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Belgium, the most densely populated country in Europe, became a Federal State only in February 1993. The country is heavily into exports, in fact, around 50 per cent of the produce generated is exported. Belgium has to its credit the world's 4th largest port, Antwerp, and also the world biggest diamond-trading center.
Belgium can be divided into three regions - the coastal plain, the central plateau, and the Ardennes highlands. The coastal plain extends inland 16 to 48 km on the northwest. The central plateau is a slightly elevated area, made up of a number of wide, fertile valleys with a rich, alluvial soil. In this region, one can find caves and ravines too.
The people of Belgium can be divided into two ethnic groups - the Flemings, who are of Teutonic origin and the Walloons, who are of Celtic origin. These two groups can be distinguished on the basis of the languages they speak- the Flemings speak Dutch while the Walloons speak French.
Location of Belgium
Belgium is located in northwestern Europe, bound by The Netherlands and the North Sea in the north, Germany and Luxembourg in the east, and by France in the south and southwest.
The flag of Belgium is made up of three equal vertical bands - black towards the hoist side, yellow in the middle and red towards the right. The design of this flag is based on the flag of France.
Climate of Belgium
The climate of Belgium is mixed in nature, with areas near the sea experiencing humid and mild climate, while the inland sees a marked increase in temperature. Ardennes highlands has hot summers and cold winters. The months of April and November are considered to be rainy months even as heavy rains remain confined almost exclusively to the highlands. Fog and drizzle are also a common feature during this time.
Flora And Fauna of Belgium
The flora of Belgium is made up of plants like hyacinth, strawberry, goldenrod, periwinkle, foxglove, wild arum, and lily of the valley. Forest trees include oak, beech, elm, and stands of pine that have been planted as part of reforestation programs. The fauna is made up of small animals, primarily fox, badger, pheasant, squirrel, weasel, marten, and hedgehog. The Ardennes highlands is home to deer and wild boar.
Arts, Culture and Music of Belgium
Festivals play an important role among the people of Belgium. One of the most famous festivals is the three-day carnival at Binche, near Mons, held just before Lent. The carnival is a period of merry-making and joy and is characterized by songs and dances led by "Gilles," men dressed in high, plumed hats and bright costumes. Other important occasions include Procession of the Holy Blood, held in Brugge in May and Saint Nicholas's Day held every year on December 6, which also commemorates as an important children's holiday.
Economy of Belgium
The economy of Belgium is mainly governed by the heavy industries, even as service economy is gaining speed in the country. The heavy industries of Belgium import raw materials, which are then processed and made ready for export. Such industries have given Belgium one of the highest gross domestic products in the world. In turn, Belgium is dependent upon its neighbours as about three-quarters of the produce are exported to the European Union countries and the nation also plays an important role in integrating other European economies.
In the early 1990s a growing budget deficit, combined with high unemployment rates, hindered Belgium's overall economic growth. To reduce its deficit, the government initiated an austerity program that cut spending while raising taxes, as well as beginning a program to transfer some state-owned enterprises to the private sector. The budget in 1998 anticipated revenues of $109.5 billion and expenditures of $114.4 billion. Gross domestic product in 2001 totaled $229.6 billion.
