It is based on test scores from the EF Standard English Test (EF SET), used worldwide by schools, companies and governments for large-scale testing, as well as individual test takers.

Conducted online, the EF SET assesses reading and listening skills. It is a standardised, objectively scored test designed to classify test takers’ language abilities into one of the six levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For the sixth consecutive year, the Netherlands retains the top spot, with Norway in second place and Singapore third.

Overall, the 2024 index reports an ongoing decline in worldwide English proficiency, where men remain more proficient than women, and young professionals outperform students and adults over 40.

EF EPI author Kate Bell noted that while the Middle East and Africa have shown improvement this year, there is a slow but persistent decline in English proficiency among adults in other regions.

“This trend supports the impression that in 2024, the expectation in many countries is that everyone speaks English, regardless of the reality, leading to a loss of focus on improving English proficiency in both the education system and the private sector,” she said in a press release dated Nov 13.

Among the key findings of the EF EPI is that Asia’s English proficiency has declined more than any other region compared to last year, mainly driven by India and, to a lesser extent, China.

Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF provides culturally immersive education through language, travel, cultural exchange and academic programmes in over 100 countries.