The Complete List of All 74 French

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You’ve probably encountered some French in your life, even if you don’t speak it. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 45% of English vocabulary originates from French! From restaurant menus to art galleries, the French language can be found in more places than just France. With over 320 million speakers worldwide, it’s no surprise that the language is so common! 

If you’re interested in joining their ranks, start learning French with Rosetta Stone! You’ll learn how to speak French through a Dynamic Immersion approach that taps into your natural language learning abilities. Below, we’ll take a detailed look at all the French-speaking countries and how the language has evolved. 

Table of ContentsHow many French-speaking countries are there?

French is the official language of 29 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland, the full list of which you’ll find below. But as the fifth most spoken language in the world, there are many more countries that speak it unofficially.

According to the International Organization of Francophonie—a group that represents countries and regions where French is the customary language—there are 88 different states and countries around the world with significant French-speaking populations. In fact, 93 million students are taught French as their language of instruction.

And, if you’ve ever watched an international sporting event, you’ve likely heard announcements made in French. That’s because French is used as an official language for multiple international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the International Association Football Federation, the International Olympics Committee, Doctors Without Borders, and more.

French-speaking countries list

As mentioned above, there are 29 countries that claim French as an official language. Of these 29 countries, 16 have French as the co-official language. Here is the complete list of countries with French as their official language:

Belgium (co-official)BeninBurkina FasoBurundi (co-official)Cameroon (co-official)Canada (co-official)Central African Republic (co-official)Chad (co-official)Comoros (co-official)CongoCongo, Democratic Republic ofCote d’IvoireDjibouti (co-official)FranceGabonGuinea (co-official)Haiti (co-official)Luxembourg (co-official)Madagascar (co-official)MaliMonacoNigerRwanda (co-official)SenegalSeychelles (co-official)Switzerland (co-official)TogoVanuatu (co-official)VietnamCountries with French-speaking populations

And here are all the countries that have French-speaking populations or use French as an administrative language:

AlgeriaAndorraArgentinaBrazilBulgariaCambodiaChileCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaGhanaGreeceGuadeloupeHungaryIndiaIrelandItalyJordanLaosLebanonMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMoroccoNew CaledoniaNigeriaNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRéunionSaint BarthelemySaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSingaporeSpainSyriaTunisiaUnited StatesUruguayVietnamWallis and FutunaWhich continents and countries have the most French speakers? 

French is one of the most widely spoken languages with speakers on every continent. 

Oceania and South America have at least one country with French as an official language. In Asia, French is either a minority language or an unofficial language. In India, where Hindi and Urdu are most prevalsent, there are only two cities that speak French—Chandannagar and Puducherry.Africa

Africa is home to the highest number of French speakers: 22 of the 29 countries that list French as their official language are located on the continent. It remains a popular language in other African countries as well, including those like Egypt and Morocco that do not list French as a national language. In total, it’s estimated that nearly 60% of daily French speakers live in Africa.

Europe

The second highest concentration of French speakers is in Europe. The continent of Europe has five French-speaking countries that list it as an official language. Only Monaco and France have French as the sole official language, but there are over 15 other languages spoken in France.  

North America

North America has the third largest concentration of French speakers. Most notably Canada, Haiti, and some French-speaking countries in the Caribbean have French as their official language. 

Are there different French dialects? 

As one of the most widely spoken languages, it’s no surprise that there are numerous French dialects. Dialects present certain nuances that are specific to each region. Native French speakers in Haiti not only sound slightly different from native French speakers in Belgium, but they also have their own unique slang. One of the most distinct French dialects is Haitian Creole, and it is the most popular of the French-based creole languages.

French dialects in Canada

For instance in Canada, there are five regional dialects for French—Acadian French, Chiac, Newfoundland French, Quebec French, and Ontario French. Some are influenced by global standard French, the kind taught in schools and spoken in France, while others are influenced by Creole populations or colonial French settlers.

French dialects in the United States

In the United States, Louisiana French is a mixture of colonial and French creole. Creole French is a collection of languages that combines aspects of French, Indian, and African languages, a result of French colonization in the 17th century. In America, the Louisiana Creole and Cajun communities still speak a distinct Louisiana Creole language alongside the Louisiana French that remains a widely spoken and unofficial language for the state.

French dialects in Africa

In Africa, there are multiple regional differences influenced by native languages and former colonial powers. One of the larger distinctions is between the French spoken along the Ivory Coast and the French spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ivory Coast French uses many loanwords from regional African languages, and standard French terms have evolved to take on new meanings. On the other hand, French used in the Congo is heavily influenced by the four national languages— Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba—that are spoken more often in the country.

How did the French language spread?

The oldest preserved text in French was written around 842. Starting in the 1100s, Old French became important in poetry. Throughout the next few centuries, French continued to grow as a popular language among noble and educated populations in Europe. With French and Belgian colonization, French was further spread to Africa, Asia, and North America.

Later, with the creation of large international institutions like the United Nations, The International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization, and the European Union, French further solidified itself as a major language in the international sphere.

Should you learn French?

Yes, bien sûr (of course)! Because French is spoken in so many places around the world, you’re bound to make good use of it, even if you don’t travel. Imagine all the people you can meet in your own community! 

Plus, there are many proven benefits of learning a second language. For example, French is among the top languages to learn for business. And, with Rosetta Stone it’s easier than ever to start! 

Start by learning basic French words and phrases or reviewing the most common verbs in French. Rosetta Stone can help you learn a language faster and more confidently than you would if you studied on your own. Bite-sized lessons help you learn at your own pace, and the Rosetta Stone app lets you do it all on the go.

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