Why does the USA not have an official language?

USA states english official language
US states where English is an official language. Light blue is where there are two official languages (Louisiana - French & English, New Mexico - Spanish & English, Hawaii - Hawaiian & English)

58 countries have English as an official language - but not the USA.

This was a conscious decision of the Founding Fathers. They believed that an official language would be divisive and undemocratic in a multi-lingual country. 

English is clearly the de facto first language of the USA - but only around 78% of the population speak it as a first or joint first language.



Extended script here

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