Spanish, as the fourth most widely spoken language in the world, is witnessing a remarkable surge in global learners. According to data from the Instituto Cervantes yearbook, a staggering 24 million foreign students are now embracing the Spanish language.
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This marks a significant increase of six million learners over the past decade. Of these Spanish enthusiasts, an astonishing 81% belong to diverse countries, including the United States, various European Union members, and Brazil. In this comprehensive overview, we delve into the top 15 countries that are leading the way in Spanish language education.
15. Equatorial Guinea – 128,895 Spanish Students
Equatorial Guinea, once a Spanish colony, secures the 15th spot in the Cervantes Institute yearbook rankings. With 128,895 Spanish students, the country’s historical ties to Spain continue to shape its linguistic landscape.
14. Spain – 130,000 Spanish Students
As the host nation, Spain also occupies a place in the rankings, serving as a welcoming hub for teaching Spanish in Cervantes Institute centers. The country has witnessed 130,000 foreign students of the Spanish language.
13. Poland – 151,789 Spanish Students
Poland, a European Union member, ranks 13th on the list with 151,789 students studying Spanish at Cervantes Institute centers. Notably, the highest concentration of Spanish learners is in compulsory education and vocational training.
12. Gabon – 167,410 Spanish Students
Another African country, Gabon, secures the 12th spot with 167,410 students delving into the Spanish language.
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11. Cameroon – 193,018 Spanish Students
The Central African nation of Cameroon hosts 193,018 students with a keen interest in studying the Spanish language, placing it 11th in the rankings.
10. Sweden – 254,806 Spanish Students
Sweden, situated to the north of Spain, boasts 254,806 Spanish students. This cohort is distributed across primary, secondary, and vocational training, as well as university education.
9. Senegal – 356,000 Spanish Students
Senegal, another African nation, claims the ninth spot on the list with a remarkable 356,000 Spanish students. This substantial figure underscores the widespread appeal of the Spanish language.
8. Benin – 412,515 Spanish Students
Benin secures the eighth place in the rankings with an estimated 412,515 students studying Spanish, further emphasizing the language’s global reach.
7. Ivory Coast – 566,178 Spanish Students
Ivory Coast is the last African nation on the list. With a substantial 566,178 students, it emerges as a significant contributor to Spanish language education.
6. Germany – 820,544 Spanish Students
As the sixth-ranking nation, Germany hosts 820,544 Spanish students, with a predominant share of 584,617 enrolled in compulsory education and vocational training centers.
5. Italy – 896,293 Spanish Students
Italy secures fifth place with an impressive 896,293 Spanish students. Notably, 61,000 students receive Spanish education at the university level.
4. United Kingdom – 2,027,994 Spanish Students
The United Kingdom boasts more than two million Spanish students, making it the first nation to exceed six figures. This figure spans England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
3. France – 3,335,475 Spanish Students
France, the last European Union member on the list, witnesses a total of 3,335,475 individuals interested in the Spanish language, primarily in primary, secondary, and vocational education.
2. Brazil – 5,234,160 Spanish Students
In Brazil, 5,234,160 students have shown a strong interest in studying Spanish, with the majority pursuing it at the school level. A smaller portion engages in university-level Spanish studies.
1. United States – 8,077,923 Spanish Students
Topping the Cervantes Institute ranking is the United States, where a substantial 8,077,923 citizens have embraced the Spanish language. The prominent Hispanic population’s presence is a compelling incentive for studying Spanish, with the majority engaging in primary, secondary, and vocational training.
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The global appeal of the Spanish language continues to rise, with millions of students from various corners of the world dedicating their time and effort to master this linguistic treasure. The diversity of countries featured in this list highlights the universal recognition of the importance of Spanish in the modern era. With its rich cultural heritage and growing significance in international communication, the Spanish language is undoubtedly a global force to be reckoned with.