The United States now has more Spanish speakers than Spain itself, in terms of total speakers (native & non-native). With 65.5 million Spanish speakers compared to Spain’s 48.9 million, Spanish became the second language after English that Americans speak. 

This report breaks down how Spanish speakers are segregated across countries, populations, and usage levels. By collecting data from Instituto Cervantes, census sources, and population projections, alongside original analysis, it maps the global Spanish-speaking nation, US state-level trends, and future growth. 

“The U.S. now has 65.5 million Spanish speakers—45.5 million native and 20 million non-native—compared to Spain’s 48.9 million. What most people don’t realize is that Spanish isn’t a ‘foreign’ language in America anymore.”

— Anna, Spanish Language Educator & Founder of AnnaSpanish.com

Top Spanish Speakers Statistics (2026)

• More than 635.73 million people speak Spanish globally, and 519.11 million of them are native speakers. (Source)
• Globally, 92.06 million people are L2 Spanish speakers, and 24.56 million students learn Spanish as a foreign language. (Source)
• Mexico has 138 million Spanish speakers, making it the number 1 Spanish-speaking country. (Source)
• In the US, 65.5 million people speak Spanish, ranking #2 in the world with the most Spanish speakers. (Source)
• The number of Spanish speakers in Spain is 48.9 million, the country of origin of the language. 
• Spanish ranks #4 globally in terms of total speakers.
• Spanish ranks third in native speakers, surpassing English with only 390.34 million speakers. 

How Many People Speak Spanish in the World?

Though 635.73 million people speak Spanish, 519.11 million of them are native speakers (L1). Over 92.06 million people treat it as a secondary language (L2). Meanwhile, 24.56 million of all Spanish speakers are basically students learning it as a foreign language (L3). 

*The image highlights the total number of Spanish speakers in the world. 

If we talk about native speakers, Spanish beats English globally with 519.11 million vs 390.34 million. This makes Spanish the third most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese and Hindi. 

Source: Instituto Cervantes 2025 Report

When it comes to overall speakers, 1.53 billion people speak English, which is 18.9% of the world’s population. English is a globally acknowledged language. That’s why 75% of people learned English for business, education, and entertainment purposes. 

According to Babbel, 1.2 billion people speak Romance languages, and around 44%-46% of them speak Spanish. French and Portuguese rank second and third, with 321 million and 279 million speakers, respectively. (Source: World Population Review)

(L1: Mother tongue/first language/native language, L2: Limited competence/Secondary language/L1 transfer language, L3: Learners/non-proficient) 

How Many People Speak Spanish in the USA

Nearly 65.5 million people speak Spanish in the USA. Out of which 45.5 million are native speakers and 20 million speak as a secondary language. 

The US has 16.6 million more speakers than Spain. Meanwhile, Spain dominates the US slightly when it comes to native speakers in the country.

(Methodology: The data was compiled after calculating the current population and data taken from the Instituto Cervantes.)

Source: Cervantes 

Whereas almost 100% people speak Spanish in Spain, 1 out of 5 people speaks Spanish in the US. 

Spanish Speakers in the United States: State by State

Over 10.44 million people speak Spanish in California, accounting for 15.94% of total Spanish speakers in the country. 

In Texas, every 1 in 4 people speaks Spanish. 

Maine, with 12,179 Spanish speakers, has the lowest percentage of Spanish speakers (0.86%). Vermont comes last in terms of total numbers (7,829). 

Despite English being the primary language in the US, 13.9% of the population speaks Spanish at home. 

Source: Census

Spanish-Speakers in The US Over the Years

After the removal of Title 42 and travel restrictions, migration contributed to a 2.5% increase in the native-speaking base within 18 months. 

Due to 1/5th population speaking Spanish, it became the #1 most-requested non-English language in US job postings. 

Note: The dip from 2019 to 2023 was driven by migration halts during COVID-19 and the US Census data disruptions. 

Methodology: Due to the high birth rate and immigration of hispanic population between 2020 and 2024, the total number of Spanish speakers saw an enormous 14.38% growth in 2025. During this period, the US population grew by 58.7 million, and 56% of them were Hispanics. 

Source: Pew Research

Spanish-speaking Countries in the World: Complete 2026 Rankings

Globally, Spanish is the official language in 21 countries, including Puerto Rico, a U.S. inhabited territory. 

Here’s the list of all 21 countries with the number of native and non-native Spanish speakers: 

Around 138.07 million Mexicans speak Spanish (94.18% of the total population), making it the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. In terms of population concentration, El Salvador comes at the top with 99.88% of the population speaking Spanish. 

Source: Cervantes 

Non-Spanish Speaking Countries 

The United States, being a non-Spanish-speaking country, has the second-largest number of Spanish speakers in the world. However, in this category, the US is at the top with nearly 65.5 million Spanish speakers. That means 1 out of 5 US people speaks Spanish as a native or secondary language. 

In second place, all 27 European Union countries have 45.73 million Spanish speakers. 

Source: Cervantes 

Aruba is officially a Dutch-speaking country, but 89.7% of the population can communicate in Spanish. However, 67% of them are non-native.

Andorra comes in second with 88.4% of the population speaking Spanish, but nearly half of them are native speakers. 

Methodology: The percentage of the Spanish-speaking population of Aruba and Andorra was calculated from Cervantes’ report, and their current population was taken from Wordometer. 

Spanish Students by Country

Due to the growing Hispanic population and Spanish being the most spoken Romance language, 24.56 million students have enrolled in Spanish classes as a foreign language. 

Spanish is the #1 studied foreign language. A total of 8.9 million students enrolled in different schools, colleges, and institutes to learn Spanish language. 

Source: Cervantes 

What does this mean for Business, Education, and Culture?

Despite being an English-heavy country, the US has 36.2 million eligible Hispanic voters. This is 14.7% of the US electorate. The number of voters increased by 4 million since 2020. 

The US Latino GDP already crossed $4.1 trillion. If this demographic were its own country, it would be the 5th largest economy in the world, larger than the economies of India, France, or the UK.

Spanish Language Growth Over The Years

In the past 10 years, Spanish speakers grew by almost 77 million. Native speaker growth in Latin America (mostly Mexico and Colombia) contributed to 1.1% annual increase in native populations. 

Another reason for this massive growth is the 7% increase in Spanish students from 2024. 

Total Spanish speakers in the world by years:

Source: Cervantes

Growth Of Spanish Speakers by 2030: What to Expect?

By 2030, it is projected that 7.5% of the entire world population will understand Spanish. In the U.S., Latinos now make up 20% of the population, making Spanish-language media (music and streaming) mainstream.

Latinos accounted for 78% of all new workers in the U.S. labor force between 2020 and 2025. By 2030, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. workers will be Hispanic.

Source: Salud America

To be honest, Halloween was not big in Spain when I was a kid. However, as I got older, Halloween has become increasingly popular in Spain over the past couple of decades due to the influence brought by American culture.

Halloween Traditions in Spain:

Costumes: People of all ages, from kids to adults, can be seen grabbing this opportunity to dress up in their favorite creative and spooky costumes to participate in Halloween parties or trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-Treating: Some Spanish children enjoy trick-or-treating (“¿truco o trato?” in Spanish) in the evening knocking on doors asking for sweet treats like chocolates, even if it is not as common and popular in Spain.

Halloween Parties: Many clubs and bars have started hosting themed parties inspired by Halloween that have gained popularity in recent years. It’s an opportunity to dress up as your favorite fictional character, enjoy some spooky cocktails, and dance through the night.

All Saints’ Day: Also known as “El Día de Todos los Santos”, All Saints Day is a public holiday that’s set on the 1st of November. It is an important day as families visit cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones. Compared to the festive vibes of Halloween, All Saints’ Day is more on the serious and reflective side.

“La Castanyada”: Last but not least, I want to share with you a tradition from my region, Catalonia. Every 31st of October, we celebrate “La Castanyada” wherein we share a meal (usually dinner) with friends and/or family and roast chestnuts and sweet potatoes over open fires and eat “panellets” (traditional pastries made of almond).

Even though Halloween is not as significant in Spanish culture as it is in some other countries, it’s undeniably growing in popularity and becoming a fun, international holiday.

I hope you enjoyed knowing more about Halloween traditions in Spain! If you want to get spooky with the best Spanish horror movies click here. If you want to know exactly how many people speak Spanish, click here.

How Do New Year Traditions in Spain Work?

On the 31st of December, people across the country gather around their TV screens or in public squares (normally in front of a church or important building) to countdown until midnight, with 12 grapes in our hands as we listen to the bells chiming

Before the clock strikes 12:00, we eat 12 grapes; one for every stroke of the clock. Keep reading, I am giving you some good tips to achieve the challenge successfully!

What Is The Spanish New Year Grapes Tradition? And Why 12?

It is believed that eating 12 grapes before the final stroke of midnight will bring good luck and prosperity for the year, with the grapes representing the 12 months of the year

Who doesn’t want to start the year filled with hope and positivity, right?

Eating the twelve grapes in good time is actually harder than it looks! It can be quite a challenge for slow eaters like me. 

Tips to achieve the goal of eating 12 Grapes in 12 seconds:

• Be Prepared: Be sure to have your grapes ready to go before the countdown begins. In some supermarkets you can even buy them peeled!
• Seedless Grapes: To avoid any unexpected interruptions get seedless grapes. Thank me later!
• Practice Makes Perfect: Some people even practice the art of grape eating the days before New Year’s Eve to get into a festive competitive mood.

What’s great about this tradition is that everyone, even those who hate grapes, can still do it! I’ve seen people eating olives, peanuts or even crisps, so pick your favourite and be ready for December 31!

P.S. If you enjoy learning about Spanish traditions and culture, click here to have a look at my blog. Also – check out this post about how many people speak Spanish.

¡Hasta pronto!

Anna

In Spain, the joy of Christmas extends well into the new year, culminating in the enchanting Three Kings’ celebration. This magical tradition holds a special place in our hearts, as it beautifully intertwines religious significance with the magic of childhood dreams and memories.

What is Los Reyes Magos?

Based on the Christian tradition, the Three Wise Men followed a star to Bethlehem that showed them the way to see the newborn Son of God, Jesus. The kings, Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar, offered Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Inspired by this event, children from Spain write letters which explain how good they have been and list down gifts they wish to receive. However, will the naughty ones receive their presents?

When is Los Reyes Magos celebrated?

Riding their camels from the East to Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men arrived on January 5th to offer their gifts to baby Jesus. Because of this, each town/city in Spain holds a big parade to welcome Los Reyes Magos, which will arrive in either horses, car, boat, or even by helicopter!

The kings will be accompanied with their own pages and trucks containing hundreds of presents. To see the excitement on the children’s face when they see the Kings arrive for the first time is priceless! Once the parade ends, children will go home and prepare water, milk, and food for Los Reyes Magos and their camels or horses to help them regain strength after a long journey.

How is Día de Los Reyes Magos celebrated?

The morning of January 6th children from all over Spain will wake up nervous but excited as they get to find the gifts Los Reyes Magos has given them. For those who haven’t behaved properly, they receive a charcoal as a lesson to behave better for the year. 

The day is followed with a family meal with a special dessert, el roscón de reyes. It is a round oval-shaped sweet bread, often decorated with candied fruits and powdered sugar.

Surprise! There will usually be something inside the bread, usually a figurine and a dry bean. The person who finds the bean is asked to pay for the roscón. Isn’t it a fun way to end the festive season?

Interesting fact: Where is Los Reyes Magos celebrated?

Whereas I am focusing on how it is celebrated in my home country, Spain, the Three Kings Day is also celebrated in other locations around the globe:

1. Mexico: Known as “Día de Reyes,” it is a significant holiday with various customs, including the sharing of the Rosca de Reyes (a sweet bread).
2. Puerto Rico: The day is marked by parades, parties, and the traditional sharing of gifts.
3. Dominican Republic: Celebrated with religious services, parades, and the sharing of special meals.
4. Argentina: Families often gather for festive meals, and children receive gifts from the Three Kings.
5. Cuba: While not an official public holiday, some Cuban communities celebrate Three Kings’ Day with events and traditions.
6. Venezuela: The day is marked by religious observances, as well as festive activities and the sharing of gifts.
7. Colombia: Celebrations include parades, parties, and the exchange of gifts among family and friends.
8. France: Particularly in regions like Provence, there are traditions associated with Epiphany, including the sharing of the “Galette des Rois,” a puff pastry with a hidden figurine.
9. Germany: Known as “Dreikönigstag,” it is celebrated with special church services and customs in various regions.

Enjoyed this? If you’re looking to enlighten your Christmas spirit, here’s a list of the best Christmas movies to practice Spanish!
 

While everyone in Spain is looking forward to Santa, we Catalans have our own magical twist that makes our holiday celebrations in Catalonia more fun and festive and that’s El Tió de Nadal.

Let me introduce you to this cute log with a smiley face, wearing a traditional Catalan red hat and covered with a warm cozy blanket, El Tió. It’s also known as the “Christmas Log” or “Caga Tió” (pooping log), yes, haha! you’ve read that correctly! 

Who puts el Tió de Nadal in their homes?

Around December 8th, parents prepare this special Christmas log while the kids wait impatiently for El Tió. Each family has their own Tió de Nadal which they use every year.

Once El Tió’s ready, the Children “feed” small treats, such as fruit, nuts, dried fruits, candies, or milk that symbolises abundance and prosperity.

El Tió de Nadal Song:

What’s fun about El Tió de Nadal is when families will gather around it to sing its traditional song called “caga tió“ on either Christmas Eve or Christmas day, depending on when they prefer. Believe it or not, singing its song encourages the log to “poop out” presents.

Children will take turns beating El Tió. Later, small surprises, candies, and treats will start appearing mysteriously from under the blanket. While the nice ones get these surprises, the naughty ones will get charcoal!

The Meaning and Origins of El Tió de Nadal:

El Tió is believed to be a magical log that provides warmth to people during the winter solstice. Awakening its magical powers requires collective effort, so we beat the log with rhythm to encourage it to “take a dump” and bring out the presents. This act is actually meaningful as it could symbolise fertility and a fruitful harvest.

It is one of my favourite tradition because of how fun and unique it is! I hope you enjoyed getting to know El Tió de Nadal!

FAQs About Tio De Nadal

What Is Tio De Nadal?
Tió de Nadal is a Catalan Christmas tradition where children hit a smiling log that “poops” presents for them.

What Color Is Tio De Nadals Hat?
A red hat is most commonly used for Tio de Nadal.

Where Is Tio De Nadal Celebrated?
Tio de Nadal is celebrated in Catalonia, Spain.

What Does Tio De Nadal Mean?
Tio de Nadal translates to “Christmas Log” or “Pooping Log” in English.

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, visit my blog to know more about Spanish culture.

If you’re not a fan of hot and humid weather but have been looking forward to your trip to Spain, then October’s the perfect month for you to carry out your vacation plans!

From the perfect weather to its diverse culture, here are some reasons why Spain should be included in your Europe itinerary.

Why is it a good idea to visit Spain in October?

Proximity: Whether you’re taking your time to explore Spain or just looking for a quick getaway, Spain is easily accessible because it’s just a short flight away from any European country. 

Ideal Weather: October offers a welcome escape from the extreme hot Summer as it brings a mild and pleasant weather to Spain. It is a much better time to explore around since you get to avoid the crowd from Summer. What’s the weather like in October?

The weather in Spain in October varies depending on the region:

Cities from the north of Spain such as Bilbao offer temperatures between 13ºC and 18ºC. The average temperature in central Spain with cities like Madrid is normally around 15°C to 20°C. You will definitely feel a bit warmer in Southern and coastal areas with 20°C to 25°C. This includes Barcelona, Valencia although the hottest part of Spain is the region of Andalusia with cities like Seville (my very favourite), Málaga, Marbella.

Diverse Experiences: Spain offers a wide variety of places from vibrant cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia to beach destinations such as Mallorca or Tenerife. Read more to find out which one’s perfect for you!

Family-Friendly: Spain is known for its warm hospitality and family-friendly culture, making it a great country for parents and their children to explore.

Rich Culture: Spain offers a fascinating blend of culture and gastronomy. Explore the influences of Moorish heritage in Andalusia’s stunning Alhambra Palace (one of my favourite places in the south of Spain), savour authentic Spanish cuisine like tapas and paella, and explore the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudí in my amazing city, Barcelona.

Affordable: Spain often offers good value for money, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly trip.

And last but not least…Practice Your Spanish: It’s a golden opportunity for you to practice the Spanish you are learning in a real-world setting, improving language skills while immersing yourself in the culture.

Now you know why October’s the perfect month to visit Spain, here are some cities you can’t miss out visiting while you’re there!

Here’s the best places to visit in Spain in October:

Barcelona: Of course I had to start with my city! Dive into the architectural wonderland of Gaudí, try some delicious tapas (don’t miss the Jamón and Pulpo, trust me!), and embrace the charm of the Gothic quarter. Barcelona offers an ideal mix of culture and beachside relaxation.

Seville: My favourite! Have you ever heard the saying Sevilla tiene un color especial? It sure does! Fall in love with the enchanting streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz, explore the historic Alcazar, and enjoy flamenco in the sun at the stunning Plaza de España.

Valencia: Discover the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (great for both adults and children) and of course try the famous paella where it was born! Walk along the beach and enjoy the blend of tradition and modernity that this city has to offer.

Granada: Ahhh if I have to choose between Sevilla and Granada it gets really difficult… There’s no place in the world like the Alhambra Palace Did you know the Arab presence in the Alhambra lasted for about 250 years? Visiting this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site is a must!

Madrid: Explore the heart of Spain in its capital city. Admire world-class art at the Prado Museum and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Plaza Mayor. I must confess: Madrid has better night life than Barcelona (it’s the Broadway of Spain!) but Madrid doesn’t have a beach! So which one wins? Haha

There’s no better time to practice your Spanish skills. Engage with locals, order your favourite dishes in Spanish, and immerse yourself in authentic conversations. Do you need a hand with that? Click here to get my FREE guide and learn the most important Spanish phrases for travel!

Enjoy your Spanish getaway!

¡Hasta pronto!

Why do Spanish people have two last names?

The use of two last names in Spain is a common practice deeply rooted in its culture. These two last names are typically the father’s first surname + the mother’s first surname. For example, if a person’s father is called Juan García and their mother’s name is Maria López, their full name might be something like José García López.

This tradition serves multiple purposes:

Firstly, it helps to maintain a connection to both the maternal and paternal sides of the family, which is significant in Spanish culture.

It also makes it easier to trace family lineage, as the surnames often reflect a person’s ancestry. For example, if a surname like “López” is known to have originated from a certain region in Spain, it provides a clue about the person’s roots.

Did you know that upon marriage women don’t change their last name?

This practice avoids women changing their last names after getting married, which is common in many other cultures. In Spain, women keep their original last names, and the children continue to carry both parents’ last names.

Spanish two last names: Mother’s first or second?

Now, the question is: which of the two last names, the mother’s or the father’s, comes first? The answer is that traditionally, the father’s surname is considered the primary one and comes first. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend in Spain to place the mother’s surname first, allowing for more flexibility and gender equality.

I hope you found this insight into Spanish naming interesting! If you want to learn more about Spanish culture and traditions visit my blog by clicking here.

What’s the National Day of Catalonia about?

Honouring Our History and Culture:

The Diada de Catalunya commemorates a pivotal moment in our history. On September 11th, 1714, Barcelona faced a significant event – the fall of the city to Bourbon forces. It marked the end of the War of the Spanish Succession and signified a transformative period in Catalonia’s history.

The 11th of September is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Catalonia. It’s a day when Catalan culture shines All cities and villages become a canvas of colours, with lively parades, concerts, traditional dances and culture. We Catalans gather in the streets, forging a deep sense of community and togetherness.

My absolute favourite tradition… Els castells:

In my opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll witness during Diada de Catalunya. Awe-inspiring human towers that reach the skies. Teams of Castellers, like our ancestors, work together meticulously to create these amazing structures. It gives me goosebumps They are a symbol of unity and teamwork.

La Senyera – Our emblem:

If you walk around any village or city of Catalonia during the 11th of September you’ll probably spot la Senyera (Catalonia’s flag). With its striking red and yellow stripes, la Senyera symbolizes Catalonia’s identity and cultural pride, a reminder of who we are.

I hope you’ve felt the passion and love that I have for this day. For me, as a Catalan, La Diada de Catalunya is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the vibrant culture we continue to nurture

¡Espero que estés bien! / I hope you’re doing well! 

I am sure you have heard about the famous Spanish siesta…

So, picture this – it’s the afternoon in Spain, the sun is blazing and the temperature  is unbearable…it’s then when the siesta comes to the rescue! The siesta is a delightful afternoon rest or nap that has deep historical and cultural roots. Let’s dive into this charming Spanish tradition!

1 – Spain’s climate can be quite hot and arid, especially during the afternoon hours. The midday temperatures can become unbearable, making it difficult to carry on with outdoor activities or work during that time. But the siesta is the perfect remedy! It allows people to take a break and avoid the hottest part of the day.

2 – The siesta isn’t just about escaping the heat – it’s a tradition that goes way back in time! Ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans, recognized the benefits of resting during the sweltering hours, and that’s how it all began.

What’s the optimal Spanish siesta sleep time?

As a weekend siesta expert I can say the optimal time is just a 20minute sleep(right before your sleep cycle begins) or 1 and a half hours! (When the sleep cycle is completed) anything in between will make you feel groggy. I am a 20minute nap person! And you’ll say that’s what it take me to fall asleep! It’s all about practice.

What is the Spanish siesta time?

It’s always right after Spanish lunch. Spaniards usually have a siesta between three and five in the afternoon. Not later than that!

3 – As a tribute to its agricultural heritage, the siesta provided a practical way for workers to rest during the hottest part of the day. After all, Spain was once primarily an agricultural society, and the siesta allowed laborers to recharge and return to their tasks with renewed energy.

4 – But here’s the beautiful part – the siesta isn’t just about practicality; it’s also a cultural heritage that lasts generations. It’s an opportunity to take a break, spend quality time with family, and savour a relaxed meal.  

Now, things have evolved a bit over the years. Traditional Spanish work hours used to include a long lunch break, accommodating the siesta. But with modernization and globalization, work patterns have changed, especially in urban areas. Some businesses have moved away from the traditional siesta practice, embracing more standard working hours.

I hope you found this journey into the world of the siesta as delightful as I do! Would you be up to include this Spanish tradition into your daily life?

Así se celebra San Juan en diferentes partes de España:
This is how San Juan is celebrated in different parts of Spain:

En Cataluña se come “La coca de San Juan” un postre hecho con harina, azúcar, huevos, leche y trozos de fruta.

En cádiz se celebra quemando unos muñecos llamados “juanillos”.

En Alicante se queman unas esculturas gigantes en la calle similar a Las Fallas de Valencia.

En Asturias decoran las fuentes con flores. San Juan está vinculado con el agua y no con el fuego.

¿Y tú cómo celebras el solsticio de verano?

¡Que pases una muy buena noche de San Juan!
Anna