* No official distinction: There isn't a clear-cut definition of "American English" versus "English." They are essentially dialects of the same language with variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
* Fluency levels vary: Someone might understand English but not be fluent.
* Data limitations: It's hard to collect accurate data on language use across the globe.
However, we can look at some estimates:
* English as a first language: Around 375 million people in the United States speak English as their first language.
* English as a second language: Many millions more in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other former British colonies speak English as their first language.
* English as a foreign language: Globally, estimates suggest over 1.5 billion people speak English as a second or foreign language.
Therefore, it's safe to say that well over 2 billion people worldwide are exposed to and use English in some form, including both American and British variations.
Keep in mind that the term "American English" is often used to encompass a wide range of regional dialects within the United States.