Asturian (; autonym: asturianu , or bable ) is a West Iberian Romance language spoken in Asturias, Spain. Asturian is part of a wider linguistic group, the Astur-Leonese languages. The number of speakers is estimated at 100,000 (native) and 450,000 (second language). There are three main variants in the Astur-Leonese language family: Western, Central, and Eastern. For historic and demographic reasons, the standard is based on Central Asturian. Asturian has a distinct grammar, dictionary, and orthography. Regulated by the Academy of the Asturian Language, although it is not an official language of Spain it is protected under the Statute of Autonomy and is an elective language in schools.