With WordPress being used by over 20% of all websites, the platform was bound to extend its reach past international boundaries. In recent years, WordPress has seen a continued rise in its users abroad—spreading like wildfire internationally. This is partially due to its ease of use, but partially because it has embraced the attention it is gaining from abroad. WordPress is written in 100 different languages, and updates to the platform often include new language accessibility features.
Right now, WordPress has the capability to be used in any language—there is a current list available of all languages the software is available in. If your language isn’t on the list, there is an easy, systematic way to install WordPress in your language. This speaks to the growing use of WordPress around the world, and to the sophistication of its software.
In a 2013 DradCast episode, Matt Mullenweg told the story of someone who registered a site and bought a $49 theme—then turned around and sold that website to the South African government for roughly $15 million.
This goes to show that the power of WordPress is extending far beyond a basic blogging platform. It’s evolved into a legitimate CMS platform that has huge capabilities.
The first WordCamp abroad was held in Bejing in 2007. Since then WordCamps have been sprouting up all over the world in places like Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Sevilla.
All WordCamps embrace local cultures, crafting their conference around the distinct characteristics of the location. For example, the WordCamp Kenya 2011 provided tented accommodations for its participants. The ability to host specialized events—like WordCamps in different countries—is yet another example of WordPress’s overwhelming popularity abroad.
Upcoming international WordCamp events include Norrköping, Slovakia, and Sheffield. Looking at where these WordCamps are spreading helps provide perspective on where WordPress itself is growing more and more popular.
One such location that WordPress is experiencing a burgeoning community is in Pakistan. WordPress Pakistan has been created to bring together all the WordPress developers and bloggers in the Pakistan area.
Cultivativation of a vibrant and enthusiastic community is just one of the common threads any area with a large amount of WordPress users may experience. The users are excited to connect with their surrounding WordPress community, and to work together to develop the best sites and tools possible.
WordPress is—at its core—an open source CMS that everyone can work on together, inspiring creativity and community wherever it’s being used.
Do you know of any WordPress sites in unique places?
John Stewart is a marketing intern for WP Engine. He’s a Communication Studies major with a minor in English at TCU, and is a rock climbing and music enthusiast.
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