Which countries speak French? The full list of French-speaking countries
Quick answer: French is an official language in 29 countries. Most are in Africa, alongside France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco and Canada. Around 320 million people speak French worldwide.
Where French is official
French spread through European colonial history and diplomacy. Today the countries break down like this:
- Europe: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco
- Americas: Canada (with English), Haiti
- Africa: DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Benin, Togo, Burundi, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Comoros, Seychelles
- Oceania: Vanuatu
Where most French speakers live
The DR Congo is the largest French-speaking country by population, larger than France itself. By 2050 most French speakers are expected to live in Africa.
French in North Africa and the Middle East
French is not official in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia or Lebanon, but it is widely used in business, education and the media there.
French around the world
Where French is an official language, by region:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco |
| West Africa | Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Benin, Togo |
| Central Africa | DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic |
| Indian Ocean | Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Djibouti |
| Americas | Canada, Haiti |
| Oceania | Vanuatu |
The largest French-speaking city
Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is often described as the largest French-speaking city in the world, ahead of Paris.
The future of French
Most of the world’s French speakers will live in Africa. Countries such as DR Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal have fast-growing, young populations where French is used in schools and government. The International Organisation of La Francophonie groups more than 80 member states and governments that share the language or have strong links to it.
French words in English
English took thousands of words from French after the Norman Conquest of 1066, which is why many words for food, law and government are French in origin:
| English | French origin |
|---|---|
| Beef | Bœuf |
| Pork | Porc |
| Government | Gouvernement |
| Justice | Justice |
| Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Ballet | Ballet |
French in Canada
About a fifth of Canadians speak French as their first language, most of them in Quebec. Quebec French has its own accent and expressions, and Canada is officially bilingual.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries speak French?
French is an official language in 29 countries.
Which country has the most French speakers?
France has the most native speakers, while the DR Congo has the largest French-speaking population.
Is French spoken in Morocco?
Yes, widely, but it is not an official language there; the official languages are Arabic and Amazigh.
What is the largest French-speaking city?
Kinshasa is often described as the largest.
Is Canada a French-speaking country?
Canada is officially bilingual; French is the main language of Quebec.
Why does English have so many French words?
Because of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.