European Parliament building in Brussels.Although Brussels holds over two million inhabitants, it maintains a more intimate feeling than many Western European capitals. Brussels is located in the middle of Belgium, less than 200 miles from Amsterdam, Paris and London. The country's three official languages are Dutch, French and German due to the countries that it borders. Belgium also borders the Atlantic Coast.

Brussels has a somewhat mild climate most of the year. Layering clothing is helpful because it rains often, making the air feel colder than it really is. Winters can bring in strong winds and summers are never very hot, but warm and comfortable.

Average monthly temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) and rainfall (inches) in Brussels:

Type	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Highs	38.2	38	44	56	60.5	64.9	64.7	59.6	54.1	54.1	45.2	41.3
Lows	36.2	36	42	54	58.5	62.9	62.7	57.6	52.1	52.1	43.2	39.3
Avg. Rainfall	3	2.5	1.9	2	1.8	2	4	3.5	3	3.8	2.8	2.9