The List of English-Speaking Countries in Asia

Asia is a vast and diverse continent with a rich tapestry of languages and cultures. While English is not the native language of most countries in Asia, it serves as a vital second language and is widely used in business, education, government, and tourism. Several countries in Asia have adopted English as an official language or use it extensively, making them ideal destinations for English-speaking travelers, expatriates, and businesses.

Here is a list of English-speaking countries and regions in Asia where English is either an official language or commonly spoken.

1. Philippines

• Official Language: English (alongside Filipino)
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is one of the two official languages in the Philippines and is widely used in education, government, media, and business. The country is known for its large English-speaking population and is a popular destination for international students and expatriates.
• Notable Cities: Manila, Cebu, Davao

2. Singapore

• Official Language: English (alongside Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil)
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is the primary language of instruction in schools, as well as the language of business, government, and media. Singapore’s multilingual population often uses English as a lingua franca.
• Notable Cities: Singapore (city-state)

3. India

• Official Language: Hindi and English (English is an associate official language)
• English Proficiency: Varies (generally high in urban areas)
• Usage: English is widely used in government, education, media, and business, especially in urban centers and among the middle and upper classes. India is home to one of the largest English-speaking populations in the world.
• Notable Cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata

4. Pakistan

• Official Language: Urdu and English
• English Proficiency: Moderate to High (especially in urban areas)
• Usage: English is used extensively in government, education, and the legal system. It is also the primary language of instruction in many private schools and universities.
• Notable Cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore

5. Malaysia

• Official Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
• English Proficiency: High (especially in urban areas)
• Usage: While Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in business, education, and tourism. Many Malaysians are bilingual or multilingual, with English often used as a second language.
• Notable Cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru

6. Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)

• Official Language: Chinese (Cantonese) and English
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is one of the official languages and is commonly used in government, business, education, and tourism. Hong Kong’s legal and financial systems are heavily influenced by English.
• Notable Cities: Hong Kong (city-state)

7. Bangladesh

• Official Language: Bengali (Bangla)
• English Proficiency: Moderate
• Usage: English is widely used in government, education, and business. While not an official language, it plays a significant role in legal and academic settings.
• Notable Cities: Dhaka, Chittagong

8. Sri Lanka

• Official Language: Sinhala, Tamil, and English
• English Proficiency: Moderate to High
• Usage: English is widely used in education, business, and tourism. It is also an important language for government and legal proceedings.
• Notable Cities: Colombo, Kandy

9. Brunei

• Official Language: Malay
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is widely used in education, particularly in secondary and higher education. It is also used in business and government to a lesser extent.
• Notable Cities: Bandar Seri Begawan

10. Israel

• Official Language: Hebrew and Arabic
• English Proficiency: High (especially in urban areas)
• Usage: While English is not an official language, it is widely spoken and understood, especially in business, technology, and tourism sectors.
• Notable Cities: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa

11. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Official Language: Arabic
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is the primary language of business, tourism, and expatriate communities. It is also commonly used in education and government services.
• Notable Cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah

12. Nepal

• Official Language: Nepali
• English Proficiency: Moderate
• Usage: English is widely used in private education and tourism. Many Nepalese, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, speak English fluently.
• Notable Cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara

13. Bhutan

• Official Language: Dzongkha
• English Proficiency: Moderate to High
• Usage: English is the medium of instruction in schools and is commonly used in government and business settings.
• Notable Cities: Thimphu, Paro

14. Maldives

• Official Language: Dhivehi
• English Proficiency: High
• Usage: English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, which is a major part of the Maldivian economy. It is also used in education and business.
• Notable Cities: Malé

While English is not the native language of most countries in Asia, it plays a crucial role in connecting diverse cultures and facilitating international communication. Whether you’re traveling, studying, or conducting business, these English-speaking countries and regions in Asia offer a welcoming environment for English speakers.

Understanding the level of English proficiency in each country can help you navigate your journey and make the most of your experiences across this fascinating continent.