As of 2026, Portuguese has continued its growth as one of the world's most influential languages. It currently ranks as the 6th most spoken native language and the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are approximately 265 to 275 million speakers in total. This includes:
- Native Speakers (L1): ~235 million people
- Second-Language Speakers (L2): ~30–40 million people (which might include YOU!)
Brazil remains the heavyweight of the Portuguese-speaking world, but the "centre of gravity" for the language is shifting.
Where in the world is the most notable growth?