Estimates:
* Around 1 billion native speakers: This is the most commonly cited figure, but it's based on various estimates and doesn't account for different dialects or levels of fluency.
* Up to 1.3 billion total speakers: This number includes native speakers and people who speak Mandarin as a second language, but it's still an approximation.
Complicating Factors:
* Dialects: Mandarin has many regional dialects, some of which are mutually unintelligible. It's unclear if all dialects are included in the count.
* Fluency: Some people might speak Mandarin but have limited fluency. The definition of "speaking Mandarin" can be subjective.
* Language Policy: The Chinese government promotes Mandarin as the standard language, but other languages are spoken in China.
* Migration: Millions of people speak Mandarin outside of China, adding to the global total.
In conclusion: While the estimated number of Mandarin speakers is vast, it's impossible to provide an exact figure due to the complex nature of language use and definitions.