French is spoken in many countries across different continents. This list shows where French is spoken, from official language status to significant cultural presence.
- French is spoken on every continent except Antarctica.
- Many countries have French as an official or administrative language.
- French is also a key language in international organizations and diplomacy.
Africa
French is widely spoken in Africa due to historic colonization. It is often used in government, education, and business.
- Many African countries have French as an official language.
- French is commonly used in education and media.
- French-speaking African countries are part of La Francophonie.
| Country | Region | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal | West Africa | Official | French used in government and schools |
| Ivory Coast | West Africa | Official | French is the language of administration |
| Democratic Rep. of Congo | Central Africa | Official | One of the most populous French-speaking countries |
| Madagascar | East Africa | Official | French used alongside Malagasy |
| Morocco | North Africa | Administrative | French used in business and government |
| Algeria | North Africa | Administrative | French widely spoken, not official |
Europe
French is native to France and spoken in several neighboring countries. It is a primary language of culture, diplomacy, and the European Union.
- French is the official language of France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
- It is a key language in the European Union.
- French culture and media have strong influence across the continent.
| Country | Region | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Western | Official | Native country of the French language |
| Belgium | Western | Official (Wallonia + Brussels) | French spoken in southern regions and capital |
| Switzerland | Central | Official (alongside German & Italian) | French is spoken in western cantons |
| Luxembourg | Western | Official | Multilingual country with French use |
| Monaco | Western | Official | Small city-state where French is official |
North America
French is primarily spoken in Canada and some Caribbean territories. It is an official language in parts of Canada and a cultural language in the Caribbean.
- French and English are both official in Canada.
- Quebec is the largest French-speaking province.
- French is spoken in overseas territories and parts of the Caribbean.
| Country / Territory | Region | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | North America | Official (federal) | French spoken primarily in Quebec |
| Haiti | Caribbean | Official | French and Haitian Creole are official |
| Saint Pierre and Miquelon | North America | Official | French overseas territory near Canada |
| New Brunswick | North America | Official (bilingual) | Only officially bilingual Canadian province |
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual Canadian province.
Le Nouveau-Brunswick est la seule province canadienne officiellement bilingue.
New Brunswick is officially bilingual in both French and English.
Caribbean
French is spoken in several Caribbean islands, often alongside Creole languages. These territories are part of France or have Haitian cultural influence.
- Many islands are French overseas departments.
- French coexist with local Creole languages.
- Tourism and culture maintain the use of French.
| Territory | Status | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadeloupe | French Overseas Dept. | Official | Part of France, French used in all domains |
| Martinique | French Overseas Dept. | Official | Same status as Guadeloupe |
| Saint Barthélemy | French Overseas Collectivity | Official | Small island with French administration |
| Haiti | Independent Country | Official | French used in government and education |
French coexist with local ______ languages in many Caribbean islands.
Creole
Local Creole languages often coexist with French in the Caribbean.
Asia
French influence in Asia is limited but notable in certain regions. It is mainly present in former colonies and as a foreign language.
- Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia were part of French Indochina.
- French is now mostly used in education and diplomacy.
- Some elite and older generations retain French proficiency.
| Country / Territory | Region | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Southeast Asia | None (historical) | French influence remains in culture, but not widely spoken |
| Laos | Southeast Asia | None (historical) | French used in some schools and institutions |
| Cambodia | Southeast Asia | None (historical) | Similar to Laos and Vietnam |
| Pondicherry (India) | South Asia | Official in region | Former French colony with some French usage |
Oceania
French is spoken in some Pacific islands that are French territories. It is used in administration, education, and daily life.
- These territories are part of France.
- French is the official language.
- Indigenous languages coexist with French.
| Territory | Status | French Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Caledonia | French Territory | Official | Large island with Melanesian population |
| French Polynesia | French Territory | Official | Includes Tahiti, famous for French influence |
| Wallis and Futuna | French Territory | Official | Small islands in the South Pacific |
French Polynesia includes the island of ______, known for its French cultural influence.
Tahiti
Tahiti is part of French Polynesia and is famous for its French heritage.
International Organizations
French is one of the official languages of many international organizations, reflecting its global role.
- The United Nations
- The European Union
- The International Olympic Committee
- La Francophonie (organization of French-speaking countries)
French connects people across different continents through diplomacy, culture, and education.
Flashcards (1 of 26)
- Country: Senegal
- Region: West Africa
- Notes: French used in government and schools
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
