Olayinka Issa 
Global Tapestry of Tongues: Number Of Languages By Country
In a stunning revelation from the 22nd edition of Ethnologue, the world’s linguistic diversity has been showcased in a vibrant display of numbers, with countries boasting a rich array of languages. Topping the charts is Papua New Guinea, a linguistic treasure trove, with an astounding 840 languages. Not far behind, Indonesia celebrates a linguistic mosaic of 710 tongues.
The African continent shines with Nigeria’s 524 and Cameroon’s 275 languages, while the Indian subcontinent speaks in 453 different dialects. The United States, often seen as a melting pot of cultures, houses 335 languages, reflecting its diverse population.
Down under, Australia’s linguistic landscape is dotted with 319 languages, and China’s vast territory echoes with 305 dialects. Mexico’s cultural richness is embodied in its 292 languages, and Brazil’s tropical vibrancy is matched by its 228 languages.
Canada’s multilingualism is represented by 195 languages, and the Philippines’ archipelago resonates with 191. Russia’s vast expanse whispers in 159 tongues, and Germany, known for its precision, catalogues 95.
The United Kingdom and Pakistan share a linguistic count of 85, while Iran’s heritage is voiced in 84 languages. Turkey’s cross-continental culture speaks in 54 languages, and Israel’s historical crossroads echo with 53.
The Netherlands, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan each boast a diverse linguistic portfolio of around 50 languages, showcasing the rich tapestry of human communication across the globe.
As we delve into the lower end of the spectrum, we find nations like South Korea with a modest 5, Iceland and the Vatican with a mere 2, and North Korea standing solitary with just 1 language.
This linguistic census paints a picture of our world as a kaleidoscope of cultures, each contributing to the grand narrative of human civilization. It’s a reminder that every language, from the most widely spoken to those on the brink of silence, forms an integral thread in the fabric of our shared human experience.
Number of languages by country:
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea: 840
🇮🇩 Indonesia: 710
🇳🇬 Nigeria: 524
🇮🇳 India: 453
🇺🇸 USA: 335
🇦🇺 Australia: 319
🇨🇳 China: 305
🇲🇽 Mexico: 292
🇨🇲 Cameroon: 275
🇧🇷 Brazil: 228
🇨🇦 Canada: 195
🇵🇭 Philippines: 191
🇷🇺 Russia: 159
🇩🇪 Germany: 95
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 85
🇬🇧 UK: 85
🇮🇷 Iran: 84
🇹🇷 Turkey: 54
🇮🇱 Israel: 53
🇳🇱 Netherlands: 50
🇻🇪 Venezuela: 48
🇺🇦 Ukraine: 48
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: 48
🇮🇹 Italy: 47
🇳🇴 Norway: 47
🇿🇦 South Africa: 42
🇫🇷 France: 42
🇦🇷 Argentina: 40
🇩🇰 Denmark: 39
🇸🇪 Sweden: 37
🇦🇹 Austria: 36
🇪🇸 Spain: 34
🇵🇱 Poland: 27
🇦🇪 UAE: 27
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 25
🇪🇬 Egypt: 23
🇯🇵 Japan: 19
🇮🇪 Ireland: 13
🇧🇾 Belarus: 11
🇰🇷 South Korea: 5
🇮🇸 Iceland: 2
🇻🇦 Vatican: 2
🇰🇵 North Korea: 1
According to the 22nd edition of Ethnologue (2019)
About The Author
