The nations with the highest proficiency levels in English: English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. English has had a significant impact on global dynamics, from worldwide commerce and education to cross-cultural interactions. Being able to communicate in English has become essential in today’s globalised society.
To learn more, see the list of the top 10 nations with the best English proficiency, along with India’s position. The list is based on the EF English Proficiency Index, the biggest ranking of nations and regions in the world by English proficiency.
Rank | Country | EF EPI Score | Proficiency Band |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Netherlands | 636 | Very High |
2 | Norway | 610 | Very High |
3 | Singapore | 609 | Very High |
4 | Sweden | 608 | Very High |
5 | Croatia | 607 | Very High |
6 | Portugal | 605 | Very High |
7 | Denmark | 603 | Very High |
8 | Greece | 602 | Very High |
9 | Austria | 600 | Very High |
10 | Germany | 598 | Very High |
Which nation has the highest level of proficiency in English?
On the list of nations with the best English proficiency, the Netherlands has always come in first. The Dutch educational system, which strongly emphasises multilingualism from a young age, deserves all the credit for the country’s linguistic preferences. Even though the Netherlands is a non-native English-speaking nation, English is extensively used in society, industry, and academics.
In Norway, a robust public education system and extensive exposure to English-language media greatly benefit the populace. Since English is a required language in schools, the majority of Norwegians are proficient in it by the time they reach adulthood.
English is the primary language of teaching in Singapore’s schools and one of the official languages of the former British colony. Additionally, English use in everyday life and business is influenced by the heterogeneous atmosphere of the city-state.
One of the nations with the greatest levels of English proficiency is Sweden, which is well known for its near-native fluency. In Swedish schools, the language is taught from an early age. The language of the nation was also influenced by media, culture, and international interaction.
Croatia’s tourism-driven economy has earned it international renown. English education has also been significantly impacted by the EU’s integration, particularly for younger students.
Portugal is doing well on the list, with the majority of its people speaking English, particularly among young people and in metropolitan areas. The main cause of all of this is the expansion of global trade and tourism.
English is widely used in Danish media and is taught in schools as early as the first year. In social and professional contexts, Danes are quite at ease transitioning between Danish and English.
Greece is primarily motivated by tourism, and its main goal is to thrive in the global economy, which requires proficiency in English. In Greek schools, English is a required language, and students’ ability has been increasing over the last several years.
With high fluency rates among young people, Austria’s central European position and robust educational regulations guarantee that English is a major component of the school and college curriculum.
English proficiency is highly valued in Germany, the biggest economy in Europe, for both academic and corporate cooperation on a global scale. The majority of people in the nation speak English, particularly professionals and those living in cities.
What Place Does India Hold on the List?
India does not place in the top 10 nations for English proficiency, even though it has one of the biggest populations of English speakers worldwide. India is ranked 69th and has a score of 490, placing it in the “low” competency band according to the EF EPI. India is a secular nation with a large number of regional languages spoken across its billion-person population, which contributes to its low position.