# Hindustani-speaking world

The Hindustani-speaking world, encompasses the regions where the Hindustani language is spoken. This includes countries and territories where Hindustani, in its various forms (including Standard Hindi and Standard Urdu), serves as an official, administrative, cultural, or widely spoken language.

## Background

Hindustani emerged as a result of the historical interactions between various linguistic and cultural groups in the Indian subcontinent. It developed during the medieval period, influenced by the languages of the Indo-Aryan family, Iranian, Arabic, and Turkic languages, particularly during the Mughal Empire. The language has two standardized forms: Hindi, which is written in the Devanagari script, and Urdu, which is written in the Perso-Arabic script. Both forms share a significant amount of vocabulary and grammar, making them mutually intelligible.

## Statistics

Native speakers of the Hindustani language by country.
| Country or territory | Number | % | Year | Status | Notes & References |
| Fiji | 460,000 | 37.6% | 2016 | Official Language (Fiji Hindi) | |
| Mauritius | 64,539 | 5.1% | 2022 | Minority Language | Bhojpuri is considered a dialect of Hindustani. |
| India | 579,119,824 | 48% | 2011 | Official Language (Hindi) Scheduled Language (Urdu) | Total native speakers of Hindi & Urdu. |
| Pakistan | 22,332,193 | 9.3% | 2023 | National Language (Urdu) | |
| Canada | 321,465 | 0.9% | 2016 | Minority Language | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 15,600 | 0.1% | 2003 | Minority Language | Trinidadian Hindustani |
| Suriname | 150,000 | 24% | 2018 | Minority Language | Sarnámi Hindustáni |
| Nepal | 98,399 | 0.3% | 2021 | Minority Language | Awadhi and Bhojpuri are considered separate in Nepal's Census. |
| Saudi Arabia | 740,000 | 0.1% | 2018 | Minority Language (Expatriate communities) | |
| Australia | 221,684 | 0.8% | 2021 | Minority Language | |
| United Kingdom | 344,654 | 0.5% | 2021 | Minority Language | |
| United States | 1,372,802 | 0.4% | 2016 | Minority Language | |
| Total | 484,630,000 | 5.9% | - | - | - |

## Asia
### India

Hindustani is widely spoken across India, particularly in the northern and central regions. It is the primary language in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. According to the 2011 census of India, Hindi is the most spoken language in the country. Urdu is also a significant language, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir, with around 5% of the population identifying it as their first language.

### Pakistan

In Pakistan, Urdu serves as the National language and is spoken by approximately 8% of the population as a first language, while it is understood by a much larger segment of the population, serving as the nation's Lingua franca. Urdu is the medium of instruction in schools and is used in government and media.

### Nepal

In Nepal, Hindustani is spoken primarily in the Terai region. Hindi is widely understood and used in media, education, and daily communication among the Nepali population, particularly among the Madhesi community.

### Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, a significant number of speakers use Hindustani, particularly around the city of Kabul. The language reflects historical ties with India and the influence of Bollywood culture.

### Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Hindi is popular thanks to Bollywood movies. Further, the Dhakaiya Urdu dialect of Hindustani is still spoken around Old Dhaka.

### Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, a significant number of expatriates from India and Pakistan speak Hindustani. The language serves as a means of communication among the South Asian diaspora in the country.

## Europe
### United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, immigration from the Indian subcontinent from British Raj times has resulted in a growing popularity for the Hindustani language. It is widely spoken between the British Indians.

### Netherlands

In the Netherlands, The Caribbean Hindustani dialect, mainly Sarnami is spoken by Dutch Indo-Caribbeans, due to immigration from Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles.

## North America
### Canada

In Canada, about 300,000 people speak Hindustani, with a growing number due to immigration. Significant populations are found in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

### United States

In the United States, around a million people speak Hindustani, primarily among the South Asian diaspora. Communities are concentrated in states like California, New York, and New Jersey.

### Trinidad and Tobago

In Trinidad and Tobago, The Caribbean Hindustani dialect is spoken among the Indo–Trinidadian community. The language is often used in cultural and religious contexts, reflecting the heritage of Indian Indentured laborers.

## South America
### Suriname

In Suriname, a dialect of Caribbean Hindustani called Sarnámi Hindustáni is spoken by the Indo-Surinamese community, which traces its roots to Indian indentured laborers. The language is used in cultural practices and is an important part of the community's identity. Compared to other dialcets of Caribbean Hindustani, Sarnami is still widely spoken in Suriname and its diaspora.

### Guyana

In Guyana, a dialect of Caribbean Hindustani called Guyanese Hindustani or as it is locally called Aili Gaili, is spoken by some members of the Indo-Guyanese community, mostly by the older generation.

## Oceania
### Fiji

In Fiji, a dialect of Hindustani called Fijian Hindustani is spoken by Indo-Fijians. This was a result of Indian indentured labourers who mainly spoke dialects from the Hindi Belt. It is considered as a Official language in Fiji.

### Australia

In Australia, the Hindustani-speaking population has been growing due to immigration from the Indian subcontinent and Fiji. Hindi is spoken by a considerable number of people, particularly within the Indian community.

## Cultural Significance

Hindustani plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of its speakers. It is the medium of expression in various art forms, including music, dance, and literature. Bollywood films, which predominantly use Hindustani, have contributed significantly to the global popularity of the language. The language is also used in various religious contexts, particularly in Hindu and Muslim communities.