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About Belgium

Well situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in an area no bigger than Maryland. Within the span of one day you can take a romantic cruise , hunt for diamonds, enjoy waffles , frolic in a festival in Binche, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine art museum in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travelers. Often called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. The city of Brussels is one of the world’s great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies.

BASIC FACTS:

  • Full name: Kingdom of Belgium
  • Population: 11.14 million
  • Capital: Brussels
  • Most-populated city: Brussels
  • Area: 33,990 sq km (13,120  sq miles)
  • Major languages: Dutch, French and German
  • Major religions: Christianity
  • Life expectancy: 76.6 years (men), 83 years (women)
  • Main exports: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs
  • Internet domain: .be
  • International dialing code: +32