* Defining "speak French" is tricky: Does it mean being fluent? Understanding it? Having it as a second language?
* Language data is complex: There isn't one definitive source for global language statistics.
* French speakers are spread across different continents: There are large populations in France, Canada, Africa, and other regions.
However, some estimates:
* Roughly 300 million people speak French as a first language. This includes countries like France, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African nations.
* Another 150-200 million people speak French as a second language. This accounts for regions with significant historical influence or education systems where French is taught.
Overall, it's safe to say that French is spoken by a significant portion of the world's population, though the exact percentage is difficult to determine.
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can fluctuate based on various factors.