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

Did you know that English is the most spoken language in the world, with a total of 1.5 billion speakers worldwide? It is also the official language in more than 50 countries.

According to web data, of the 1.5 billion, about 37.3 and 400 million people are English-speaking people, while the remaining 108-1100 million people speak English as second or foreign languages. In addition, it speaks in more than 186 countries.

But according to the creator education First (EF), which country in the world has the highest English proficiency? Curious? Let’s get started!

Top 10 countries with the highest EPI score: Where is India?

According to the latest 2024 EPI data, here is a list of the top ten countries with the highest EPI scores. The list includes:

rank

nation

English Proficiency EF Index Score 2024 (0-800)

EF skilled 2024

1

Netherlands

636

Very high level

2

Norway

610

Very high level

3

Singapore

609

Very high level

4

Sweden

608

Very high level

5

Croatia

607

Very high level

6

Portugal

605

Very high level

7

Denmark

603

Very high level

8

Greece

602

Very high level

9

Austria

600

Very high level

10

Germany

598

High ability

69

India

490

Low proficiency

#1. Netherlands

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

Most Dutch people learn English from a very young age and are often used in media and international interactions. The strong education system in the Netherlands and the emphasis on language learning contributes to its advanced rankings.

#2. Norway

Norway ranked second with 610 points and also showed a high level. English is widely used due to Norway’s strong international business connections and lack of dubbing in the media. Norwegians often watch TV shows and movies in English, which helps to improve their proficiency.

#3. Singapore

Singapore ranked third with a score of 609. English is one of its four official languages, making it the main language of communication. Singapore’s education system attaches great importance to English and is widely used in business and government.

#4. Sweden

Sweden ranks fourth with a score of 608. English is often used in business, education and media. The country’s strong education system and cultural emphasis on language learning contribute to its advanced rankings. Swedes often watch English TV shows and movies without having to dub.

#5. Croatia

Croatia ranked fifth with a score of 607. English is becoming increasingly important in tourism and international business and is encouraged to be widely used. Croatian schools emphasize learning of English, which contributes to the high level of the country.

#6. Portugal

Portugal ranked sixth with 605 points. English is crucial in tourism and international business and promotes its use. Portuguese schools teach English as a mandatory topic, supporting high proficiency.

#7. Denmark

Denmark ranked seventh with a score of 603. Most Danes learn English from childhood and are often used in media and international interactions. The lack of voiceovers in TV shows and movies encourages Danes to improve their English skills.

#8. Greece

Greece scored 602. English is widely used in tourism and international business. Greek schools emphasize learning of English, which contributes to the high level of the country.

#9. Austria

Austria ranked ninth with a score of 600. English is widely taught in schools and many Austrians use it for international business and tourism. The Austrian education system supports language learning, and English has become a key topic since childhood.

#10. Germany

Germany ranked in the top ten with 598 points, indicating a high level of proficiency. English is widely used in business and education and many Germans have learned it from an early age. Germany’s strong economy and international relations have promoted English as a key language.

#69. India

India ranked 69th with a score of 490, indicating a lower level. Nevertheless, due to its colonial history and the use of the language in education and business, English speakers in India have a large number of English. India’s education system emphasizes English and is widely used in international interactions.

Despite the challenges faced in rural areas, urban centers show higher levels of level. Measures to improve English skills include increasing attention to school language training and the use of English in media and government communication.

What is the EF English Proficiency Index score?

The EF score is the country and region value given to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).

It operates through the annual release of the index by EF (First), which attempts to rank all adult English skills in countries and regions around the world.

Education is first and foremost a large private international education company specializing in a wide range of educational programs. It is the creator of the EF Standard English Test (SET), which awards rankings to a country accordingly. You can provide this test for free and get a certificate for free.