Here's why:
* No single official database: There isn't a global organization that tracks language use in this specific way.
* Defining "second language" is tricky: Does it mean someone is fluent? Can it include people who learned French in school but don't use it regularly?
* Regional variations: French is spoken in many countries with varying levels of proficiency and use.
However, we can estimate:
* Roughly 300 million people worldwide speak French as a first language. This includes France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African countries.
* It's likely that millions more speak French as a second language, especially in former French colonies, neighboring countries, and regions where French is a popular language for business or education.
Instead of an exact number, it's more accurate to say that French is a widely spoken second language with a significant global presence.