The Kannada-speaking population primarily resides in the Indian state of Karnataka, where Kannada is the official language. It is one of the major languages in India, with millions of speakers. The language has a rich literary history and is recognized as a classical language. Outside of Karnataka, smaller communities of Kannada speakers can be found in neighboring states and abroad, particularly in countries like the United States and Australia. The population includes diverse groups, from urban professionals to rural farmers, all contributing to the vibrant culture associated with the Kannada language.