Top 10 English-speaking countries in the world in 2025

English continues to dominate global communication. It is the primary language for international business, science, higher education, diplomacy, and tourism. But fluency levels vary dramatically across countries where English is not the native language. That’s where EF Education First’s English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) comes in. As per the 2025 edition, Europe led the world by a wide margin, occupying all top 10 spots. These nations are not just proficient, they integrate English effortlessly into everyday life, making travel more convenient and global mobility easier.

The Netherlands (EF Score: 624) once again secures the top position, continuing its impressive streak at the top of the global index. English proficiency is almost universal here, across schools, workplaces, and public services. Daily life is incredibly easy for English-speaking travellers. Whether you are figuring out train connections in Rotterdam, visiting museums in Amsterdam, or chatting with locals in Utrecht, you’ll find people comfortable and confident in English communication.

Croatia’s leap to second place (EF Score: 617) stands out as one of the most notable shifts in the 2025 rankings. Younger residents—and especially those employed in the country’s thriving tourism sector—tend to speak English with ease. With coastal destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Zadar drawing millions of foreign travellers each year, English has become essential for hotels, tours, and local services. Visitors rarely struggle to communicate, as menus, guides, and key signage in major urban centres are frequently available in English.

Austria (EF Score: 616) maintains its strong standing thanks to a well-organised education system and a deep focus on learning multiple languages. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg, which serve as major cultural and commercial centres, attract a global population that further reinforces the demand for English proficiency. Visitors also find the country easy to navigate, with bilingual signage and widespread availability of English-speaking services.

Germany (EF Score: 615) remains one of Europe’s strongest performers. The country maintains high education standards and a widespread commitment to internationalisation. Major cities, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, function effectively as global centres, where English is used extensively in corporate, tech, and startup environments. Tourists will also find English widely used in transportation systems, museums, and restaurants.

Norway (EF Score: 613) owes its strong English skills to a blend of robust education and everyday cultural exposure. Whether you’re in the bustling centres of Oslo and Bergen or exploring tiny settlements tucked deep within the fjords, you’ll encounter residents who speak English with ease and confidence. This effortless communication makes travelling through Norway even more enjoyable, especially for those seeking its famous outdoor experiences—from fjord cruises to hiking routes and Northern Lights journeys.

Portugal (EF Score: 612) has managed to make remarkable strides in English proficiency over the past decade, as per the records. Tourism did play one of the major roles, with places like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve drawing millions of international visitors every year, making English essential for those in hospitality and services. The country has also evolved into a thriving startup and digital-nomad hub, pushing younger professionals and entrepreneurs to strengthen their language skills. For travellers, this translates into easy communication, as most locals are both comfortable and willing to converse in English.

Denmark (EF Score: 611) consistently ranks among the world’s most proficient English-speaking countries. For visitors, navigating Denmark is straightforward: museum guides, websites, transport signs, and customer service outlets all commonly offer English support. Even in smaller towns, locals are comfortable switching between Danish and English.

Sweden (EF Score: 609) has a long-standing reputation for its exceptionally strong command of English. Swedish society’s openness to global culture, combined with widespread use of English in business, entertainment, and academia, helps maintain high fluency levels. English-speaking travellers enjoy effortless communication. Whether you are exploring Stockholm’s islands, attending festivals in Gothenburg, or visiting Arctic towns, language rarely becomes a barrier.

Belgium’s (EF Score: 608) unique linguistic landscape, where French, Dutch, and German coexist, makes multilingualism a natural part of life. Adding English to this mix comes easily, especially because of Belgium’s central role in European institutions and international politics. Brussels hosts numerous global organisations, driving English usage in professional environments. For tourists, English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist centres. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites offer extensive English support, making travel smooth and efficient.

Slovakia’s (EF Score: 606) entry into the top 10 highlights a significant improvement in education and global engagement. Urban hubs like Bratislava have become more cosmopolitan, with English widely used in restaurants, tech offices, and transportation. Visitors will find that English is readily understood in tourist areas, although rural regions may still vary. Nonetheless, the country’s steady progress has made it one of Europe’s most accessible destinations for English-speaking travellers.