What Languages Do They Speak In Singapore?
Explore the languages spoken in Singapore on an interactive map.
Singapore Languages: Quick Facts
Languages
4
Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil
Population
5,454,000
Cost of living
~ $4490
Index: 89.8
Safety / crime index
Crime Index: 23.1
Language Spoken in Singapore Percentage
| Language | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|
EnglishOfficial | 48.3% | 2,634,282 |
MandarinOfficial | 29.9% | 1,630,746 |
MalayOfficial | 9.2% | 501,768 |
TamilOfficial | 2.5% | 136,350 |
Do They Speak English in Singapore?
English proficiency
Ranked #2 on the EF English Proficiency Index.
In short
In major cities, business districts, and tourist hubs across Singapore, you can usually get by very comfortably in English. Outside those areas, knowing some Malay still helps.
FAQ
Singapore Language FAQ
Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Singapore.
People in Singapore speak Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil.
English is the most widely spoken language.
English is spoken by about 48.3% of the population in Singapore.
That corresponds to roughly 2,634,282 people.
Yes, in most urban and professional settings. Outside the biggest cities, some Malay can still be useful.
- What languages do they speak in Singapore?
People in Singapore speak Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil.
English is the most widely spoken language.
- How widely spoken is English in Singapore?
English is spoken by about 48.3% of the population in Singapore.
That corresponds to roughly 2,634,282 people.
- Can you get by with English in Singapore?
Yes, in most urban and professional settings. Outside the biggest cities, some Malay can still be useful.
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