Home | Newsroom |    Français    English    Russian    Japanese    Chinese


Languages all through the world…


These maps provide an overview of the number of indigenous languages still spoken in the various regions of the globe.

The 2000 map was based on data available at the time, keeping in mind that:

  • Figures may vary significantly depending on the scientists and researchers involved and the criteria taken into account, notably in terms of distinctions made between languages and dialects.
  • Languages are dying out at a steady rate (one every 15 days according to UNESCO experts) and occasionally others are discovered.

Languages spoken by immigrants in welcoming countries are not considered. The maps cover only indigenous languages.

The 2100 map is a simple forecast, based on various criteria: the current state of languages, the current rate at which they are losing ground, the age of speakers, transmission rate to younger generations, etc.

Languages all through the world

Zones 2000 2100
North America From 200 to 300 Less than 100
Central America From 200 to 300 Less than 100
South America From 400 to 500 From 100 to 200
Europe From 100 to 200 Less than 100
Middle East Less than 100 Less than 100
North Africa Less than 100 Less than 100
West Africa More than 800 From 200 to 300
Central Africa From 500 to 800 From 200 to 300
East Africa From 300 to 400 From 100 to 200
Southern Africa From 100 to 200 Less than 100
Indian subcontinent From 500 to 800 From 300 to 400
Central Asia Less than 100 Less than 100
Russia From 100 to 200 Less than 100
Northeast Asia Less than 100 Less than 100
China and Taiwan From 100 to 200 Less than 100
Southeast Asia From 500 to 800 From 100 to 200
Indonesia From 500 to 800 From 100 to 200
Pacific Islands More than 800 From 100 to 200
Australia and New Zealand From 100 to 200 Less than 100

Fondation Chirac © 2009 - Design : Kinoa

Contact us | Legal |