Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania 1.2 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Abron Niger-Congo, Kwa Ghana 1.2 million (2003)
Alur Nilo-Saharan, Nilotic Congo-Kinshasa, Uganda 1.2 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Sena Niger-Congo, Bantu Mozambique, Malawi 1.2 million, all varieties
Azande Niger-Congo, Ubangian Congo-Kinshasa, Southern Sudan, Central African Republic 1.1 million (dated data)
Walloon Indo-European, Romance Belgium 1.1 million (1998)
Anyi Niger-Congo, Kwa Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana 1.2 million (1993 SIL) (dated data)
Malvi Indo-European, Indic India 1.1 million (1997)
Kinaray-a Austronesian Philippines 1.1 million native (2000 census)
Soninke Niger-Congo, Mande Official in Senegal. National language of Mali. Significant communities in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Mauritania. 1.10 million (1991) (dated data)
Ho Austro-Asiatic, Munda India 1.08 million (1997)
Estonian Uralic, Finnic Official in Estonia 1.08 million (1989 census) (dated data)
Nyakyusa Niger-Congo, Bantu Tanzania, Malawi 1.05 million (1992 UBS) (dated data)
Gwari Niger-Congo, Nupe Nigeria 1.05 million (1991 SIL, 2002 SIL) (dated data)
Lugbara Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, Moru-Madi Congo-Kinshasa, Uganda 1.04 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk, 1983 SIL) (dated data)
Naga Tibetan-Burman India 1.03 million, all varieties (1997)
Susu Niger-Congo, Mande National language of Guinea. Significant communities in Sierra Leone. 1.03 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
Tausug Austronesian Philippines 1.02 million native (2000 census)
Chokwe Niger-Congo, Bantu National language of Angola. Significant communities in Congo-Kinshasa 1.01 million (1990 UBS) (dated data)
Kabardian Caucasic, Circassian Official in Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria). Significant communities in Karachay-Cherkessia, Turkey 1.01 million (1993 UBS, 2001 Johnstone and Mandryk) (dated data)
Ryukyu Japonic, Ryukyuan Japan 1.01 million, all varieties (2000 WCD)
Magindanaw Austronesian Philippines 1.0 million native (2000 census), unknown number second language
Maranao Austronesian Philippines 1.0 million native (2000 census)
Songe Niger-Congo, Bantu Congo-Kinshasa ~1 million (1991 WA) (dated data)
Rejang Austronesian Indonesia ~1 million (1981 Wurm and Hattori) (dated data)
Bini Niger-Congo, Edo Official in Nigeria ~1 million (1999 WA)
Ebira Niger-Congo, Nupe Nigeria ~1 million (1989 J. Adive) (dated data)
Dagaare Niger-Congo, Gur National language of Ghana. Significant communities in Burkina Faso. ~1 million (2003)
Gujari Indo-European, Indic Afghanistan, India, Pakistan 0.99 million (2000 WCD)
Tharu Indo-European, Indic Nepal 0.99 million, all varieties
Chechen Caucasic, Nakh Official in Russia (Chechnya). 0.96 million (1989 census) (dated data!)
Venda Niger-Congo, Bantu Official in South Africa 0.96 million (1996 census)
Arakanese Tibetan-Burman Myanmar, Bangladesh 0.95 million (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk)
[edit]

Notes

Major Source: Ethnologue, 15th edition online

  • Note 1: According to combined estimates from the CIA, Ethnologue, [4], and [5].
[edit]

See also

ast:Llista d'idiomes por númberu de falantes br:Roll ar yezhoù ar muiañ komzet er bed cs:Seznam jazyků podle počtu mluvčích de:Liste von Sprachen nach der Anzahl ihrer Muttersprachler es:Lista de lenguas por número de hablantes eo:Listo de lingvoj laŭ parolantaro eu:Hizkuntzen zerrenda hiztun kopuruko fr:Liste des langues par nombre total de locuteurs ko:사용자 수 순 언어 목록 it:Elenco di lingue parlate nel mondo nl:Lijst van talen volgens aantal sprekers ja:ネイティブスピーカーの数が多い言語の一覧 nn:Verdas språk etter utbreiing pl:Najczęściej używane języki świata pt:Lista de línguas por total de falantes nativos ro:Listă de limbi după numărul de vorbitori ru:Список языков, сортировка по численности говорящих sk:Zoznam jazykov podľa počtu hovoriacich sl:Seznam jezikov po številu govorcev fi:Luettelo kielistä puhujamäärän perusteella sv:Lista över mest talade språk tt:Tel tezmäse/Söyläşüçe sanı buyınça th:รายชื่อของภาษาเรียงตามจำนวนคนพูด vi:Danh sách ngôn ngữ theo tổng số người nói zh:主要语言人口列表

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