10 countries where more people speak English fluently

English is spoken across much of the world, but some countries have developed levels of proficiency that may not match how they are commonly perceived.

The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index places several countries outside the usual list of English-speaking leaders among the countries with high or very high proficiency. Their results reflect factors including education, trade, media, tourism, colonial history and the need to communicate across different language groups.

Read also: 10 hardest languages for English speakers to learn

Here are 10 countries where English proficiency stands out.

1. Croatia

Croatia ranked second globally in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, behind the Netherlands. The country recorded a score that placed it in the very high proficiency category.

English exposure through television, films and online content has contributed to its use, while tourism has created an economic need for English among people working with international visitors.

Although Croatian and English belong to different language groups, English has become part of everyday communication for many younger Croatians.

2. Slovakia

Slovakia recorded a score of 606 in the 2025 index, placing it among the countries with very high English proficiency.

The result reflects changes in education and greater exposure to English-language media and online content. Since joining the European Union, Slovakia has also developed stronger economic links with other European countries, increasing the need for English in business.

English is also used widely among younger people through gaming, music, streaming and social media.

3. Romania

Romania scored 605 and ranked within the very high proficiency category.

The country’s technology and outsourcing sectors have created demand for workers who can communicate with clients in Europe and North America. English-language music, films and online content have also increased exposure among younger Romanians.

The growth shows how language use can change as countries become more connected to international markets.

4. Portugal

Portugal scored 612 in the 2025 index, placing it sixth globally.

English exposure is supported by the country’s use of subtitles rather than dubbing for much foreign television and film content. Tourism also creates regular contact between Portuguese workers and visitors from English-speaking countries.

Lisbon’s role as a destination for international businesses and remote workers has further increased the use of English in professional and social settings.

5. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe ranked 13th globally, tying with South Africa as one of Africa’s leading countries in the 2025 index. Both recorded a score of 602.

English has remained central to education, government and the legal system. The language was retained after independence from British rule and continues to serve alongside the country’s other official languages.

Zimbabwe’s education system has therefore given many people sustained exposure to English from an early age.

6. Kenya

Kenya ranked 19th globally with a score of 593, placing it in the high proficiency category.

English is an official language alongside Swahili and is widely used in education, government, law and business.

Nairobi’s technology and outsourcing industries also depend on English for communication with international clients. For many Kenyans, English becomes a working language during their education and professional lives.

7. Zambia

Zambia recorded 573 points and ranked 27th globally.

English became the country’s official language after independence and remains the main language used in government, education and the courts.

With more than 70 local languages spoken across Zambia, English also provides a common means of communication between people from different language groups.

8. Nigeria

Nigeria ranked 29th globally in the high proficiency category.

English serves as the country’s main official language and is widely used across education, government, business and the media. Its role is also linked to Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, with hundreds of indigenous languages spoken across the country.

Nollywood has increased the reach of Nigerian English-language content across Africa and beyond, while Lagos remains a centre for business and international commerce.

9. Philippines

The Philippines has more than 60 million people aged five and above who can speak English.

English is taught alongside Filipino within the country’s education system and remains central to sectors such as business process outsourcing, customer service and international trade.

Cities such as Manila and Cebu have developed large outsourcing industries, creating employment for people whose work involves regular communication with international customers.

10. Malaysia

Malaysia was the highest-ranked Asian country among the markets covered by the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index. Its score increased by 15 points from the previous ranking.

English continues to play a role in higher education, business and international communication. The country’s Malay, Chinese and Indian communities also use English in some mixed-language settings.

Malaysia’s position shows how English continues to play a role in economies where several languages are used in daily life.

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