Each country has its unique traditions, customs, and regional variations of the Dutch language. Dutch speaking countries offer a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and historical influences. Dutch is a beautiful and expressive language. It is also a very practical language, as it is widely spoken in the business world.
Here are the top 5 Dutch speaking countries in the world.
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Suriname
- Aruba
- Curaçao
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1. Netherlands
The Netherlands stands as the primary Dutch speaking nation and the birthplace of the Dutch language. With approximately 23 million native speakers, Dutch serves as the official language and is widely spoken by the majority of the population. The country is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and forward-thinking society.
2. Belgium
Dutch is among the three official languages in Belgium, alongside French and German. The Dutch speaking region of Belgium, known as Flanders, hosts the majority of the Dutch speaking population, encompassing approximately 6.7 million native speakers. Vibrant Dutch speaking communities thrive in cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, adding to the cultural tapestry of the region.
3. Suriname
With approximately 475,000 native speakers, Dutch serves as the official language in Suriname, a South American country closely connected to the Netherlands through its historical background. Suriname stands out as one of the Dutch speaking countries beyond the boundaries of Europe. The nation is celebrated for its diverse culture, remarkable biodiversity, and captivating tropical landscapes.
4. Aruba
With approximately 100,000 native speakers, Dutch is an official language in Aruba, one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Alongside the local language of Papiamento, Dutch holds significance in official and administrative domains. Many Arubans have attained fluency in the Dutch language, contributing to its widespread usage on the island.
5. Curaçao
Curaçao, much like Aruba, is an autonomous country situated within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Dutch serves as an official language and enjoys extensive usage within government institutions and educational establishments. Additionally, the local population speaks Papiamentu, a creole language, with around 60,000 native speakers.
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Other Dutch speaking countries in the world are:
- Sint Maarten – over 40,000 Dutch speakers
- Bonaire – over 20,000 Dutch speakers
- Sint Eustatius – over 3,000 Dutch speakers
- Saba – over 2,000 Dutch speakers
- French Flanders (part of France) – over 20,000 Dutch speakers
