Top 30 French Speaking Countries In The World 2023

french speaking countries in the world

French is one of the world’s most exotic, widely spoken, and fastest-growing languages. It is the reason the numbers of French speaking countries keep rising.

French is on the verge of becoming a universal language. It has about 300 million speakers across five continents.

Just like English, French is another global language you can consider learning. French is not only labeled as a Foreign language but is an official language of many nations other than France.

The French language holds more importance than anyone can anticipate. It is one of the six languages of the United Nations and the second most widely spoken language in the European Union alone.

And this stronghold is not limited to the EU. The sensation for French is tremendous, and every year there are thousands of new learners interested in this Romance language.

So, if you are a beginner interested in learning French and want to know about French speaking countries in the world, its popularity & more, you have come to the right place.

Today we will uncover how far-fetched are the roots of the French language and how crucial it is to survive in the international world.

List of The Top 30 French Speaking Countries In The World 

French is the official language of 29 countries in the world. It makes French the second most used official language after English.

French has strong roots across five continents. And in those five continents, 29 countries hail it as their working language.

Not only this, France has 11 Overseas Territories. These are the administrative subdivisions of France outside of the country and have French as their official language.

All these 29 countries and 11 Overseas Territories are spread across the globe. And below are the top regions where these countries & territories lie:

  • Africa
  • Europe
  • North America
  • South America
  • The Caribbean
  • Oceania

Only some countries have French as their official language. Others accept its importance and use it as their administrative language.

An administrative language is a step down from the official language but makes that country a francophone.

So, in this aspect, there are francophone countries on every continent.

french speaking countries map

What Are The French Speaking Countries In Africa?

The African continent holds the most countries that speak French. Also, this continent tops in terms of having the most number of French speakers in the world.

Furthermore, if you are looking for the most populous country with French as its national language, it is also in Africa.

The African continent is enormous, and it holds diversity, complimenting its size. French is a second language for most speakers, but it has superseded the local languages in some regions.

Northern African countries use Arabic as a lingua franca, Central African countries use Swahili, Southern African countries are all about English, whereas Eastern African countries use French.

Out of the 29 countries that have French as their official language, 21 are African countries.

Here we have the 21 french speaking African countries that use French as their official or national language.

1. Benin

  • Capital: Porto-Novo
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official Language: French

Benin is a French-speaking country in West Africa. Porto-Novo is the country’s capital, and the West African CFA franc is its currency.

French is the official language, with several indigenous languages also commonly spoken. About 33.68% of the population speaks French. Being a tropical country, Benin is highly dependent on agriculture and is a large exporter of cotton & palm oil.

Dahomey’s historical museum, Pendari National Park, safari, and Porte du Non-Retour are famous tourist places to visit.

2. Burkina Faso

  • Capital: Ouagadougou
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official Language: French

Burkina Faso is another nation in West Africa. It is landlocked and shares its borders with Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.

It is a country with a population of 21.5 million with French as its official language. About 24.45% of the population speaks French here. Ouagadougou is the country’s capital, and the West African CFA franc is its currency.

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It is one of the least developed countries in the world. The country is highly affected by the rise in terrorism.

Ouagadougou Cathedral, Bobo-Dioulasso, Pice de Sindou, Ouagadougou, Cascades de Karfiguela are some top tourist attractions.

3. Burundi

  • Capital: Gitega
  • Currency: Burundian Franc
  • Official languages: Kirundi, French, English

Burundi, or the Republic Of Burundi, is a landlocked nation in East Africa. Gitega is the capital, and its official languages are Kirundi, French, and English.

In this country, about 8.51% of the population speaks French.

This country is a great example of cultural diversity. Its culture shows a clear impact of local and tribal traditions along with surrounding East African communities.

The country has a moderate tropical climate with an average temperature between 16 ºC and 25 ºC. However, western parts of the country are hotter.

Burundi is one of the poorest nations in the world, with about 90% of the population living below the World Bank’s poverty measure.

Rusizi National Park, Ruvubu National Park, and Kibira National Park are famous tourist attractions.

4. Cameroon

  • Capital: Yaoundé
  • Currency: Central African CFA Franc
  • Official languages: French, English

Cameroon is a Central African country on the Gulf of Guinea. This country is famous for its varied terrain & wildlife.

Both French and English are the official languages of the country. About 67% of the population speaks French.

Yaoundé is its inland capital. Douala is the country’s biggest seaport that supports trade and tourism.

The country has a mixed climate of humid, equatorial, and semi-arid.

EkomNkam waterfalls, Mount Cameroon, and Ape Action Africa are famous attractions.

5. Central African Republic

  • Capital: Bangui
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc
  • Official languages: French, Sango

The Central African Republic is another landlocked country in Central Africa. 

Bangui is its capital, and French & Sango are the official languages. And about 28.60% of the population speaks French here.

This multicultural country is home to the world’s second-largest rainforest and is highly biodiversity-rich.

Also, it is one of the best places in the world for star-gazing. 

The ManovoGounda-Saint Floris National Park, Dzanga-Sangha National Park, and Notre Dame of Bangui Cathedral are major attractions of this one of the world’s poorest nations.

6. Chad

  • Capital: N’Djamena
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc
  • Official languages: French, Arabic

Chad, or the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked nation in Central Africa.

The country has a population of 16.91 million and has French and Arabic as its official languages. About 12.91% of the population speaks French.

Agriculture is the biggest source of occupation in the country. Other than this, people earn their livelihood by working in oil, cotton textiles, and other main industries.

Zakouma National Park, Lake Chad, N’Djamena Grand Mosque, and Gueltad’Archei Lake are famous tourist destinations.

7. Côte d’Ivoire

  • Capital: Yamoussoukro
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Côte d’Ivoire resides in West Africa and is well known for its rainforests, beach resorts, and French-colonial legacy.

The country has a population of 27.05 million, with French as its official language. About 33.61% of the population speaks French here.

There are six ethnic groups prominent in the country. In addition, the country has an excess of 60 different indigenous tribes with their own distinct identities & traditions.

Some famous attractions include the Basilica Of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Plateau, Tai National Park, and Parc National du Banco.

8. Comoros

  • Capital: Moroni
  • Currency: Comorian Franc
  • Official languages: Comorian, French, Arabic

Comoros is an island nation that lies in the Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique Channel.

It is a volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast ringed by beaches and old lava.

Moroni is the capital of this country, with a population of only 888,456. Comorian, French, and Arabic are official languages here, with about 26.13% of the population speaking French.

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Mount Karthala, Chomoni, Bouni Beach, DziaLandze, and Moheli Marine Park are famous tourist attractions.

9. Congo

  • Capital: Brazzaville
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Congo or the Republic Of Congo or Congo-Brazzaville is a central African nation known for its rainforest reserves.

The country lies across the Congo river and still holds its roots in the old tribal traditions and dialects.

Brazzaville is the capital of this country, with a population of 5.657 million. French is the only official language here.

Cathédrale Sacré Coeur de Brazzaville, IFC InstitutFrançais du Congo, Pont du Djoué, are some famous sites to visit here.

10. Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo

  • Capital: Kinshasa
  • Currency: Congolese Franc
  • Official languages: French, Lingala, Swahili, Kongo, Luba-Kasai

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa. It has a population of 92.38 million and has French, Lingala, Swahili, Kongo, and Luba-Kasai as its official languages.

About 51.37% of the population speaks French here.

This country is rich in natural resources. It has iron ore deposits, gem-quality diamonds, gold, coal, and monazite.

Regarding its natural resources, Congo is considered the richest country in the world.

Virunga National Park, Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, Mount Nyiragongo, and Garamba National Park are must-visit places.

11. Djibouti

  • Capital: Djibouti city
  • Currency: Djibouti Franc (DJF)
  • Official languages: French, Arabic

Djibouti is a country in East Africa home to French and Arabic roots.

The country has a population of about 1.002 million, with French & Arabic as their official languages. About 50.0% of the population speaks French here.

The country is home to a few near-endemic species of reptiles and boasts good wildlife.

This multi-ethnic country enjoys a rich, interwoven culture based on its tribal traditions.

Mosquee Al-Hamoudi, Lac Assal, Khor Ambado Beach, Day Forest National Park, and Moucha Island are top tourist attractions.

12. Equatorial Guinea

  • Capital: Malabo
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc
  • Official languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese

Equatorial Guinea lies in Central Africa and comprises the Rio Muni mainland and five offshore volcanic islands.

Malabo is the capital, and the country has Spanish, French, & Portuguese as its official languages. About 28.92% of the population speaks French in this country.

The country has a huge influence from the Spanish & Roman Catholic religions. And most people live according to ancient customs.

Malabo National Park, St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, Parque Nacional del Monte Alen, Pico Basile are top sights to visit.

13. Gabon

  • Capital: Libreville
  • Currency: Central African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Gabon lies along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. The country holds the most Christian population and has French as its official language.

About 65.14% of the population speaks French here. The country is well known for its rainforests and wildlife.

Some tourist destinations include the famous Loango National Park, Lope National Park, and Akanda National Park.

14. Guinea

  • Capital: Conakry
  • Currency: Guinean Franc
  • Official language: French

Guinea is a West African country sharing its border with the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a population of 13.5 million, with French as its only official language.

About 27.24% of the population speaks French here.

The country is well known for its Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, which protects forested mountain ranges rich in nature & wildlife.

NimbaDagiYsakliDoga Siti, Iles de Los, Conakry, and Grande Mosquee de Conakry are major tourist attractions.

15. Madagascar

  • Capital: Antananarivo
  • Currency: Malagasy Ariary
  • Official languages: Malagasy, French

Madagascar, or the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country in the East African continent in the Indian Ocean.

The country is all about its diverse tribal heritages & customs. People follow old traditions & festivals even when Islam & Christianity dominate.

This country has Malagasy and French as its official languages. About 26.49% of the population speaks French in Madagascar.

Isalo National Park, Andasibe Mantadia National Park, Baobab Avenue, and Ranomafana National Park are some top tourist attractions.

16. Mali

  • Capital: Bamako
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

The Republic of Mali, or Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the eighth largest country on the continent, with a population of about 20.86 million.

French is the only official language of Mali, with about 17.24% of the population speaking French as their native.

The country mostly comprises young people under 25. Made, Peul, Voltaic, Tuareg & Moor, and Songhai are the major ethnic groups.

Mali National Park, Great Mosque of Djenne, National Museum, Zoo National Du Mali, and Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Of Bamako are some major attraction destinations.

17. Niger

  • Capital: Niamey
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Niger, or the Republic of Niger, is another landlocked country in West Africa.

The country has a population of over 24 million and has French as its official language. About 12.89% of the population speaks French as their local language.

Islam is the biggest religion in the country, practiced by 99% of the population.

Niger has the lowest literacy rate in the world and is also an emerging country.

The Great Mosque of Niamey, Agadez Grand Mosque, Koure Giraffe Reserve, and Agadex are the top sites in Niger.

18. Rwanda

  • Capital: Kigali
  • Currency: Rwandan Franc
  • Official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili, English

Rwanda, or the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in Central Africa in the Great Rift Valley.

The country has Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili, & English as its official languages, with about 5.83% of the population speaking French.

The majority of the population here is Roman Catholic. Only a fourth of Rwandans follow indigenous beliefs.

There are three tribes in Rwanda: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. But after the infamous Rwandan genocide, people no longer identify themselves by ethnic attachments.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Lake Kivu, Gishwati-Mukura National Park & Biosphere are the top sights of this country.

19. Senegal

  • Capital: Dakar
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Senegal, or the Republic of Senegal, is a country lying on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa.

The country has a population of 17.2 million, with French as the only official language. About 26.28% of the population speaks French here.

Senegal is a top exporter of Gold, Refined Petroleum, Phosphoric Acid, Ground Nuts, and Non-fillet Frozen Fish.

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Most people in the country practice Islam and only a small proportion practice the indigenous religions.

African Renaissance Monument, House of Slaves, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Lake Retba, and Saloum Delta National Park are the must-visit sights of this country.

20. Seychelles

  • Capital: Victoria
  • Currency: Seychellois Rupee
  • Official languages: French, English, Seychellois Creole

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean to the East coast of Africa continent.

The country is home to various beaches, coral reefs, natural reserves, and some rare plant & animal species.

The island holds great significance in history as it was a hub for traders for centuries.

Currently, the country is inhabited by 99,202 people and has French, English, and Seychellois Creole as official languages.

About 53.54% of the population speaks French, making it the most spoken language of all officials.

Vallee de Mai, Anse Source d’Angent, La Digue, Beau Vallon Beach, Saint-Anne Marine National are the best spots for tourists to visit.

21. Togo

  • Capital: Lomé
  • Currency: West African CFA franc
  • Official language: French

Togo lies on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. This country is well known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages.

Agriculture is the biggest source of livelihood here, followed by industry and services.

French is the only official language of Togo, with about 40.94% of the population speaking French.

Togo is the tenth poorest country in the world, suffering greatly from political instability and external debts.

Lake Togo, Koutammakou, Monument of Independence, Mount Agou, and Cascade de Kpime are the top tourist attractions here.

What Are The French Speaking Countries In Europe?

The French language has its origin in the scenic region of Europe. We are all familiar with the fact that French is the native language of the people of France.

But do you know that other countries in Europe speak French as their local language?

Shocking, right?

Well, French may have its authentic roots in France, but it is loved by other European countries equally.

France boasts the highest number of native French speakers. 

And combine French speakers in all European French-speaking countries. You will see that French emerges as the third most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe.

Russian and German are Europe’s first and second most spoken mother tongues.

In a nutshell, French speakers in Europe constitute approximately forty percent of the world’s total.

Check out the European french speaking countries below:

22. Belgium

  • Capital: Brussels
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official languages: French, Dutch, German

Belgium is a country in Western Europe. Although size-wise it is a small country, it is the economic & urban nerve center of Europe.

The country has a population of over 11 million, with French, Dutch, & German as the official languages. About 75.55% of the population speaks French here.

Belgium has distinctive regions for each of its official languages. Dutch speaking lived to the north, German-speaking in the east, and French-speaking in the south.

Belfry of Bruges, Gravensteen, Grand Place, and Basilica of Holy Blood are famous tourist destinations.

23. France

  • Capital: Paris
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official language: French

France lies in Western Europe and is a hub of medieval cities, Mediterranean beaches, and alpine villages.

The capital of this country is hailed as the world’s fashion capital. Also, Paris is home to classical art museums, prominent monuments, wines, sophisticated cuisine, and more.

France is home to about 67 million people, with French as its official language. Approximately 96.91% of the population speaks French.

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The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris are some major attractions of Paris.

24. Luxembourg

  • Capital: Luxembourg
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official languages: Luxembourgish, French, German

Luxembourg is a small European country neighboring France, Belgium, and Germany.

It is a massively rural country with a population of only 639,070. Luxembourgish, French, & German are the official languages of this country, with 92.06% speaking French.

Most people are Roman Catholics, about 90% of the population.

Some famous tourist destinations are Vianden Castle, Palais Grand-Ducal, Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art, and Place Guillaume II.

25. Monaco

  • Capital: No official capital
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official language: French

Monaco of Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city/state and a microstate on the French Riviera in Western Europe.

The country has a population of 39,520 and has French as its only official language. Around 97.50% of people speak French here.

Monaco practices constitutional monarchy and is currently ruled by its 32nd hereditary ruler.

Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino, Giant Nicholas Cathedral, and Eotic Garden of Monaco are prominent places to visit.

26. Switzerland

  • Capital: Bern
  • Currency: Swiss Franc
  • Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh

Switzerland, or the Swiss Confederation, is a Central European country home to mountains, numerous lakes, villages, and glacier-carved Alps.

The country holds impressive landmarks from the medieval period. It is well-known across the globe for its ski resorts & hiking trails.

This beautiful nation is home to 8.6 million people speaking German, French, Italian, and Romansh as their official languages.

Approximately 67.12% of the people speak French in Switzerland.

Rhine Falls, Chillon Castle, Zurich, Matterhorn, Chapel Bridge, and Lucerne are famous tourist destinations in this country.

What Are The French Speaking Countries In North America?

The North American continent comprises only two nations, out of which one has French as one of its two official languages.

Canada is home to bilingualism and has English and French as their official languages. 

Not only this, the official language status differs from province to province.

For Example, Quebec is Canada’s largest province and has French as its official language. Almost 90% of Quebec’s population speaks French.

North American country speaking French:

27. Canada

  • Capital: Ottawa
  • Currency: Canadian Dollar
  • Official languages: French, English

Canada is a country in the North American continent with ten provinces. The country is the second largest country by area and is known for its high immigrant population.

French and English are the country’s official languages, with about 28.59% of people speaking French.

Ottawa is the capital of this country, and Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are its famous & top metropolitan areas.

CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Stanley Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and Whistler are major tourist attractions.

What Are The French Speaking Countries In South America?

When it comes to the South American continent, there is only one country that speaks French.

The small nation of French Guiana, bordering Brazil, is an overseas region of France. It is a part of the EU and has French as its official language.

South America French-speaking country:

28. French Guiana

  • Capital: Cayenne
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official language: French

French Guiana is an overseas territory of France. This country lies on the northeast coast of South America and is known for its tropical rainforest.

The country was colonized at the beginning of the 17th century, and one can still see the impact on the lifestyle.

French is the official language of this territory, with most of the population speaking it.

Guiana Space Centre, Zoo de Guyane, Devil’s Island, Salvation’s Island, and Place des Palmistes are some tourist destinations to explore here.

What Are The French Speaking Countries In The Caribbean?

The region of the Caribbean holds vast French territories leaving only one non-French country using the French language.

Only one country in the Caribbean uses French as its national language.

Caribbean French-speaking country:

29. Haiti

  • Capital: Port-au-Prince
  • Currency: Haitian Gourde
  • Official languages: Haitian Creole, French

Haiti is a small nation in the Caribbean (North America) and is home to about 11 million people.

The country is home to 19th-century remains & landmarks. Currently, Haitian Creole and French are the official languages here, with 42.0% of the population speaking French.

Laferrière Citadel, Labadie, Sans-Soucis Palace, Bassin Bleu, Saut-Mathurine, National Pantheon Museum are some impressive tourist attractions.

What Are The French Speaking Countries In Oceania?

Oceania is a geographical region that spans both the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

The region comprises more than twenty nations, with one having French as its official language.

Oceania French-speaking country:

30. Vanuatu

  • Capital: Port Vila
  • Currency: Vanuatu Vatu
  • Official languages: French, Bislama, English

Vanuatu is a country in the South Pacific Ocean with approximately 80 small islands.

The islands are well known for their coral reefs, underwater caverns, world war-II related wrecks, and more.

This island nation is home to 314,464 people having French, Bislama, & English as official languages. About 31.06% of the population converse in French.

Mount Yasur, Champagne Beach, Matevulu Blue Hole, Mystery island, Nanda Blue Hole, and Millennium Cave are popular tourist destinations.

Top FAQs About The Countries With French Speaking

Are there any French-speaking countries in asia?

French is spoken majorly throughout Southeast Asia. Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are the major countries influenced by the French language.

French arrived in Asia during the French expedition days, where French explorers were making claims in the territory of French Indochina.

Apart from this, French is one of the most popular languages in these regions, and the massive impact of French culture is easily seen here.

What are the top five french speaking African countries?

Cameroon, Gabon, Seychelles, the Democratic Republic Of Congo, and Djibouti are the top five African nations with the most French speakers.

Approximately 67% of people in Cameroon speak French, 65% in Gabon, 54% in Seychelles, 51% in DRC, and 50% in Djibouti.

These five nations make up the biggest French-speaking population of the African continent.

How many European French-speaking countries are there?

Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Switzerland are the top five French-speaking European countries.

Each of these nations has French as their official language and has a large proportion of their population speaking French.

How many Countries have French as their official language?

A total of 13 countries across the globe have French as their official language. 

Benin, Burkina Faso, Congo, DRC, Ivory Coast, France, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Senegal, and Togo have French as their only official language.

Some other countries have French as their official language, but it is not the only one.

Are there any countries that grant certain constitutional rights to the French language?

YES. Guernsey, Lebanon, Mauritius, and Louisiana are the four countries and dependencies that grant a few constitutional rights to the French language.

In these countries, French has an officially recognized status.

Conclusion

The French language has a global impact more than we can imagine. This language holds popularity among the younger generation and has always been people’s favorite.

We hope our list of the top french speaking countries with French as their official language gives you a clear idea of which countries to pursue career & study advancement in your future.

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