EF's survey of 1.3 million adults highlights global tr
ends in English proficiency
EF Education First has released its annual global ranking of English proficiency today, drawing on data from 1.3 million non-native English speakers in 88 countries and regions. With a low English proficiency, Thailand is ranked 64 globally - a drop from last year's 53rd place - and 16 out of 21 in Asia.
For the fourth time in eight years, Sweden tops the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), bumping last year's top-scorer, the Netherlands, to second place.
"Thailand dropped 11 slots in one year in our global ranking of English proficiency," said Dr. Minh N. Tran, EF's Senior Director of Research. "Our EF EPI research shows that countries and individuals that invest in English education and that recognize the importance of the language as a lever for competitiveness improve their proficiency year after year. Published by EF, this ranking has become the de facto reference point for governments, companies, and educators when they discuss English skills," she added.
Key findings of this year's EF EPI include:
- Europe remains the global leader in English proficiency. Eight of the top 10 spots in the ranking are held by European countries.
- For the first time ever, an Asian nation enters the top three slots, with Singapore ranking third. However, Asia continues to possess a large regional divide between the highest (3rd rank for Singapore) and lowest proficiency countries (86th rank for Uzbekistan).