* Defining "English speaker" is tricky: Do we count people who speak English as a native language? As a second language? Fluently? With some proficiency?
* Data collection is challenging: Accurately collecting data on language proficiency across the globe is difficult.
* Language use is dynamic: The number of English speakers is constantly changing, as new learners emerge and language use patterns shift.
However, we can look at some estimates:
* Native speakers: It's estimated that about 375 million people worldwide speak English as their native language.
* Total speakers (including non-native speakers): Estimates range from 1.5 to 2 billion people who can speak and understand English to some degree.
Therefore, while an exact percentage is elusive, it's safe to say that a significant portion of the world's population has some level of English proficiency.