Countries that Speak French

French and English are the only two languages which are spoken in almost all the continents. It is a roman language and hence is one of the oldest languages in the world. It is the official language of 29 countries and millions of people either take it as their second or their third language. French communities are in around 56 countries. The widespread of French language started in the 15th century. Before that it was considered as a sophisticated and polite language and was used by the elite class. In the 17th century French was known as the language of diplomacy and international relations. Hence it was started being used around the world. But it was very soon overshadowed by the English language and then English became the language of international communication.

Countries that Speak French as their National Language
The countries which consider French as their national language are known as a La Frencophonie in French which means community of French speaking countries. Following is the list of such countries.

• Belgium
• Benin
• Burkina-Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• France
• Gabon
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Ivory Coast
• Luxembourg
• Madagascar
• Monaco
• Niger
• Republic of Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Switzerland
• Togo
• Vanuatu

Countries in Europe that Speak French
The continent of Europe constitutes France where you can find the largest number of people speaking French. Europe has many nations which have French as their national language and it is also the official language of European Union.

• Legal status in France
• Switzerland
• Monaco and Andorra
• Belgium
• Italy
• Luxembourg

Countries in Africa that Speak French
It is said that half of the French speaking population reside in Africa. There is a huge list of African counties where French is an official language. Although French being the official language for these countries there are other local languages too which are widely spoken including English and Dutch.

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Madagascar
• Cameroon
• Coite d'Ivoire
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Senegal
• Mali
• Algeria
• Guinea
• Rwanda
• Chad
• Burundi
• Benin
• Togo
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Gabon
• Comoros
• Equatorial Guinea
• Djbouti
• Seychelles

Countries in Asia that Speak French
There are very few French speaking countries in Asia. Mostly it is found as the second or third language. It is usually taught in schools but is not considered to be the top most priority.

• Lebanon
• Syria
• Israel
• Southeast Asia (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)
• India (Pondicherry)

Countries in America that Speak French
Maximum people who speak French in America are in Canada. French is considered as an official language in Canada with English. Around 25% people speak French in Canada. Apart from it there are some other countries too which either have French as their second or third language. French speaking countries in South America and North America are as follows.

• Canada
• French Guiana
• Guadeloupe
• Haiti
• Martinique

Countries in Pacific that Speak French
The French speaking countries in pacific are under the territory of France hence they find it as their official language. Apart from this Vanuatu comes under the sovereign republic.

• French Polynesia
• New Caledonia
• Vanuatu
• Iles de Hoorn (Wallis & Futuna)

Other French Speaking Countries
This is a category which have the names of the countries that do not mark French as their first, second or third language but you can hear French in some regions.

• Albania (Europe)
• Bulgaria (Europe)
• Cape Verde (Archipelago off west coast of Africa)
• Dominica (Caribbean)
• Egypt (Africa)
• Greece (Europe)
• Guinea-Bissau (Africa)
• Lebanon (Middle East)
• Morocco (Africa)
• Macedonia (Europe)
• Mauritania (Africa)
• Mauritius (Island off African coast)
• Moldova (Europe)
• Romania (Europe)
• Saint-Lucia (Caribbean)
• Sao-Tomé et Principe (Island off African coast)
• Tunisia (Africa)

By the above given list you can make out how French speaking people are widely spread across the world. So here I take your leave and will see you soon with some more information. Till then Au revoir (Goodbye in French) and Bonne journée (Have a good day).