English Proficiency Index by Country

The English Proficiency Index (EPI), developed by EF Education First, ranks countries based on the English language proficiency of their populations. The EPI is a crucial measure of how well countries are equipped for international communication, business, and education, making it an important metric in our globalized world.

Top Countries with the Best English Proficiency in 2024

The Netherlands leads the list with a score of 636, followed closely by Norway at 610 and Singapore at 609. Other notable countries excelling in English proficiency include Sweden (608), Croatia (607), and Portugal (605).

European Dominance in English Proficiency

Europe stands out with several countries achieving high English proficiency scores. Countries like Denmark (603), Greece (602), and Austria (600) demonstrate a strong commitment to English education. This is followed by Germany (598) and South Africa (594), reflecting Europe’s dominance in language education.

Moderate English Proficiency in Latin America and Asia

Countries such as Malaysia (566), Argentina (562), and Cyprus (558) are steadily improving their English proficiency. While these nations are making progress, they still trail behind the global leaders in English skills.

Challenges in English Proficiency in Developing Regions

Many regions in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia face challenges in achieving high English proficiency. Countries like Brazil (466), China (455), and Afghanistan (447) have lower scores, primarily due to limited educational resources and exposure to English.

Global Trends in English Proficiency

The global trend reveals significant improvement in English proficiency, with a clear dominance of European nations. However, regions such as Asia and Africa still face obstacles in language education. Countries with top EPI scores, like the Netherlands and Norway, serve as models for improving English proficiency.