As of 2026, the Yoruba people are estimated to number between 53 million and 55 million globally.
They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa and have a massive cultural footprint across the Americas due to both historic and modern migrations.
The Yoruba language (Èdè Yorùbá) is a primary tongue for millions and is also used as a liturgical (religious) language in several countries.
1. Where the Language is Spoken (By Region) Indigenous/Primary Speaking Areas
In these West African nations, Yoruba is spoken by native populations and has deep historical roots.
Nigeria: The “heartland.” Yoruba is one of the three national languages, spoken by approximately 48 million people, mostly in the Southwest (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti) and parts of Kogi and Kwara.
Benin: Spoken by about 1.6 to 1.8 million people. It has the status of a National Language. In Benin, it is often called Anago.
Togo: Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 speakers, primarily in the central and southern regions.
Sierra Leone & The Gambia: Spoken by the Aku people (descendants of liberated Yoruba slaves), who have preserved the language for over two centuries.
Heritage & Religious Use (The Diaspora of the Transatlantic) While not always the primary language for daily commerce, Yoruba is preserved as a sacred liturgical language for Afro-descendant religions.
Brazil: Known as Nagô. It is the language of Candomblé. While Portuguese is the only official national language, Yoruba is recognized as “Cultural Heritage” in cities like Salvador and Rio de Janeiro.
Cuba: Spoken as a dialect known as LucumÃ. It is the liturgical language of SanterÃa.
Trinidad and Tobago: Used in Orisha traditions and songs. Modern Migration Hubs Due to recent migration (“Japa”), large Yoruba-speaking communities thrive in:
United Kingdom: Particularly London (Peckham is a major hub).
United States: Concentrated in Houston, New York, Maryland, and Chicago.
Canada: Fast-growing populations in Toronto and Calgary.
2. Population Breakdown (Estimated 2026) | Country / Region | Estimated Population | Status of Language
Nigeria | ~48,000,000 | National Status
Benin | ~1,700,000 | National Language
Togo | ~160,000 | Minority Language
United States | ~220,000 | Diaspora / Immigrant
United Kingdom | ~110,000 | Diaspora / Immigrant
Brazil / Cuba | Millions | Liturgical / Heritage
3. Fun Fact: Is it an “Official” Language in Brazil? There is a common misconception that Yoruba is an official national language of Brazil.
While the city of Salvador (Bahia) and Rio de Janeiro have passed laws recognizing it as an “immaterial heritage” or “historical language” to honor African roots, Portuguese remains the only official language for government and education in Brazil.
Discussion about this post