Luxembourg ranks ninth in world for English Proficiency, according to the 2019 Education First index.

Language barriers have become fewer and farther between in these modern days. More than a billion people speak English as a first or second language, with hundreds of millions more picking it up as a third and even fourth tongue.

Even with Brexit issues muddying the waters of the necessity of the language in the near and far reaching future, speaking English remains key in feeling 'connected'.

Of the four largest economies in the euro zone, meaning France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, “only Germany speaks English well,” according to the report from Education First.

According to Education First's 2019 English Proficiency Index, Holland has overtaken Sweden as the most proficient non-English language country.

The report, released at the tail end of 2019 indicates that Luxembourg, despite its efforts to broaden the language spectrum, has dropped 2 places to number 9 (64.03).

However, the Grand Duchy remains ahead of its bordering neighbours and remains rated as having a very high proficiency (VHP).

Germany places 10th (63.77 - VHP), while Belgium is unlucky at 13 (63.09 - VHP), and whilst Macron peppers his speeches with English phrases, France remain some way off the pace at 31st (57.25 - Moderate Proficiency).

2.3 million people undertook the test used to ascertain the figures and the gender split was nearly 50/50.

Worldwide, the findings suggest that global proficiency is on the increase with more countries than ever rated VHP. Countries with VHP and HP are more fair and open.

Adults between the ages of 20 and 60 have the best command of the language and the gender gap is closing, with men's ratings closing on women's.

Africa and the Middle East post ranging statistics, with both poor and strong pick ups in different territories.