The influence of the Hindi language extends far beyond India’s borders. Globally, over 600 million people speak and understand Hindi, making it the third most spoken language worldwide, following English and Mandarin. Due to the widespread Indian diaspora, numerous countries have a significant Hindi-speaking population or recognize it as a mother tongue, offering a sense of familiarity and home to Indian expats.
Nepal: Approximately 80,000 people in Nepal speak Hindi, representing about 0.29% of the population. The number of Hindi-understanding individuals is much higher, with an estimated 8 million Nepalese understanding the language. This prevalence stems from cultural similarities between the two nations and the impact of Hindi films in Nepal.
Mauritius: In Mauritius, with a population of around 1.3 million, nearly one-third, or approximately 450,000 citizens, speak Hindi. About 0.8% of the population considers it their mother tongue. Though Hindi holds significant influence, Creole and Bhojpuri are also spoken. Indian indentured laborers arrived in Mauritius in the 19th century, and Hindi films and cultural events remain popular. While French and English are the official parliamentary languages, Hindi’s cultural impact is undeniable.
Fiji: In Fiji, with a population of 900,000, around 40%, or 380,000 people, speak Hindi. Approximately 40% of the population is of Indian descent. Fijian Hindi is spoken, which is common among Hindi-speaking people of Indian origin. It is used in formal settings, schools, religious institutions, and media.
United States: The United States hosts the third-largest Hindi-speaking population outside India. Roughly 650,000 people speak Hindi, making it the 11th most popular foreign language. The majority of Hindi speakers in the US are immigrants from India. The number continues to rise due to the increasing presence of Indians in technical and business sectors.
Hindi in the Caribbean: Suriname has 150,000 Hindi speakers. Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana also have Hindi-speaking communities. Indian culture and festivals are still celebrated in these countries. South Africa has 250,000 Hindi speakers.
Hindi in Europe: The United Kingdom has 45,800 Hindi speakers. Approximately 1.53% of the UK population speaks Hindi. A large number of Indian immigrants reside in the UK, and Hindi is one of the languages spoken by communities of Indian origin. Germany also has over 20,000 Hindi speakers.
In addition, Hindi-speaking communities are rapidly growing in Singapore, Bangladesh, Canada, and Australia, where Hindi courses are being introduced in educational institutions. The United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and New Zealand also have a considerable number of Hindi speakers and understanders due to Indian expats. The popularity of Bollywood films has played a significant role in spreading Hindi globally.