However, Papua New Guinea is often cited as the country with the highest number of languages spoken within its borders. Estimates range from 820 to 840 languages.
Here's why it's difficult to definitively answer:
* Language vs. Dialect: The distinction between a language and a dialect can be blurry. Some linguists might consider certain variations to be distinct languages, while others might consider them dialects of a larger language.
* Spoken vs. Used: Not all languages spoken in a country are actively used on a daily basis. Some may be only spoken by a small number of people or used for specific purposes.
* Official Recognition: Some countries formally recognize more languages than others. This can affect the number of languages counted.
While Papua New Guinea is often cited, countries like India and Indonesia also have a very high number of languages spoken within their borders. It's important to note that these numbers can fluctuate depending on the criteria used to define a language and how it's counted.