Interestingly, French, not English, is the working language of the UN and the European Union. With around 300 million speakers, learning this language is a fantastic addition to your skillset. In our list below, we present seven exciting countries where you can use your French. We made sure to select French-speaking countries worldwide, all of which have French as their official language.
7 Countries Outside France Where French Is Spoken
Monaco: The Small Country on the French Riviera
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world , has a lot to offer. From picturesque beaches to Michelin-starred restaurants, Monaco is located near the famous French Riviera.
Monaco-Ville, Condamine, Monte-Carlo, and Fontvieille are the four distinct districts that make up this very safe, welcoming, and fascinating city. Although English, Monegasque, and Italian are widely spoken and understood, French is the official language, making it easy for many foreigners to travel and live abroad.
Due to its proximity to France, one might assume that the small country of Monaco is a French city. However, Monaco is actually an independent country. Located on the French Riviera, Monaco, along with other idyllic French cities like Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes, is one of the highlights of the French Riviera. If you're planning a trip to Monaco in the future, consider combining it with a day trip to France.
Ivory Coast: The West African Country with a French Colonial History
French is the official language of Côte d'Ivoire, although several indigenous languages are widely spoken. These include Cebaara, Senufo, Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, and Anyin. Côte d'Ivoire is also known as Côte d'Ivoire, a French name. An estimated 78 different languages are spoken in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.
French is taught in schools and is widely spoken in the region. As a consequence of its colonial past, approximately 30% of the population of Côte d'Ivoire speaks French . Côte d'Ivoire gained its independence in 1960.
A French language course in French-speaking Côte d'Ivoire is worthwhile for the unique and diverse natural landscape alone. From beautiful sandy beaches to rainforests and expansive savannas, in northern Ivory Coast you'll find everything you could wish for on a nature trip.
Belgium: Discover the Heart of Western Europe
In Belgium, French is the native language of slightly less than 50% of Belgians. Most French-speaking Belgians come from southern Wallonia and also live in the capital, Brussels. The Belgian capital, Brussels, is officially multilingual, with Flemish and French as its official languages.
If you visit Brussels, you will find both languages on street signs and other signage. However, French is spoken much more frequently by locals on the streets of Brussels. This makes Brussels a suitable destination for improving your French. As the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels is also a very important city for all of Europe.
Belgium is particularly famous for its food. For example, there are many different types of Belgian chocolate. Belgian waffles and pralines are also very popular sweets that you absolutely shouldn't miss on your trip to Belgium. Furthermore, Belgium is also known for its diverse range of beers. All of this makes Belgium an exciting travel destination where you can put your newly acquired French skills to the test with the Belgian locals.
Morocco: Exploring Arab Culture in North Africa
n Morocco, French is still widely spoken by all Moroccans, regardless of age. This makes a trip to this beautiful North African country interesting even for those who want to learn French on a language course and are already familiar with France. Moroccan Arabic is the main language in Morocco. However, French follows closely behind, serving as an unofficial second language.
It is the official language of the government, diplomacy, and commerce. French is taught in primary school from the third grade and is used more and more each year until children reach secondary school, where they are taught academic subjects. At universities, French is often used as the primary language of instruction.
A trip to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is especially worthwhile. In Rabat, you can experience the Moroccan way of life and culture in a truly special way. Besides the beach in the west of the city, there are many other sights to see, such as impressive mosques, which make a trip to Rabat truly unique. However, you can use your trip to Morocco not only to learn French; a visit to Morocco is also an excellent opportunity to improve your Arabic skills .
France
French style, wine & fashion.
Switzerland: Learn French in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland is a special country because three languages are spoken there: German, Italian, and French. In fact, one in five Swiss people is a native French speaker. Swiss French is the variety of French spoken in Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Numerous international and humanitarian organizations are located in this beautiful metropolis.
If you want to practice your French in Switzerland, you should make sure to travel to French-speaking Switzerland. Among the most exciting French-speaking cities in Switzerland are Geneva, Lausanne, and Biel/Bienne .
Besides countless restaurants and cafés, Switzerland offers charming boutiques where you can sample Swiss specialties like fondue and Swiss chocolate. A metropolis near the Alps provides a wide range of incredible attractions and activities, including skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, hiking, paragliding, and mountain biking.
Canada: Learning French in North America
In Canada, a total of 37 million Canadians speak French. This means that more than 20% of the Canadian population speaks French . Although Canada is known for its bilingualism, the country as a whole still relies heavily on Canadian French. The French spoken in Canada today is similar to that of 17th- and 18th-century France. Quebec, present-day Nova Scotia, was flooded by French colonists in 1604. The descendants of these immigrants created a French culture that differed significantly from the French origins of their ancestors. From large cities like Quebec City and Montreal, the French language spread to Indigenous territories such as those inhabited by the Abenaki, Ottawa, and Potawatomi peoples. If you've ever spoken French in Paris and enjoyed it, you might also enjoy listening to Canadian French.
Senegal: The Country in Northwest Africa
Senegal boasts the best nightlife, cuisine, and beaches in West Africa, and its wildlife rivals its urban landscapes. While Wolof is the most widely spoken native language, French is the official language. Brushing up on some basic Wolof greetings and phrases before traveling to Senegal might be a good idea, as not everyone you meet will speak French.
Conclusion: Learn French and explore the whole world!
Approximately 76 million people speak French as their native language, and 274 million are fluent. Thanks to this language, people from all over the world can connect with numerous nations, cultures, and people. French is a fantastic choice if you want to learn a second language. It allows you to explore a wide variety of countries and cultures and speak French with the locals.
French is also extremely useful professionally. Good French skills allow you to work in a wide variety of countries. Learning French is a valuable skill for your work and for traveling the world, as it is one of the most popular business languages and is increasingly used.
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