However, the exact number can be debated depending on how you define "official language." Some countries have French as a co-official language alongside other languages, and the status of French in certain territories might be contested.
Here are some of the major French-speaking countries:
* Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia.
* Europe: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland.
* North America: Canada.
* Oceania: Vanuatu.
It's important to note that French is also spoken in many other countries around the world, even if it's not officially recognized. It's a major global language with a rich history and cultural influence.