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People of Belgium

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.

Around 97 per cent of the population lives in urban areas even as the capital, Brussels, serves as home to a number of foreign guests.

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.

Flag of Belgium

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.
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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.

Information on Belgium, Its Geography & History

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