* Tanzania: Tanzania is the largest Swahili-speaking country, with Swahili being the official language.
* Kenya: Swahili is an official language of Kenya alongside English. It is widely spoken across the country.
* Uganda: Swahili is a recognized national language and is widely used in education, government, and commerce.
* Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): While Swahili is not an official language, it is widely spoken in the eastern region of the country, particularly in the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
* Rwanda: Swahili is gaining popularity in Rwanda as a lingua franca, particularly in the business and trade sectors.
* Burundi: Similar to Rwanda, Swahili is becoming increasingly used in Burundi, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
It's important to note that Swahili is not solely a language of ethnicity. It has evolved as a lingua franca across the East African region, and many people speak Swahili regardless of their ethnicity.