Spanish

A language of Spain

Castilian

Castellano, Español

46,490,000 in Spain, all users. L1 users: 41,900,000 in Spain (2019). L2 users: 4,590,000 (2019). Total users in all countries: 548,333,810 (as L1: 474,706,670; as L2: 73,627,140).

Location

Widespread.

Language Maps

1 (National). Statutory national language (1978, Constitution, Article 3(1)), recognized statutory language in all autonomous cities and communities under various local laws.

Classification

Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian

Dialects

Andalusian (Andalusí, Andaluz, Andalú), Aragonese, Murcian, Navarrese, Castilian (Castellano), Canary Islands Spanish (Isleño), Silbo Gomero, Latin American Spanish. Lexical similarity: 89% with Portuguese [por], 85% with Catalan [cat], 82% with Italian [ita], 76% with Sardinian [src], 75% with French [fra], 74% with Ladin [lld] and Romansh [roh], 71% with Romanian [ron].

Typology

SVO; prepositions; genitives, relatives after noun heads; articles, numerals before noun heads; adjectives before or after noun heads depending on whether it is evaluative or descriptive; question word initial; gender (masculine/feminine); definite and indefinite articles; verb affixes mark number, person; passives; tense; comparatives; 20 consonants, 5 vowels, 5 diphthongs; non-tonal; stress on penultimate syllable. Silbo Gomero whistled variety of Spanish used in Canary Islands.

Language Use

Some also use English [eng] (European Commission 2006). Some also use French [fra] (European Commission 2006).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools. Fully developed. Bible: 1553–2012.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Spanish

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.

Other Comments

The Aragonese dialect of Spanish is different from Aragonese language [arg]. Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Algeria

Language NameSpanish

User Population

223,000 in Algeria, all users. L1 users: 175,000 in Algeria (Instituto Cervantes 2017). L2 users: 48,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2017).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Tumzabt [mzb].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Algeria

Andorra

Language NameSpanish

User Population

44,200 in Andorra, all users. L1 users: 27,300 in Andorra (2019). L2 users: 16,900 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Castilian

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

View other languages of Andorra

Argentina

Language NameSpanish

User Population

45,160,000 in Argentina, all users. L1 users: 44,000,000 in Argentina (2020). L2 users: 1,160,000 (2020).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Portuñol (Portunhol), Rioplatense Spanish (Argentine-Uruguayan Spanish, Español argentino-uruguayo, Español rioplatense), Lunfardo, Porteño, Andean Spanish (Español andino). Andean Spanish is spoken in northwestern Argentina.

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

All domains. Used by all.

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools. Agency: Academia Argentina de la Lengua Española.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Argentina

Aruba

Language NameSpanish

User Population

84,700 in Aruba, all users. L1 users: 15,300 in Aruba (2019 World Factbook). L2 users: 69,400 (Instituto Cervantes 2017).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

The primary language of Hispanic people who make up more than 10% of the population (2019 J. Leclerc). Used by all.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools as subject.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Aruba

Australia

Language NameSpanish

User Population

595,000 in Australia, all users. L1 users: 141,000 in Australia (2016 census). L2 users: 454,000 (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Australia

Austria

Language NameSpanish

User Population

299,980 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 9,980 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 290,000 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Belgium

Language NameSpanish

User Population

667,300 in Belgium, all users. L1 users: 95,300 in Belgium (2020). L2 users: 572,000 (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Belgium

Belize

Language NameSpanish

User Population

201,000 in Belize, all users. L1 users: 165,000 in Belize (2014 UNSD). L2 users: 36,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo districts.

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Plautdietsch [pdt], Yucatec Maya [yua].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Belize

Bolivia

Language NameSpanish

User Population

11,470,000 in Bolivia, all users. L1 users: 9,520,000 in Bolivia (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 1,950,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Dialects

Afro-Yungueño (Black Spanish), Andean Spanish (Español andino).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2009, Constitution, Article 5(1)).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Bolivia

Brazil

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,342,000 in Brazil, all users. L1 users: 742,000 in Brazil (2020 Registro Nacional Migratório no Brasil), based on nationality. L2 users: 5,600,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

All also use Portuguese [por]. Used as L2 by Jaminawa [yaa], Koripako [kpc], Nhengatu [yrl], Wanano [gvc].

Language Development

Taught as subject in many primary schools in grades 5–8, as an elective subject per government policy adopted in 2005.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Spanish and English are the most common second languages available for students’ foreign language requirement (students have the option to take two foreign languages in school).

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British Virgin Islands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

3,000 in British Virgin Islands (2019).

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of British Virgin Islands

Bulgaria

Language NameSpanish

User Population

128,000 in Bulgaria (2019), L2 users.

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Bulgaria

Canada

Language NameSpanish

User Population

565,000 in Canada, all users. L1 users: 459,000 in Canada (2016 census). L2 users: 106,000 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Caribbean Netherlands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

1,480 in Caribbean Netherlands (2001 census). Bonaire 1,270, Sint Eustatius 130, Saba 70.

Location

Bonaire.

Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Cayman Islands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

2,190 in Cayman Islands (2012 UNSD).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cayman Islands

Chile

Language NameSpanish

User Population

19,083,000 in Chile, all users. L1 users: 18,300,000 in Chile (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 783,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Andean Spanish (Español andino), Chilean Spanish (Español chileno). Andean Spanish is spoken in northern Chile.

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

All domains. Used by all.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Chile

China

Language NameSpanish

User Population

18,300 in China, all users. L1 users: 5,000 in China (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 13,300 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of China

Colombia

Language NameSpanish

User Population

48,984,000 in Colombia, all users. L1 users: 48,900,000 in Colombia (2019). L2 users: 84,000 (2019).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Colombian Spanish (Español colombiano), Andean Spanish. Colombian Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish. Andean Spanish is spoken in southern Colombia.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 10).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Costa Rica

Language NameSpanish

User Population

5,055,400 in Costa Rica, all users. L1 users: 5,020,000 in Costa Rica (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 35,400 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1949, Constitution, Article 76).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Costa Rica

Côte d’Ivoire

Language NameSpanish

User Population

302,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (2019), L2 users.

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Croatia

Language NameSpanish

User Population

67,100 in Croatia (2018), L2 users.

Language Status

Unestablished.

Language Development

Taught as subject in some primary and secondary schools from grade 5.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Croatia

Cuba

Language NameSpanish

User Population

11,122,800 in Cuba, all users. L1 users: 11,100,000 in Cuba (2018). L2 users: 22,800 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Cuban Spanish (Español cubano). Cuban Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 2).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cuba

Curacao

Language NameSpanish

User Population

8,960 in Curacao (2018 World Factbook).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Papiamentu [pap].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Curacao

Cyprus

Language NameSpanish

User Population

17,120 in Cyprus, all users. L1 users: 520 in Cyprus (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 16,600 (2018).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cyprus

Czechia

Language NameSpanish

User Population

39,220 in Czechia, all users. L1 users: 1,920 in Czechia (2011 census). L2 users: 37,300 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Czechia

Denmark

Language NameSpanish

User Population

252,000 in Denmark, all users. L1 users: 19,000 in Denmark (2020 census), based on nationality. L2 users: 233,000 (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Dominican Republic

Language NameSpanish

User Population

10,464,200 in Dominican Republic, all users. L1 users: 10,400,000 in Dominican Republic (2020). L2 users: 64,200 (2020).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Dominican Spanish (Español dominicano). Dominican Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2000, Law 44.00).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Language NameSpanish

User Population

16,990,000 in Ecuador, all users. L1 users: 16,100,000 in Ecuador (2019). L2 users: 890,000 (2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Andean Spanish (Español andino).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2008, Constitution, Article 2).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian.

View other languages of Ecuador

El Salvador

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,479,200 in El Salvador, all users. L1 users: 6,460,000 in El Salvador (2019). L2 users: 19,200 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1983, Constitution, Article 62).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Language NameSpanish

User Population

1,223,000 in Equatorial Guinea, all users. L1 users: 905,000 in Equatorial Guinea (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 318,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Español

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2011, Constitution, Article 4).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 75%. Taught in all primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Equatorial Guinea

Finland

Language NameSpanish

User Population

98,300 in Finland, all users. L1 users: 8,100 in Finland (2018 census). L2 users: 90,200 (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Finland

France

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,451,000 in France, all users. L1 users: 461,000 in France (2020). L2 users: 5,990,000 (2020).

Location

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: Lyon; Île-de-France region: Paris; Nouvelle-Aquitaine region: Bordeaux; Occitania region: Toulouse; Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region: Marseilles and Nice.

Alternate Names

Castillan, Espagnol, Español

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by French [fra].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Germany

Language NameSpanish

User Population

2,876,000 in Germany, all users. L1 users: 286,000 in Germany (2018 census), based on nationality. L2 users: 2,590,000 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Gibraltar

Language NameSpanish

User Population

16,650 in Gibraltar, all users. L1 users: 1,250 in Gibraltar (2019). L2 users: 15,400 (2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Llanito (Yanito).

Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Yanito is spoken by most Gibraltarians among themselves, a variety of Spanish with a strong English [eng] influence, with over 500 words coming from Genoese (Ligurian) [lig] and Hebrew [heb].

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Guam

Language NameSpanish

User Population

21,700 in Guam, all users. L1 users: 1,200 in Guam (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 20,500 (2018).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Guam

Guatemala

Language NameSpanish

User Population

15,840,000 in Guatemala, all users. L1 users: 12,100,000 in Guatemala (2018 World Factbook). L2 users: 3,740,000 (2018).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1985, Constitution, Article 143).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Guatemala

Guinea-Bissau

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,950 in Guinea-Bissau (2015 UNSD), L2 users.

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Honduras

Language NameSpanish

User Population

9,159,000 in Honduras, all users. L1 users: 9,040,000 in Honduras (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 119,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1982, Constitution, Article 6).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Honduras

Ireland

Language NameSpanish

User Population

146,920 in Ireland, all users. L1 users: 2,920 in Ireland (2016 census). L2 users: 144,000 (2018).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Israel

Language NameSpanish

User Population

175,000 in Israel, all users. L1 users: 130,000 in Israel (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 45,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Italy

Language NameSpanish

User Population

2,295,000 in Italy, all users. L1 users: 255,000 in Italy (2012 census). L2 users: 2,040,000 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Jamaica

Language NameSpanish

User Population

8,000 in Jamaica (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Japan

Language NameSpanish

User Population

168,000 in Japan, all users. L1 users: 108,000 in Japan (Instituto Cervantes 2017). L2 users: 60,000 (2013).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Lebanon

Language NameSpanish

User Population

22,300 in Lebanon (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Luxembourg

Language NameSpanish

User Population

9,270 in Luxembourg, all users. L1 users: 3,780 in Luxembourg (2011 census). L2 users: 5,490 (2019).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

4 (Educational).

Language Development

Taught as subject in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Malta

Language NameSpanish

User Population

7,760 in Malta (2018).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Mexico

Language NameSpanish

User Population

125,000,000 in Mexico, all users. L1 users: 117,000,000 in Mexico (2019). L2 users: 8,000,000 (2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Mexican Spanish (Español mexicano).

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Mexico

Morocco

Language NameSpanish

User Population

1,666,590 in Morocco, all users. L1 users: 6,590 in Morocco (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 1,660,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Scattered on north coast.

Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Language Use

French [fra] and English [eng] are now the second and third languages of education, politics, and medicine (2013). Tourism and industry. Adults only. Shifting to Moroccan Spoken Arabic [ary]. Used as L2 by Judeo-Moroccan Arabic [aju], Moroccan Spoken Arabic [ary], Tarifit [rif].

Language Development

Taught as subject in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Netherlands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

705,700 in Netherlands, all users. L1 users: 18,700 in Netherlands (2019). L2 users: 687,000 (2019).

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Development

Taught as subject in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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New Zealand

Language NameSpanish

User Population

62,900 in New Zealand, all users. L1 users: 27,000 in New Zealand (2013 census). L2 users: 35,900 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Nicaragua

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,344,000 in Nicaragua, all users. L1 users: 6,160,000 in Nicaragua (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 184,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Central American Spanish (Castellano centroamericano, Español centroamericano).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1987, Constitution, Article 11).

Language Use

Also use Mískito [miq], especially Mestizo speakers. Also use Nicaragua English Creole [bzk].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Norway

Language NameSpanish

User Population

51,300 in Norway, all users. L1 users: 27,300 in Norway (2021 census), based on nationality. L2 users: 24,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Language Development

Taught as subject in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Panama

Language NameSpanish

User Population

4,222,000 in Panama, all users. L1 users: 3,880,000 in Panama (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 342,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Panamanian Spanish (Español panameño). Panamanian Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1972, Constitution, Article 7).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Panama

Paraguay

Language NameSpanish

User Population

6,700,000 in Paraguay, all users. L1 users: 4,430,000 in Paraguay (2020). L2 users: 2,270,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Asunción department: urban areas.

Alternate Names

Español

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 140(2)), co-official with Paraguayan Guarani.

Language Use

Education and government. Many also use Paraguayan Guaraní [gug].

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Paraguay

Peru

Language NameSpanish

User Population

32,450,000 in Peru, all users. L1 users: 28,100,000 in Peru (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 4,350,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Andean Spanish (Español andino).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 48).

Language Development

Taught in all primary and secondary schools. Taught in all tertiary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Peru

Philippines

Language NameSpanish

User Population

465,330 in Philippines, all users. L1 users: 3,330 in Philippines (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 462,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Major cities.

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Formerly the official language. Used by a few families as L1. Used as L2 by Moyadan Itneg [ity].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian.

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Poland

Language NameSpanish

User Population

315,640 in Poland, all users. L1 users: 4,640 in Poland (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 311,000 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Language Development

Taught as subject in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Portugal

Language NameSpanish

User Population

706,330 in Portugal, all users. L1 users: 9,330 in Portugal (2019). L2 users: 697,000 (2019).

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Asturian [ast], Portuguese [por].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Puerto Rico

Language NameSpanish

User Population

3,112,000 in Puerto Rico, all users. L1 users: 3,080,000 in Puerto Rico (2020). L2 users: 32,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Puerto Rican Spanish (Español puertorriqueño). Puerto Rican Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Official Languages Act No. 1, Article 1).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Some dialects considered archaic.

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Romania

Language NameSpanish

User Population

476,000 in Romania (2018), L2 users.

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Russian Federation

Language NameSpanish

User Population

35,100 in Russian Federation, all users. L1 users: 3,000 in Russian Federation (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 32,100 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Sint Maarten

Language NameSpanish

User Population

5,470 in Sint Maarten (2019 World Factbook).

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Development

Taught as subject in all primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Suriname

Language NameSpanish

User Population

3,300 in Suriname (2018).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Sweden

Language NameSpanish

User Population

518,400 in Sweden, all users. L1 users: 24,400 in Sweden (2020 census), based on nationality. L2 users: 494,000 (2020).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Sweden

Switzerland

Language NameSpanish

User Population

140,300 in Switzerland, all users. L1 users: 124,000 in Switzerland (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 16,300 (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Trinidad and Tobago

Language NameSpanish

User Population

70,400 in Trinidad and Tobago, all users. L1 users: 4,000 in Trinidad and Tobago (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 66,400 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Trinidad: Siparia municipality, southern peninsula, fishing villages.

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Frequent contact with Venezuelan fishing communities 15 km off Trinidad coast.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Turkey

Language NameSpanish

User Population

16,000 in Turkey, all users. L1 users: 1,000 in Turkey (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 15,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Language Development

Taught as subject in some secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Turks and Caicos Islands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

1,300 in Turks and Caicos Islands (2019).

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Turks and Caicos Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

Language NameSpanish

User Population

16,800 in U.S. Virgin Islands (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Saint Croix.

Alternate Names

Español

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Development

A bilingual education program in Spanish is mandated by the government (2015 J. Leclerc).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Most Spanish speakers are descendants of Puerto Ricans who setted on Saint Croix island more than a generation ago.

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United Kingdom

Language NameSpanish

User Population

4,294,000 in United Kingdom, all users. L1 users: 134,000 in United Kingdom (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 4,160,000 (2018).

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by English [eng].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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United States

Language NameSpanish

User Population

59,600,000 in United States, all users. L1 users: 43,800,000 in United States (2019). L2 users: 15,800,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Castellano, Español

Dialects

Chicano (Caló), Isleño Spanish (Isleno, Islenyo, Isleño), New Mexican Spanish (Español neomexicano, Novomexicano). In 2019, there may be only about 17 native speakers and many more semi-speakers and rememberers of Isleño Spanish, a distinct variety of Canary Island Spanish (2020 A. Miloshoff).

Language Status

2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in New Mexico.

Language Use

Many also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Afro-Seminole Creole [afs].

Language Development

Taught in a few primary and secondary schools. Taught as subject in most secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Population increased 61% or more since 1970.

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Uruguay

Language NameSpanish

User Population

3,485,700 in Uruguay, all users. L1 users: 3,430,000 in Uruguay (Instituto Cervantes 2019). L2 users: 55,700 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Rioplatense Spanish (Argentine-Uruguayan Spanish, Español argentino-uruguayo, Español rioplatense), Lunfardo.

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

All domains. Used by all.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Venezuela

Language NameSpanish

User Population

28,162,000 in Venezuela, all users. L1 users: 27,500,000 in Venezuela (2019). L2 users: 662,000 (2019).

Alternate Names

Español

Dialects

Venezuelan Spanish (Español venezolano), Andean Spanish. Venezuelan Spanish is closely related to other varieties of Caribbean Spanish. Andean Spanish is spoken in western Venezuela.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1999, Constitution, Article 9).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Western Sahara

Language NameSpanish

User Population

22,000 in Western Sahara (Instituto Cervantes 2019), L2 users.

Language Status

Unestablished.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Spanish

Primary tabs

A language of Spain

Also spoken in:

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