The Netherlands Remains Global Leader in English Skills
The nation and Amsterdam top the 2022 Education First English Proficiency Index
The Netherlands leads once more in the global ranking of non-native speaking nations for English language skills. Amsterdam leads the list of cities worldwide.
The 2022 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) analyses data from 2.1 million adults on their English language skills in 111 countries and regions. The EF EPI is based on scores from the EF Standard English test, used by governments, companies and schools for large-scale testing as well as millions of individual test takers.
The Dutch have placed consistently in the top three since the index was initiated in 2011 and have held the top spot since 2016. The Netherlands’ top position in 2022 is followed by Singapore, Austria, Norway and Denmark.
English is the international language for innovation and knowledge sharing
As the EF EPI finds, English is by far the most common language of information exchange across borders, making it key to sharing knowledge and expertise, attracting international talent and maintaining frictionless communication to support productivity. Next to that, the ranking shows that innovation flourishes and cultures tend to be more fair and open if language barriers are minimized.
English skills are key advantage for the Dutch business climate
The high level of English-language skills in the Netherlands is one of the key reasons international companies choose to locate there. It contributes to an international and diverse workplace, boosting talent, innovation and competitiveness, as well making the Netherlands an attractive place to live for internationals.
About EF EPI 2022
Key findings in the 2022 report as a whole include the fact that English proficiency improved for adults over 25 globally, with over 40s improving the most. Proficiency among adults in the age group 21-25 was unchanged, but declined for the 18-20 cohort by a striking 50 points since 2020. Europe is the only region where young adults have not lost ground
Source: EPI and amsterdam inbusiness
26 November 2022