English is today considered the universal language par excellence.
But beyond its role as an international language, it hides surprising facts and impressive statistics.

1. A global language
   More than 1.5 billion people speak English worldwide.
   Among them, only about 400 million are native speakers. This means that English is mostly learned as a foreign language.
   It is the official language of 67 countries and is widely used in business, diplomacy, research, and culture.
2. English and the economy
   According to a Harvard Business Review study, more than 70% of international companies require strong English skills to progress into management positions.
   In the European Union, about 80% of young people choose English as their first foreign language at school.
3. Linguistic curiosities
   The shortest word in English is “I”.
   English borrows extensively: more than 60% of its vocabulary comes from other languages (French, Latin, German, etc.).
   The word “set” has more than 430 different meanings, making it one of the most versatile words.
   Shakespeare is said to have invented over 1,700 English words still in use today, such as lonely, fashionable, and hurry.
4. English on the Internet and in culture
   Nearly 55% of Internet content is in English, far ahead of other languages.
   English also dominates the music and film industries, which makes its spread throughout the world easier.

Conclusion
Learning English is much more than knowing a language: it means gaining access to a universe of knowledge, cultures, and opportunities.
Every word learned brings you closer to billions of other people around the globe.