In Brussels, English is exceptionally widely spoken, despite it not being one of Belgium's three official languages (French, Dutch, and German). As the de facto capital of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO, Brussels is a global diplomatic and corporate hub, making English the common "lingua franca" for the city's massive international population. While French is the most dominant language used in daily life and signage, you will find that almost everyone working in the service industry, tourism, and professional sectors speaks English fluently. In fact, many younger locals prefer English as a neutral ground between the country's sometimes sensitive French and Dutch linguistic divide. You will have no trouble navigating the city, ordering at restaurants, or asking for directions using only English, though a polite "Bonjour" or "Goede dag" is always appreciated by the locals.