The Netherlands has ranked first worldwide for English language proficiency, according to the 2025 English Proficiency Index released by Education First. The annual report evaluates English skills among high school and adult learners across 123 countries and regions, offering insight into how English proficiency is developing globally.

The index is based on results from around 2.2 million adults who took EF’s English assessments in 2024. The findings are closely watched by educators, employers, and policymakers, as English proficiency is often linked to access to higher education, employment opportunities, and international mobility.

European countries dominated the top tier of the rankings. The Netherlands led the index, followed by Croatia, Austria, Germany, and Norway. Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, and Portugal were also placed in the “very high proficiency” category, reflecting long-standing investment in foreign language education across much of Europe.

Outside Europe, several countries ranked in the “high proficiency” group, including Malaysia, Argentina, the Philippines, and Switzerland, showing relatively strong English skills despite different linguistic backgrounds.

Pakistan was placed in the “low proficiency” category, according to the EF index, indicating that English language skills among adult learners remain limited compared to global leaders. The report notes variation within countries, suggesting that access to quality education and exposure to English continue to play a major role in proficiency levels.

The index also highlighted persistently low English proficiency in several parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Countries such as Japan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, and Sudan were ranked in the “very low proficiency” category. Among the lowest-ranked were Cambodia, Ivory Coast, Libya, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

Major economies showed mixed results. France and Italy fell into the “moderate proficiency” group, while Brazil and Turkey were ranked under “low proficiency,” underscoring wide regional differences in language education outcomes.

EF said the index is intended to help governments, educators, and employers identify gaps in language skills and guide education policy. The report emphasizes that English proficiency continues to influence global competitiveness, academic access, and participation in the international workforce.