* Different definitions of "speaker": Does it mean native speaker, fluent speaker, someone who understands it, or someone who can speak at a basic level?
* Language variation: There are many dialects of Russian, and some might not be considered "standard" Russian.
* Data collection challenges: It's hard to conduct accurate surveys in all countries where Russian is spoken.
However, here's what we know:
* Native speakers: According to the Russian Census of 2021, approximately 137 million people in Russia identify Russian as their native language.
* Total speakers: Estimates for total Russian speakers worldwide range from 250 million to 300 million, including native speakers and those who have learned it as a second language. This makes Russian one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Key areas with significant Russian-speaking populations:
* Russia: The largest number of native speakers.
* Ukraine: Historically significant, and a large percentage of Ukrainians speak Russian.
* Belarus: Russian is the official language, alongside Belarusian.
* Kazakhstan: A significant Russian-speaking population exists due to historical ties.
* Other former Soviet republics: Many countries in the former Soviet Union have sizable Russian-speaking communities.
* Countries with large migrant populations: Significant Russian-speaking populations can be found in places like the United States, Canada, Israel, Germany, and many others.
It's worth noting that the number of Russian speakers is in flux due to various factors like migration, language policies, and social changes.