All You Must Know About Belgium

Geography

Surrounded by France, Luxembourgh, the Netherlands, and Germany, Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The nation also has a littoral in the North Sea.

Belgium lies mostly close to sea level, although the country reaches 694 metres (2.277 feet) at a point known as Botrange, which is located within the plateau of the Ardennes.

Government

Under the constitution of 1994, autonomy was approved to the Walloon region (Wallonia), the Flemish region (Flanders), and the bilingual Brussels-Capital region; autonomy was also guaranteed for the Flemish, French, and German-speaking “communities.” The central government holds responsibility for foreign policy, defence, and taxation.

History

In 1830 Belgium got independent from the Netherlands. Germany invaded Belgium early in the First World War.  The Treaty of Versailles restored Belgium to independence five years later. During World War II, however, Germany would once more invade the area. Germany was forced from Belgium with the aid of American and British forces.

In 1958 Belgium established an economic agreement with neighbouring Netherlands and Luxembourg, known as the Benelux Economic Union, to encourage free trade in the region. In 1993 the constitution of Belgium was revised to officially recognise the three administrative regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels in the country.

Climate

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with gentle summers and warm winters, influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Hills in the eastern regions cause a colder, weatherier climate with more rainfall and occasionally heavy winter snowfall.

Official language

Historically speaking, the nation had such a number of rulers, shaping how Belgians today are multilingual and multicultural. They have three official languages because of their close proximity to these three nations, which split Belgium into three main regions.

1. Flemish (Dutch)

First off, the Dutch-speaking Flemish group is found mostly in the Northern Flanders region. They represent about 60 per cent of the population (6.5 million). Although the language spoken by this group is nearly similar to the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands, scholars call it “Belgian-Dutch,” and everybody else “Flemish.” There are, of course, variations between Flemish and Standard Dutch — particularly in pronunciation, vocabulary, and idioms. Still, someone who speaks Dutch shouldn’t have too many problems in Flanders.

2. French

Second, on Belgium’s list of most-spoken languages is French. The Francophone community lives in the area of southern Wallonia and Brussels, the capital. They make up about 40 per cent of the population (4.5 million).

3. German

Lastly, there is the small German-speaking minority located in the eastern regions of the Liege province (on the border with Germany). This makes up around 1 per cent (75,000) of Belgium’s population. The German spoken here is also very similar to the traditional German spoken across the border since these areas were only absorbed into Belgium after World War I.

National Flag

Belgium’s flag is a tricolour, consisting of three equal vertical bands representing Belgium’s national colours: black, yellow, and red. The colours were taken from the Duchy of Brabant’s coat of arms, and the vertical pattern may be centred on France’s flag.

Religion

Most Belgians are Roman Catholic, but daily participation in religious services is variable. While it is marked in the Flemish region and the Ardennes, regular church attendance has declined in the industrial area of Walloon and Brussels, and almost one-third of Belgians are non-religious. The relatively few Protestants live predominantly in Hainaut urban areas, particularly in the industrial region known as the Borinage, and in and around Brussels. Several municipalities on Brussels’ north and west sides – notably Schaerbeek – are home to numerous Muslim immigrants. The tiny Jewish community of the country is concentrated in and around Brussels and Antwerp.

Nature

While most of Belgium was covered by the deciduous forest 2,000 years ago, human activity in the area has reduced both plant and animal life.

The most common tree today is oak, and most of the species are found in the Ardennes, which is a mixture of deciduous and coniferous woodland. Wild boars, rabbits, wildcats, and pheasants are commonly found in the Ardennes.

Several species of birds can be found elsewhere in Belgium, including sandpipers and snipes, along with muskrats and hamsters.

Authentic Food

From chocolate to beer and waffles to fries, Belgian cuisine is one of the world’s most popular foods — and, of course, all tastes better at home turf. Do not forget that Belgium is bilingual, so you can find the food names in both French and Flemish. Here are a few traditional dishes of Belgium.

Beef Stew

According to the Belgians, they had invented the well-known and hearty winter dish of carbonade Flamande or Vlaamse stoverij / stoofvlees. The French, of course, assert that the original was the French version of boeuf Bourguignon. Originally a farmer’s dish from northern Europe, perfect for holding the cold at bay, it’s a thick, intensely satisfying plate of caramelised onions and slow-cooked beef. The French use red wine, but the dish is cooked in Belgium using Belgian beer, particularly Oud Bruin (Old Brown, or Flanders Brown). The secondary fermentation of the beer gives a slightly acidic flavour and ideally counteracts the onions’ sweetness. Add mustard-covered bread, and serve the dish with mashed potatoes or frites.

Belgian Fries

This is Belgium’s national cuisine, somewhat. No one even in English calls it ‘French Fries’ there. The Belgian-perfected way of fries is a two-step frying method that perfects both internal and external crunchiness and softness. It is one on Belgium’s vegetarian food list. There is an annual vote in which the best fries are made by restaurant or stall. One reality of Belgian food is that the fries are Belgian and not French creation. Although the Belgians have no real evidence, they nevertheless make the world’s best fries.

Tourism

Accessibility to Belgium makes this a common European travel destination. It provides visitors a wide range of attractions and cultural events with its coastline, Ardennes, creative cities as well as gastronomy. The travel and tourism industry is typically composed of three main components: inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism. Here are a few places to visit.

1. Grand Place, Brussels

La Grand Place (De Grote Markt) in Dutch surrounded by beautiful guildhalls and other 14th to 17th century buildings. One side is dominated by the ornate gothic town hall, a gothic architectural masterpiece. Grand Place has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable combination of architectural and artistic styles. The square is busy at always during the year with tourists and locals, but particularly in August of alternating years, when the centre is filled with the 75- by 24-meter Flower Carpet consisting of more than 700,000 cut begonias.

2. Ghent

Another of Belgium’s popular sites is Ghent – a quaint and serene town with historic buildings, mediaeval structures, and Belgian churches. Renowned for housing the Alter Piece; Ghent is a favourite destination for art lovers and history buffs, but the quietness and beauty of the place attracts all kinds of travellers. This surreal mix of history and laid back vibes makes this town one of Belgium’s most interesting places to visit.

3. The Canals and Belfry of Bruges

Bruges began on the banks of the Reie River, and as it expanded, a series of waterways joining it to the Zwin Estuary and the North Sea did. Today the canals are a beautiful reminder of the history of Bruges, and one of the most famous things to do in Belgium is to cruise or walk along them.

Among Belgium’s most recognisable sights are the lovely belfry and Halle, which dominates Bruges’ main square. This magnificent house, dating from the mediaeval period, once functioned as the main town market hall and was beautifully preserved, enabling tourists to taste the architectural power of the Middle Ages true.

4. The Food Capital Antwerp

A real Belgian delight; all in Antwerp is about music, art, and traditions. On the one side, it shows historic architectural wonders and palaces, but on the other, there are some galleries and museums of new and fashionable art. Renowned for great food and beer, this place is Belgium’s diamond district as over 70 percent of uncut diamonds worldwide are traded here.

5. Meuse Valley

Situated in the south of the country, the Meuse Valley is one of the best places to get a feel for the lush countryside of Belgium. This is the ideal opportunity to take a stroll along the river seeing the unfurling spectacular scenery; dense forests are interspersed with cute towns backed by calcareous cliffs. The towns of Namur and Dinant, in particular, act as a gateway to this area, which has a range of hiking and cycling paths for tourists who wish to add some activities to their vacations.

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