Belgium is a small country in Western Europe that plays a disproportionately large role in international politics. Its capital, Brussels, is the de facto capital of the European Union, housing the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament, as well as the headquarters of NATO. Geographically, Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north (where Dutch is spoken), Wallonia in the south (where French is spoken), and the Brussels-Capital Region (which is officially bilingual). The terrain is mostly flat coastal plains in the north, becoming more hilly in the Ardennes forest region of the south. Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, waffles, and lace, as well as its historical significance as a battlefield in both World Wars. Because of its central location and excellent transport links, it is often called the 'Crossroads of Europe.'