The Netherlands is ranked third in the world for its proficiency in English as a second language, according to research by Education First.

The English Proficiency Index is headed by Sweden and Denmark. In total, 1.7 million people in 54 countries were tested to compile the ranking.

‘Our index shows that proficiency in English goes hand in hand with more exports, more innovation and higher gross national product,’ said the organisation’s spokeswoman Petra Cubretovic. ‘This proves the importance of speaking the world’s first language properly.’

The Netherlands is the only country where men and women have equal standards of English. In most countries, women have better language skills.