History
One of the founding members of the EU, Belgium staunchly backs a free economy and the expansion of the authorities of EU organizations to amalgamate member economies.
Demographics
The Kingdom of Belgium is a west European. A founder member of the European Union, Belgium has Netherlands, France, Germany, and Luxemburg as its neighbors. It also has a coastline stretching about 41.32 miles along the North Sea. Belgium is a small country, about the size of Maryland (USA) with a total area of 11,787 sq miles of which 6.4% is covered with water. This country declared its independence from the Netherlands on July 21, 1831 and was under German occupation during both the World Wars. Post war, Belgium has prospered tremendously and is now counted among one of the most developed nations of the world with a very high rank in the HDI index (18th rank).
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with the King (currently Albert II) as the head of the state and the Prime Minister (currently Elio Di Rupo) as the head of the government. Geographically, the territory of Belgium can be divided into three regions - Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south and Brussels, located in the central part of the country .The Belgian capital, Brussels, is a hub of international politics and serves as the headquarters of the European Union, the NATO and a number of other international organizations. Other important cities of Belgium are Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Bruges, and Liege to name a few. Demographically, the major ethnic groups are the Dutch speaking Flemish, the French speaking Walloon and a small population of German speaking people. Many non-Belgian communities comprising 23% of the population live here. This linguistic plurality of Belgium along with marked regional disparity is one of the main reasons behind the ongoing antagonism in the country.
A historically rich country, Belgium is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its impressive churches, castles, town halls, works of art and breathtaking countryside. It is a name to reckon with in the world of art and architecture. Belgians are quite passionate about food and the country is known for its chocolates, waffles, fries, and beer.
Background
The history of Belgium is interlinked with the history of Europe itself. It was a part of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica and after the fall of the Roman Empire was ruled by the Merovingian Dynasty and the Carolingian dynasties successively. In the 9th century, this region was divided into Middle and West Francia by the Treaty of Verdun in843. It disintegrated further to form a number of fiefdoms. These fiefdoms were unified in the 14thand 15th century and came under the rule of King Charles V in the 1540s. Following the Eighty Years War (1568-1648), this region was divided into northern United Provinces and Southern Provinces, the latter making up most of Belgium as we know today. It was ruled by the Spanish and Austrian Hasburg successively and became the hub of action during the Franco Spanish and Franco Austrian wars in the 17th and 18th century. Following the French Revolution, present day Belgium and other low countries (the Netherlands and Luxemberg) came under the rule of the First French Republic and were unified as The United Kingdom of Netherlands after the fall of the First French Empire in 1815. On July21, 1831 Belgium declared its independence from Netherlands and has been a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy since then. Belgium was under German occupation during both World Wars I and II. After the First World War, Belgium annexed the Prussian districts of Malmedy and Eupen which explains the presence of German speaking minority in the country today.
Belgium was also a colonial power and the Congo Free State, later renamed Belgian Congo was its colony. The Belgian atrocity in Congo caused an international scandal and inspired Joseph Conrad’s masterpiece The Heart of Darkness. Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960.
Economy
Belgium has made optimum use of its central location in Europe and well connected transport system boost its economy. It was one of the first European nations to be a part of the Industrial Revolution and has been reaping benefits of industrialization since then. In 2007, Belgium emerged as the 15th largest trading country in the globe. Belgium mostly exports machinery and equipment, finished diamonds, food, chemicals, metals and metal products while its chief imports are machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, diamonds, raw materials, and oil products. Belgian economy is a service driven economy (contributes 74% to the GDP) and is characterized by a highly skilled workforce and an enviable GNP. Like other EU nations, Belgium believes in the open market and supports further integration of European economies. Belgium mostly trades with EU countries and has particularly benefited from its trade ties with Germany. Surprisingly, one can also find regional imbalance in Belgium as the industries are mostly located in Flanders while Wallonia has a long way to go. This country was affected by the subprime crisis and investors feel that the Euro zone crisis might have an adverse impact on it as well. The high public debt (99% of GDP) is also a cause of concern.
Maps of Belgium: Belgium covers a total area of 11,787 sq miles. It is the 76th most populated country in the world. Locate Belgium and its neighboring countries by viewing detailed maps of the country.
Administrative Regions: Belgium is a federal nation consisting of three communities, three regions - the Flemish Region (Flanders), Walloon Region (Wallonia), and Brussels-Capital Region, and four language areas.
Hotels: Sofitel Brussels Le Louise, Kempinski Hotel Dukes Palace, and Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place are some of the finest luxury hotels in Belgium.
Cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liege are the major cities in Belgium. Brussels is the national capital.
Culture Belgian culture has been a great influence on European culture as a whole. Be it art, architecture, or music, Belgians have made there presence felt in the world. Belgian art has been influenced by various art movements including Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionism and boasts of many celebrated artists including Boch, Anthony Van Dyck and Rubens. Folklore is an integral part of Belgian life and Belgium boasts of a number of parades, carnivals, and processions based on mythology or religion. The most famous of them is the Carnival of Binche which is included in the UNESCO’s list of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Belgian music is a potpourri of Walloon, Flemish, and German traditions influenced by musical traditions of the immigrants. Food is another favorite of the Belgians and the nation is famous for its chocolates, fries, and beer.
At present, however, the differences between the Flemish and Walloon communities have caused much strain. There is no bilingual university (with the exception of Antwerp Maritime Academy and the Royal Military Academy), no common cultural and scientific institution, or common media in Belgium today.
Travel: The amusement parks, heritage railways, castles, lakes, museums, and World Heritage Sites are major tourist attractions in Belgium.
Business and Economy: The Belgian economy is greatly service-oriented and demonstrates a double character: a vibrant Flemish economy and a Walloon economy that trails behind. The country played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.
Education: Education is mandatory from six to 18 years of age in Belgium.
Events and Festivals: Ommegang Festival, Stavelot (Mid-lent Carnival), and Zinneke Parade are some of the famous festivals in Belgium.
History and culture: Majority of Belgian citizens have a tendency of seeing their culture as an essential component of European or Western tradition.
Tourism Belgium is a favorite destination of holidaymakers from across the world. It is a country with imposing churches, town halls, works of art, and a beautiful countryside. The main places of tourist interest are in its major cities. The country is well connected with an excellent transport system. The capital city, Brussels, is famous for its monuments and museums while Antwerp is a famous port and a diamond center. Tourist flock to Bruges to see the magnificent medieval architecture and enjoy boat rides in this Venice of the North. Besides, there are a number of other cities like Mons, Namur, and Ghent which are quite popular with tourists. Nature has blessed Belgium with a beautiful landscape and ecotourism in Belgian is an impressive industry. There are a number of resorts along the Belgian coastline which attract thousands of tourists every year. Adventure lovers enjoy cross country and downhill skiing in winter particularly in Ardennes region.
Last Update On : Dec 24, 2012
One of the founding members of the EU, Belgium staunchly backs a free economy and the expansion of the authorities of EU organizations to amalgamate member economies.
Demographics
The Kingdom of Belgium is a west European. A founder member of the European Union, Belgium has Netherlands, France, Germany, and Luxemburg as its neighbors. It also has a coastline stretching about 41.32 miles along the North Sea. Belgium is a small country, about the size of Maryland (USA) with a total area of 11,787 sq miles of which 6.4% is covered with water. This country declared its independence from the Netherlands on July 21, 1831 and was under German occupation during both the World Wars. Post war, Belgium has prospered tremendously and is now counted among one of the most developed nations of the world with a very high rank in the HDI index (18th rank).
Most Viewed Belgium Maps
A historically rich country, Belgium is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its impressive churches, castles, town halls, works of art and breathtaking countryside. It is a name to reckon with in the world of art and architecture. Belgians are quite passionate about food and the country is known for its chocolates, waffles, fries, and beer.
Background
The history of Belgium is interlinked with the history of Europe itself. It was a part of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica and after the fall of the Roman Empire was ruled by the Merovingian Dynasty and the Carolingian dynasties successively. In the 9th century, this region was divided into Middle and West Francia by the Treaty of Verdun in843. It disintegrated further to form a number of fiefdoms. These fiefdoms were unified in the 14thand 15th century and came under the rule of King Charles V in the 1540s. Following the Eighty Years War (1568-1648), this region was divided into northern United Provinces and Southern Provinces, the latter making up most of Belgium as we know today. It was ruled by the Spanish and Austrian Hasburg successively and became the hub of action during the Franco Spanish and Franco Austrian wars in the 17th and 18th century. Following the French Revolution, present day Belgium and other low countries (the Netherlands and Luxemberg) came under the rule of the First French Republic and were unified as The United Kingdom of Netherlands after the fall of the First French Empire in 1815. On July21, 1831 Belgium declared its independence from Netherlands and has been a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy since then. Belgium was under German occupation during both World Wars I and II. After the First World War, Belgium annexed the Prussian districts of Malmedy and Eupen which explains the presence of German speaking minority in the country today.
Belgium was also a colonial power and the Congo Free State, later renamed Belgian Congo was its colony. The Belgian atrocity in Congo caused an international scandal and inspired Joseph Conrad’s masterpiece The Heart of Darkness. Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960.
Economy
Belgium has made optimum use of its central location in Europe and well connected transport system boost its economy. It was one of the first European nations to be a part of the Industrial Revolution and has been reaping benefits of industrialization since then. In 2007, Belgium emerged as the 15th largest trading country in the globe. Belgium mostly exports machinery and equipment, finished diamonds, food, chemicals, metals and metal products while its chief imports are machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, diamonds, raw materials, and oil products. Belgian economy is a service driven economy (contributes 74% to the GDP) and is characterized by a highly skilled workforce and an enviable GNP. Like other EU nations, Belgium believes in the open market and supports further integration of European economies. Belgium mostly trades with EU countries and has particularly benefited from its trade ties with Germany. Surprisingly, one can also find regional imbalance in Belgium as the industries are mostly located in Flanders while Wallonia has a long way to go. This country was affected by the subprime crisis and investors feel that the Euro zone crisis might have an adverse impact on it as well. The high public debt (99% of GDP) is also a cause of concern.
Maps of Belgium: Belgium covers a total area of 11,787 sq miles. It is the 76th most populated country in the world. Locate Belgium and its neighboring countries by viewing detailed maps of the country.
Administrative Regions: Belgium is a federal nation consisting of three communities, three regions - the Flemish Region (Flanders), Walloon Region (Wallonia), and Brussels-Capital Region, and four language areas.
Hotels: Sofitel Brussels Le Louise, Kempinski Hotel Dukes Palace, and Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place are some of the finest luxury hotels in Belgium.
Cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liege are the major cities in Belgium. Brussels is the national capital.
Culture Belgian culture has been a great influence on European culture as a whole. Be it art, architecture, or music, Belgians have made there presence felt in the world. Belgian art has been influenced by various art movements including Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionism and boasts of many celebrated artists including Boch, Anthony Van Dyck and Rubens. Folklore is an integral part of Belgian life and Belgium boasts of a number of parades, carnivals, and processions based on mythology or religion. The most famous of them is the Carnival of Binche which is included in the UNESCO’s list of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Belgian music is a potpourri of Walloon, Flemish, and German traditions influenced by musical traditions of the immigrants. Food is another favorite of the Belgians and the nation is famous for its chocolates, fries, and beer.
At present, however, the differences between the Flemish and Walloon communities have caused much strain. There is no bilingual university (with the exception of Antwerp Maritime Academy and the Royal Military Academy), no common cultural and scientific institution, or common media in Belgium today.
Travel: The amusement parks, heritage railways, castles, lakes, museums, and World Heritage Sites are major tourist attractions in Belgium.
Business and Economy: The Belgian economy is greatly service-oriented and demonstrates a double character: a vibrant Flemish economy and a Walloon economy that trails behind. The country played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.
Education: Education is mandatory from six to 18 years of age in Belgium.
Events and Festivals: Ommegang Festival, Stavelot (Mid-lent Carnival), and Zinneke Parade are some of the famous festivals in Belgium.
History and culture: Majority of Belgian citizens have a tendency of seeing their culture as an essential component of European or Western tradition.
Tourism Belgium is a favorite destination of holidaymakers from across the world. It is a country with imposing churches, town halls, works of art, and a beautiful countryside. The main places of tourist interest are in its major cities. The country is well connected with an excellent transport system. The capital city, Brussels, is famous for its monuments and museums while Antwerp is a famous port and a diamond center. Tourist flock to Bruges to see the magnificent medieval architecture and enjoy boat rides in this Venice of the North. Besides, there are a number of other cities like Mons, Namur, and Ghent which are quite popular with tourists. Nature has blessed Belgium with a beautiful landscape and ecotourism in Belgian is an impressive industry. There are a number of resorts along the Belgian coastline which attract thousands of tourists every year. Adventure lovers enjoy cross country and downhill skiing in winter particularly in Ardennes region.
More Maps on Belgium
Last Update On : Dec 24, 2012
NameKingdom of Belgium
ContinentEurope
CapitalBrussels
Independence declared from The NetherlandsJuly 21,1831
RecognizedApril 19,1839
Area11,787 sq miles
Population11,007,020 (2011 estimate)
Major languagesDutch, French and German
Major ReligionsRoman Catholic (75%)
Major Ethnic GroupsFlemish & Walloon
Form of GovernmentFederal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
CurrencyEuro
Human Development Index Rank18
GDP (PPP)$ 413.281 billion (2011 estimate)
KingAlbert II
Prime MinisterElio Di Rkupo
