Arabic is spoken as an official language primarily in 22 countries spread across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East, collectively known as the Arab world. These countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Additionally, Arabic is recognized as a national or minority language in countries like Iran, Turkey, Niger, Senegal, Mali, and Cyprus. Arabic speakers are also found globally due to migration, including in Brazil, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

Key Arabic-Speaking Countries in Asia and the Middle East

• Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine all have Arabic as an official language with various regional dialects spoken alongside Modern Standard Arabic.

Arabic-Speaking Countries in Africa

• Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, Djibouti, Comoros, Somalia, Chad, and Eritrea recognize Arabic officially, often with other local languages also spoken.

The dialects of Arabic vary widely across these regions but share roots in Classical and Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in formal communication, education, media, and religious contexts.

In summary, Arabic is an official language in about 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, with additional recognition in several other countries, reflecting its broad cultural, religious, and political significance.