How many countries in Europe speak English?

It's tricky to say exactly how many European countries "speak English" because it depends on what you mean by "speak."

Here's a breakdown:

Official Language:

* Only one European country has English as its official language: The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).

* Republic of Ireland also has English as an official language, but it's shared with Irish (Gaeilge).

Widely Spoken:

* Several countries have English as a widely spoken second language:

* Malta (English and Maltese are both official languages).

* Ireland (English is spoken by a large majority of the population, alongside Irish).

* Many countries with strong historical ties to the UK: These include countries like Cyprus, Gibraltar, Malta, and Ireland. English is commonly used in government, education, and business in these places.

* Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark): English is widely spoken and taught in schools.

* Netherlands: English is commonly used in business and tourism.

* Germany, France, Spain, Italy: While not as widely spoken as in the previous examples, English is still becoming increasingly common in these countries, especially among younger generations.

Understanding English:

* Many Europeans understand at least some English: English is used extensively in international communication, media, and tourism. Even in countries where English is not widely spoken, many people will have some understanding of the language.

In Conclusion:

While only the UK and Ireland have English as their official language, several other European countries have English as a widely spoken second language. Many Europeans also have at least some understanding of English due to its widespread use in international communication.