* Native speakers: Estimates range from 50 to 100 million, mostly concentrated in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
* Second language speakers: Millions more speak Swahili as a second language in various parts of East Africa, particularly in urban areas.
* Total speakers: Some estimates suggest that over 200 million people worldwide understand and use Swahili to some degree.
Important factors to consider:
* Varying definitions of "speaker": Do we count only fluent speakers, or those with basic understanding? This impacts the numbers significantly.
* Regional differences: Swahili dialects vary, impacting communication across regions.
* Ongoing research: Language usage is constantly evolving, so estimates are always subject to change.
Overall, it's safe to say that Swahili is a widely spoken language in East Africa with a significant global presence.