Spanish is one of the most prominent languages in the world. Millions of people speak it as their native or second language. It's spoken from Spain to Latin America and even in Africa. As the official language of 21 countries, Spanish is an important language in global communication, culture, and business. Here's our guide to the language and where it's spoken.
Spanish as a Global Language
Regarding native speakers, Spanish is the second largest language in the world after Mandarin Chinese.
There are over 500 million native speakers and around 590 million total speakers, which includes people who speak it as a second language.
It's the official language of countries in Europe, the Americas, and Africa, and one of the most influential languages in the world.
As you may have guessed, it originated in Spain, on the Iberian Peninsula (which includes Spain, Portugal, and Andorra), but was spread worldwide through exploration, colonisation, and trade.
Spanish is a key language today in international diplomacy and commerce, as well as the culture, traditions, and daily lives of millions.
Due to its widespread use, Spanish is a crucial language for communication, travel, and business.
The 21 Countries Where Spanish is the Official Language
Across the world, there are 21 countries across three continents that have Spanish as either their primary official language or as their co-official language.
| Region | Country |
|---|---|
| Europe | Spain |
| North America | Mexico |
| Central America | Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama |
| Caribbean | Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico (territory of the U.S.) |
| South America | Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| Africa | Equatorial Guinea |
Regional Overview of Spanish-Speaking Countries
Though Spanish is now a global language, it has certain specificities by region and locale, particularly in the continents where it's mainly spoken.
- Europe: Spain is the birthplace of the Spanish language, where "Castilian Spanish" originates.
- Latin America: Most Spanish-speaking countries are in Central and South America. Spain colonised these nations between the 15th and 17th centuries, and Spanish became the dominant language.
- Africa: Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is an official language due to its colonial history under Spanish rule.
Mexico has the world's largest number of Spanish speakers, with over 125 million people speaking it as their first language, surpassing Spain itself!
Spanish in the Americas: The 18 Latin American Countries That Speak Spanish
Most of the Spanish-speaking countries in the world are located in Latin America. Spanish is the official or dominant language of over 400 million people here, and the region is home to some of the largest Spanish-speaking populations in the world.
In fact, the Spanish language is so widespread that we often refer to the region where it's spoken as Latin America. However, this also includes most non-English-speaking countries in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Spanish-Speaking Countries in Latin America
Here’s a breakdown of the 18 Latin American countries where Spanish is the official language:
Central America
- Guatemala
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Caribbean Nations
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico (U.S. territory, but Spanish is widely spoken)
South America
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
The Spread of Spanish in the Americas
During the Age of Exploration, in the late 15th century, Spanish explorers and conquistadors introduced Spanish to the Americas.
Spanish became the dominant language for the next few centuries due to colonisation, trade, and cultural influence.
Today, it remains deeply embedded in many Latin American identities, influencing local dialects, traditions, and even indigenous languages.
In countries like Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Mexico, Spanish has mixed with native languages to form unique linguistic blends.
Mexico City, Mexico – Over 21 million speakers
Buenos Aires, Argentina – Over 15 million speakers
Bogotá, Colombia – Over 10 million speakers
Beyond Latin America: Spain & Other Spanish-Speaking Regions
Spanish is commonly associated with Latin America, but it's also spoken in Europe and Africa.
Here are some of the other regions where Spanish has a significant role.
Spain: The Birthplace of the Spanish Language
You can't really talk about Spanish without Spain, but the language's widespread adoption has made it somewhat decentralised.
However, Spain is and always will be the original home of the Spanish language. Spanish originated in Castile, Spain, so the language variant is sometimes called Castilian Spanish or Castellano.
Spain is the cultural and linguistic heart of the Spanish-speaking world, with 47 million speakers. Spanish isn't the only language spoken in the country; there are regional co-official languages like Basque, Catalan, and Galician.
Equatorial Guinea: The Only Spanish-Speaking Country in Africa
Equatorial Guinea, a small nation in Central Africa, recognises Spanish as an official language.
Spanish was introduced to the country in the 18th and 19th centuries, and though Spanish is widely used in government and education, the country's indigenous languages, like Fang and Bubi, are widely spoken.
Spanish in the United States
The United States is actually the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world after Mexico in terms of native Spanish speakers. However, Spanish has no official status there.
Spanish is particularly dominant in certain states, including:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Arizona
By 2050, the U.S. is projected to become the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with an estimated 132 million Spanish speakers!
The Influence of Spanish Culture & Language Worldwide
Like other languages, Spanish cannot be separated from its history, traditions, or cultures. It has shaped art, music, cuisine, and daily life for millions around the world.
From flamenco music in Spain to vibrant Latin American festivals, the Spanish language connects millions of people across many continents, with many adults choosing to learn the language due to its popularity.
The Impact of Spanish on Local Dialects and Indigenous Languages
The Spanish language has impacted indigenous languages worldwide but has also been influenced by them.
For example, local languages have influenced Spanish and other European languages, particularly in Latin American countries.
- Chocolate – from the Nahuatl word xocoatl (Mexico)
- Poncho – from Quechua punchu (Peru)
- Mate – from the Guaraní word mati (Argentina & Paraguay)
Spanish evolved from Vulgar Latin, the spoken form of Latin used by soldiers and commoners in the Roman Empire. Over time, it absorbed influences from Arabic (due to the Moorish rule in Spain), indigenous languages in the Americas, and even English in modern times!
Top Spanish-Speaking Destinations for Travelers
There are plenty of different destinations where you can learn, practise, or experience one or several of the many Spanish-speaking cultures worldwide.
Whether you're interested in beaches, history, food, or nightlife, here are some of the Spanish-speaking places we recommend you visit.
1. Mexico – Culture, Food, and Affordable Travel
Mexico has the most Spanish speakers in the world and is one of the world's most popular destinations.
It's full of history, great food, and incredible nature. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
- Cancún – White sandy beaches and turquoise waters
- Mexico City – A cultural hub with museums, art, and ancient Aztec sites
- Cabo San Lucas – Luxury resorts and vibrant nightlife
Why visit?
Mexico is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the Western Hemisphere, with budget-friendly flights, accommodations, and food.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina – The City That Never Sleeps
The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, blends European elegance and Latin American passion. It's a popular destination for several reasons, including:
- Tango music and dance
- Argentinian steak and wine
- A nightlife scene that goes until sunrise
Did you know?
Buenos Aires has more bookstores per capita than any other city worldwide, making it a paradise for book lovers!
3. Barcelona, Spain – A European Spanish Experience
Barcelona mixes history, architecture, and the Mediterranean. It's an interesting linguistic experience as it's the capital of Catalonia, where Catalan is widely spoken, but both languages are spoken in the more cosmopolitan parts of the city. However, if you're learning Spanish as an adult, Catalonia mightn't be the best place to try and do it.
Barcelona is a must-visit for those looking for a mix of history, modern architecture, and Mediterranean vibes. Highlights include:
- Gaudí’s famous architecture (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell)
- Tapas and wine culture
- Beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean coast
Spain has one of the best train systems in Europe, making it easy to explore nearby Spanish-speaking cities like Madrid, Seville, and Valencia.
Of course, if you'd like to learn Spanish without going to one of these countries, why not look for a Spanish tutor on Superprof?
You can find tutors all over the country and around the world and with many offering the first session for free, you can try a few before choosing the one that's right for you.
Who knows? Maybe your tutor will be from one of these Spanish-speaking countries!
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