Belgium

Overview

Belgium is located in Western Europe. It is famous for its primitive towns and its emerging architecture. It is the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

The country recorded a population of 11.46 million in 2019 and covers an area of 30,689 km2.

Its capital and largest city are Brussels.

Other large cities include Antwerp, Liege, Charleroi and Ghent. Antwerp is a port city on primitive architecture like the Diamond district houses of the ancient diamond traders.

Guild houses along the Lys River in Ghent

History

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830.

During the First World War and Second World War, the Germans occupied the country.

The constitution was amended in 1993 which divided the country into three administrative areas; Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.

The county’s currency was changed from Belgian franc to Euro in 2002.

Food & culture

Belgians have distinct cultures demonstrated through the languages’ there are Dutch and French-speaking Belgians.

The main crops grown in the country are barley, sugar beets, potatoes and corn. Popular foods in the country include Hamburgers and spaghetti. The chocolate, waffles, fries and beer in Belgium are widely recognized.

Wildlife

The most common wildlife animals include buzzards, falcons, ducks, badgers, weasels, foxes, lynxes, red deer and wild boar.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

Some of the festivals celebrated in the country are boombal festival, rock wrethcher, carnaval de binche and Brudges beer festival.

Things to see

There is the Grand place at the centre of Brussels where the city town hall, the King’s House and Brussels city museum are all positioned.

There is also the Canals and belfry of bruges, a tower 83m high which existed in the 13th century, where craftsmen display their work.

Then the Battlefield of Flanders named after the title of the battles fought in Flanders in the northern part of France and Belgium in the First World War.

Interesting facts

Antwerp is widely known as the world’s diamond capital for its large diamond industry which contributes greatly to the country’s economy.

It is amongst the world’s highest exporter of diamonds.

The New York City was founded by Peter Minuit who was a Belgian nationalist.

The country once went through a record of 541 days without a government.

The main religion is Roman Catholicism.

Borders

Belgium is bordered on the north by the Netherlands, on the east by Germany, on the southeast by Luxembourg, on the southwest by France and the northwest by the North Sea.

Wildlife

The Ardennes forests in the south are home to wild boar, red deer and roe deer, and the Hautes Fagnes moorland is a protected nature reserve.

Festivals & events

The Carnival of Binche, the Ommegang pageant in Brussels, the Flower Carpet in the Grand-Place and Tomorrowland music festival are highlights.

Things to see

The Grand-Place in Brussels, the medieval centre of Bruges, Ghent's Gravensteen castle, the Atomium and the First World War sites around Ypres.

Interesting facts

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. It produces hundreds of different beers, and Belgian beer culture is recognised by UNESCO.

Cities & towns I’ve visited

• Brussels
• Ypres

Neighbours

• France
• Germany
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands