Here's a breakdown:
* South Africa: Zulu is the most spoken language in South Africa, with around 12 million speakers. It is an official language of the country, alongside 10 other languages.
* Other countries: Zulu is also spoken in smaller communities in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, primarily due to historical migration patterns.
It's worth noting that the number of Zulu speakers worldwide is likely higher than official estimates due to various factors, including:
* Unofficial usage: Many people who speak Zulu as a second language may not be included in official statistics.
* Migration: The growing diaspora of South Africans has led to the spread of Zulu to other countries.
So, while Zulu is primarily spoken in South Africa, it's also a vibrant language with a significant presence in neighboring countries and among the South African diaspora.