Do Americans generally learn/speak a second language?

I live in asia/somewhere close to middle east. We study English in schools, usually starting from the 6th grade and are usually encouraged to learn a third language along the way (usually French or German). In here, if you can't speak a language other than your native one, you were either lazy in school or have not been able to get proper education (quality of education is nowhere near homogenous across the country). As a result, your employment options will be severely limited. Employers will ask if you know English or not even if you are not expected to use it, because it gives away your educational background.

That got me wondering; is knowing a second language typically expected from Americans? How common is it? What about Europe (especially in English speaking countries)? Is it something you learn only if you are interested in learning new languages or is it regulated through public education somewhat?