24 Countries Where Arabic Is the Official Language in 2024

In this big world of ours, there are many languages and cultures. For example, there are over 20 countries in Latin America where Spanish dominates as the main language that people speak. Brazil, the largest country in South America, is one of the only countries where Portuguese is the main language. Some of these countries have official languages they have designated. In the United States, there is no official language. However, in others, there are. In the Arab world, there are dozens of countries where they have designated Arabic as the official language or the co-official language. 

Let’s take a look at the 24 countries where Arabic is the official language in 2024. These countries have designated Arabic as the official majority language, the official minority language, or the co-official majority or minority language. This amounts to 417 million Arabic speakers.

1. Algeria

Algeria is located in North Africa. The ethnic groups living in the country include Arabs, which account for around 80%, and Berbers, which account for about 20%. A total of 99% of the population consider themselves Sunni Islam.

2. Bahrain

Bahrain is located in the Middle East. The ethnic groups living in the country include 53% Arabs, 43% Asians, and the remaining 4% are from the rest of the world. Around 80% of the population practices Islam and 12% practice Christianity.

3. Chad

Chad is located in north central Africa. The ethnic groups that live in the country include 26% Sara, 13% Arab, and the rest are a variety of ethnic groups. When it comes to religion, 55% of the population is Muslim and 41% are Christian.

4. Comoros

Located off the coast of southern Africa in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is an island nation that has several ethnic groups including Comorians and others. The name Comoros means “moon” in Arabic.

5. Djibouti

Djibouti is located in Eastern Africa. It is a multi-ethnic nation where Somalis comprise 60% of the population, Afar comprise 35% of the population, and Arabs make up 5%. Over 94% of Djibouti is Muslim and 6% are Christian.

6. Egypt

Located in North Africa, Egypt is one of the largest countries in the continent, as well as the Middle East. Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world having been established around 3150 B.C.

7. Iraq

Iraq is located in the Middle East. Various ethnic groups in the country include Arabs, Kurds, and others. The country claimed its independence from the United Kingdom in 1932 and a republic was declared in 1958. The current constitution has been around since 2005.

8. Jordan

Located in the Middle East, Jordan is a very diverse country where there are Arabs, Circassians, Chechens, and Armenians. When it comes to religion, about 95% are Sunni Muslim and 3% are Christian.

9. Kuwait

A tiny country in the Middle East, Kuwait has a very diverse population that includes Kuwaiti Arabs, Arab expats, Asians, and Africans, among others. Over 76% of the population is Muslim and 17% are Christian.

10. Lebanon

Located in the Middle East, over 95% of the population is Arab and 4% are Armenian. Lebanon was established as a country in 1516, however, the French took over those lands and they have been independent from France since 1943.

11. Libya

Located in North Africa, Libya is comprised of 92% Arabs and 5% Berbers. Over 99% of the population practices Islam. Libya declared its independence from Italy in 1947. Furthermore, there have been several conflicts in Libya since 2011, most recently the end of the Second Libyan Civil War in 2020.

12. Mali

Mali is a very diverse country located in North Africa close to the Sahara Desert. Around one-third of the population is Bambara and the other two-thirds are various ethnic groups. Around 95% of the population in Mali is Muslim.

13. Mauritania

Besides the official language of Arabic, Mauritania also recognizes several national languages including Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof. Around 40% of the population is Haratin, 30% is Arab-Berber and another 30% is Halpulaar, Fulani, Mande, and Wolof.

14. Morocco

Besides Arabic and Berber, there are also other spoken languages like Moroccan Arabic, Hassaniya Arabic, various Berber languages, and French. Morocco is located in Northern Africa and is comprised of 67% Arbs, 31% Berbers, and 2% Sahrawis.

15. Oman

Located in the Middle East, over 88% of the population is Muslim, 5% is Hindu, and 3% are Christians. Oman is one of the oldest countries in the world. Furthermore, the country’s capital is called Muscat.

16. Palestine

The entire territory of Palestine is currently occupied by Israel even though they declared their independence in 1988. A total of 139 UN member states recognize Palestine as an independent nation.

17. Qatar

Located in the Middle East, Qatar is comprised of 40% Arabs, 36% South Asians, 9% Egyptians, and other various ethnic groups. Furthermore, over 65% of the population practices Islam, 15% practices Hinduism, and 14% practices Christianity.

18. Saudi Arabia

Located in the Middle East, 93% of the country is Muslim, as well as 90% of the country is Arab. Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest countries in the world. Furthermore, it is one of the most oil-rich countries in the world.

19. Somalia

Somalia is comprised of 85% Somalis with 15% other ethnic groups. Its official religion is Sunni Islam. Controlled by both Italy and the United Kingdom, Somalia declared its independence in the 1880s.

20. Sudan

Located in Africa, about 70% of Sudan is considered Sudanese Arab, with the remaining 30% of various ethnic groups. Also, 97% are Sunni Muslim. Furthermore, Sudan is one of the oldest countries in the world.

21. Syria

Located in the Middle East, Syria is composed of 75% Arabs, 10% Kurds, and 15% other ethnic groups. Around 87% of the population is Muslim, 10% are Christian, and less than 3% are Druze.

22. Tunisia

Located in North Africa, Tunisia is comprised of 98% Arabs. Also, 99% of the population is Sunni Muslim. Tunisia is one of the oldest countries in the world. Furthermore, it was a kingdom starting in 1956 but has become a republic since 1957.

23. United Arab Emirates

Located in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is composed of nearly 60% South Asians, 11% Emirati Arabs, 10% Egyptians, 6% Filipinos, and 12% other ethnic groups. When it comes to religion, 76% of the population is Muslim.

24. Yemen

Located in the Arabian peninsula, Yemen is composed of 92% Arabs, 3% Somalis, and the rest are various ethnic groups. Over 99% of the population practices Islam. Furthermore, there has been a civil war in Yemen since 2014.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Naeblys