* In Wales: The 2021 Census in Wales reported that there were 798,000 Welsh speakers in the country.
* Outside Wales: There are Welsh speakers in various parts of the world, including:
* England: Particularly in border areas like Shropshire, Cheshire, and Herefordshire.
* Argentina: A significant Welsh community settled in Patagonia in the 19th century, with some still speaking Welsh.
* USA: Communities of Welsh descent can be found in various US states, particularly in the Midwest and the West Coast.
* Other Countries: Smaller pockets of Welsh speakers exist in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Estimating the Total:
While we don't have precise data, estimates suggest that the total number of Welsh speakers worldwide could be in the range of 800,000 to 1 million.
Important Considerations:
* Fluency: These figures include people with varying levels of fluency in Welsh. Some may be fluent, while others may only understand basic phrases.
* Growing Numbers: The number of Welsh speakers is gradually increasing, especially in Wales, thanks to initiatives promoting the language.
It's important to remember that these are estimates, and the true number of Welsh speakers globally is likely unknown.