Belgium is also a founding member of the Eurozone, NATO, OECD, and WTO, and a part of the trilateral Benelux Union and the Schengen Area. The Brussels-Capital Region is officially bilingual in French and Dutch,[14] although French is the dominant language. Total Area: 11,787 square miles (30,528 square kilometers) Highest Point: Botrange at 2,277 feet (694 meters) Lowest Point: North Sea at 0 feet (0 meters) History of Belgium Like many of the world's countries, Belgium has a long history. (1997) 7th ed.). Two comprehensive discussions of rock and pop music in Belgium since the 1950s: A review of the Belgian cinema till about 2000 can be found at, campaigns of 1794 in the French Revolutionary Wars, extreme and savage treatment of the Congolese population under LeopoldII, German forces again invaded the country in May 1940, many Belgians felt he had collaborated with Germany, most political power rests on representation of the main cultural communities, lead the formation of a new federal cabinet, Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium, Assistant Chief of Staff Operations and Training, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, 1.3million migrants have acquired Belgian citizenship, Programme for International Student Assessment, Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, "O habitent les Belges les plus riches? The last-named role has flourished since the city became host to the European Communities (ultimately succeeded by the EU) as well as to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters. WebGeography. Louis Verniers, In the 13th and 14th centuries, the cloth industry and commerce boomed especially in the County of Flanders and it became one of the richest areas in Europe. The Belgians have been strong advocates of European integration. The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Belgium: Belgium sovereign country located in northwest Europe. [1] It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO . [147][148] In 2007, there were 1.38million foreign-born residents in Belgium, corresponding to 12.9% of the total population. In 2019, Belgium's defense budget totaled 4.303billion ($4.921billion) representing .93% of its GDP. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. [197][198] Multidisciplinary artists Jan Fabre, Wim Delvoye and the painter Luc Tuymans are other internationally renowned figures on the contemporary art scene. [107][108] The economy is characterized by a highly productive work force, high GNP and high exports per capita. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. [128][129][130], Contributions to the development of science and technology have appeared throughout the country's history. Rapid and frequent alternation of different air masses separated by fronts gives Belgium considerable variability in weather. These different languages are important to Belgium because concerns over losing linguistic power have caused the government to divide the country into different regions, each of which has control over its cultural, linguistic, and educational matters. It borders the Netherlands in the north, France in the south and west, Germany and Luxembourg in the east, and the North Sea in the northwest. By October 2010, this had grown to 8.5% compared to an average rate of 9.6% for the European Union as a whole (EU 27). (2022 est.) The history, capital, flag, climate, terrain, people, economy, and population. The soil in the Kempen is poor and the landscape comprises conifer woods, heathlands, ponds, marshes, pastures and corn fields. TheNational Geography Institute (NGI)(nl - fr), carries out a number of tasks for the government and specialists among the public. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from California State University. WebBelgium, officially Kingdom of Belgium, Country, northwestern Europe. Belgium is situated in the west of Europe, bordered to the north by the Netherlands, to the east by Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to the south and the west by France. [152], Statbel released figures of the Belgian population in relation to the origin of people in Belgium. The number of applications as well as the uses wearemakingof them on a daily basis are multiplying. () Of all these, the Belgae are the strongest () . Belgium is famous for beer, chocolate, waffles and French fries. In December 2008, he once more offered his resignation to the king after a crisis surrounding the sale of Fortis to BNP Paribas. The federal government has decided to extend the support measures (VAT reduction and social rate for one million households) to cope with the explosive increase in energy prices. For more than a year, the country experienced a political crisis. The effects of the Second World War made collective security a priority for Belgian foreign policy. But prevention is possible,and simple: only download applications from official appstores. Population: (2023 est.) Although the average visitor to Brussels might remain unaware of the various governmental powers vested there, the interdigitation of municipal, national, and European politics has contributed to many of the citys problems. ", its article on the Dutch-language Wikipedia, "Diversity according to origin in Belgium", Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2022", "Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income EU-SILC survey", "Language use in Brussels and the position of Dutch", "Belgique Belgi BelgienRgion de Bruxelles-Capitale Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest", "Language Facilities in the Brussels Periphery", "The Hydra No.1 New Series (November1917)Arras And Captain Satan", "Nuttall Encyclopaedia of General KnowledgeCockpit of Europe", "New Order? [16] Belgium has also been the battleground of European powers, earning the moniker the "Battlefield of Europe",[17] a reputation reinforced in the 20th century by both world wars. The country also has a narrow coastline along the North Sea. Its name is derived from the Belgae, a Celtic tribe that lived in the area in the first century BCE. Population: (2023 est.) [69] It is the only country that does not have age restrictions on euthanasia. The Federal Government is responsible for the obligations of Belgium and its federalized institutions towards the European Union and NATO. in Europe(green &dark grey)in the European Union(green). Its location at the heart of a highly industrialized region helped make it the world's 15th largest trading nation in 2007. With five victories in the Tour de France and numerous other cycling records, Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx is regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. [222] The Belgium national football team has been among the best on the FIFA World Rankings ever since November 2015, when it reached the top spot for the first time. 07:45 Feb 28 Belgium Facts and Culture What is Belgium famous for? Prior to 2014, most of the Senate's members were directly elected. Walloon is divided into four dialects, which along with those of Picard,[164] are rarely used in public life and have largely been replaced by French. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Belgium also has a strong reputation in, motocross with the riders Jol Robert, Roger De Coster, Georges Job, Eric Geboers and Stefan Everts, among others.[226]. French-speaking Belgians are often referred to as Walloons, although the French speakers in Brussels are not Walloons. [75], On that day a new government, led by Flemish Christian Democrat Yves Leterme, the actual winner of the federal elections of June 2007, was sworn in by the king. State-owned companies include the Belgian Post Group and Belgian Railways. Area: 11,787 sq mi (30,528 sq km). [217], Since the 1970s, sports clubs and federations are organized separately within each language community. International models of peace and reconciliationDiversity and civil society", "Chapter 27. A reunification of the Low Countries as the United Kingdom of the Netherlands occurred at the dissolution of the First French Empire in 1814, after the abdication of Napoleon. [112] Areas in Lige Province and around Charleroi rapidly developed mining and steelmaking, which flourished until the mid-20th century in the Sambre and Meuse valley and made Belgium one of the three most industrialized nations in the world from 1830 to 1910. French was originally the official language used by the nobility and the bourgeoisie, especially after the rejection of the Dutch monarchy. Total Area: 11,787 square miles (30,528 square kilometers) Highest Point: Botrange at 2,277 feet (694 meters) Lowest Point: North Sea at 0 feet (0 meters) History of Belgium Like many of the world's countries, Belgium has a long history. Provides an overview of Belgium, including key events and facts about this European country. Capital: Brussels. You can also secure your smartphone by following these tips: You have an income in Belgium (e.g. The geography of Belgium shows it to have three major areas: lower Belgium (up to 100m above sea level), central Belgium (between 100 and 200m above sea level) and upper Belgium (from 200 to over 500m above sea level). Facts & Figures. This was the theatre of several more protracted conflicts during much of the 17th and 18th centuries involving France, including the Franco-Dutch War (16721678), the Nine Years' War (16881697), the War of the Spanish Succession (17011714), and part of the War of the Austrian Succession (17401748). Further to the south are the Ardennes, a region alternating between a magnificent, wooded area with natural beech forests and specially grown fir trees, and plateaus and deep valleys. The second group lives in the south and consists of the Walloons, who speak French. WebBelgium is located in the Western Europe which shares its international boundaries with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands. [6] The population density of Belgium is 376/km2 (970/sqmi) as of January 2019, making it the 22nd most densely populated country in the world, and the 6th most densely populated country in Europe. The main political parties of the 19th century were the Catholic Party and the Liberal Party, with the Belgian Labour Party emerging towards the end of the 19th century. WebOne of the smallest countries in Europe, Belgium is bordered by France, Luxembourgh, the Netherlands, and Germany. The country also has a narrow coastline along the North Sea. [156] However, various criteria, including the language(s) of parents, of education, or the second-language status of foreign born, may provide suggested figures. Yet, its urban pathologies aside, Brussels is not a city in decay but a place of great vibrancy and multicultural deptha much more exciting and cosmopolitan place than it ever was during its centuries-long history. Geography of Belgium. [180], Education is compulsory from 6 to 18 years of age for Belgians. [199][200], The vocal music of the Franco-Flemish School developed in the southern part of the Low Countries and was an important contribution to Renaissance culture. ET MARCHE DU TRAVAIL, "Structure de la population selon le pays de naissance", BuG 155 Bericht uit het Gewisse 01 januari 2012, BuG 159 Bericht uit het Gewisse 7 mei 2012, "Informazioni sul Belgio - Sede INCA-CGIL in Belgio", "Statistiques de population: Chiffres de population au 1er janvier 2023", "Citizens from other countries in the German-speaking Community", "German (Belgium)Overview of the language", "Belgique Belgi BelgienLa Communaut germanophone de Belgique", "Churchgoers in Brussels threatened with extinction", Kerken lopen zeer geleidelijk helemaal leeg Dutch news article describing church attendance in Flanders, Voor het eerst meer Marokkaanse dan Italiaanse migranten, "Moslims in Belgi per gewest, provincie en gemeente", "Belgium euthanasia: First child dies - CNN.com", "Assisted Suicide: A Right or a Wrong? [86] The Flemish Liberal party politician Alexander De Croo became new prime minister in October 2020. The population consists mostly of Flemings and Walloons. In the event that your house of business has sustained weather damage, the KMI will be able to provide copies of official records in support of insurance claims. They have also the most victories on the UCI Road World Championships. The divide has played a key part in the tensions between the Flemish and Walloons in addition to the already-existing language divide. Ernest Solvay also acted as a major philanthropist and gave his name to the Solvay Institute of Sociology, the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and the International Solvay Institutes for Physics and Chemistry which are now part of the Universit libre de Bruxelles. Since then, Flanders has been prosperous, among the wealthiest regions in Europe, whereas Wallonia has been languishing. [D], The overlapping boundaries of the Regions and Communities have created two notable peculiarities: the territory of the Brussels-Capital Region (which came into existence nearly a decade after the other regions) is included in both the Flemish and French Communities, and the territory of the German-speaking Community lies wholly within the Walloon Region. The southeast, however, does have a mountainous region in its Ardennes Forest area. WebBelgium, officially Kingdom of Belgium, Country, northwestern Europe. WebBelgium has a temperate, maritime climate predominantly influenced by air masses from the Atlantic. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin both were Player of the Year in the Women's Tennis Association as they were ranked the number one female tennis player. The Flemish Community scores noticeably above the French and German-speaking Communities. In fact, there are only six such bodies because the Flemish Region merged into the Flemish Community. She led the caretaker government since October 2019. The Flemings, the larger of the two, live in the north and speak Flemisha language closely related to Dutch. [20] Between 1885 and 1908, the Congo Free State, which was privately owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, was characterized by widespread atrocities and disease, leading to a population decline of millions; amid public outcry in Europe, Belgium annexed the territory as a colony. Brussels-Capital Region, 1,222,637; Brussels commune, 188,737. The moderate Flemish nationalist party the N-VA remained the largest party in parliament. The Ardennes are a natural tourist attraction, and its southernmost part, Belgian Lorraine, has a milder climate than the rest of the country. Also during the first century, the Romans invaded the area and Belgium was controlled as a Roman province for nearly 300 years. You can even receive this information by SMS. [103] They are organized into one unified structure which consists of four main components: Land Component or the Army, Air Component or the Air Force, Naval Component or the Navy and the Medical Component. Only Malta, Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Slovenia are smaller. Over time, villages surrounding the pentagon were aggregated, and, together with historic central Brussels, they ultimately constituted Greater Brussels. The poet and playwright Maurice Maeterlinck won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1911. Protestants comprised 2.1% and Orthodox Christians were the 1.6% of the total. Technically, it is an ale and traditionally each abbey's beer is served in its own glass (the forms, heights and widths are different). The composer Csar Franck was born in Lige in 1822. The capital and largest city is Brussels; other major cities are Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Lige, Bruges, Namur, and Leuven. Today, the metropolitan area of Brussels, girded by a beltway (the so-called grande ceinture), extends beyond the footprint of the 19 communes to encompass a fringe of the province of Flemish Brabant. [143], As of 1 January 2020, the total population of Belgium according to its population register was 11,492,641. The opening months of the war were known as the Rape of Belgium due to German excesses. The federal government has decided to extend the support measures (VAT reduction and social rate for one million households) to cope with the explosive increase in energy prices. Belgium became one of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 and of the European Atomic Energy Community and European Economic Community, established in 1957. As Brussels is distinctly automobile friendly, noise and air pollution are notable problems. Its total surface, including water area, is 30,528km2 (11,787sqmi). Located on the western coast of Europe, Belgium shares a short coastline with the North Sea. WebKids learn about the Geography of Belgium. Belgium,[A] officially the Kingdom of Belgium,[B] is a country in Northwestern Europe. 1. Greater Brussels officially became the Brussels-Capital Region in 1989, during the federalization of Belgium. ", A federal crisis plan to combat soaring energy prices, about A federal crisis plan to combat soaring energy prices, Royal Institute of Meteorology (KMI - IRM), instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Belgium. salary, pension, rent), and. "Geography and Overview of Belgium." WebThe geography of Belgium shows it to have three major areas: lower Belgium (up to 100m above sea level), central Belgium (between 100 and 200m above sea level) and upper Belgium (from 200 to over 500m above sea level). [39] A Belgian commission in 1919 estimated that Congo's population was half what it was in 1879.[38]. [89] Late that century, and continuing into the 20th century, Flemish movements evolved to counter this situation. Flag. With education, for instance, the autonomy of the Communities neither includes decisions about the compulsory aspect nor allows for setting minimum requirements for awarding qualifications, which remain federal matters. It has two branches of government. The banks are committed to protecting the most affected families. Moreover, national and transnational interests have at times taken precedence over the interests of local residents. From around 1900 there was growing international concern for the extreme and savage treatment of the Congolese population under LeopoldII, for whom the Congo was primarily a source of revenue from ivory and rubber production. During the 5th century, the area came under the rule of the Frankish Merovingian kings, who established a kingdom ruling over the Romanized population in what is northern France, and then conquered the other Frankish kingdoms. He appoints ministers, including a Prime Minister, that have the confidence of the Chamber of Representatives to form the federal government. WebKids learn about the Geography of Belgium. These include the coastal plain in the northwest; the central plateau, in which Brussels and the Belgian heartland are situated; and the high plateau of the Ardennes in [71] This crisis was such that many observers speculated on a possible partition of Belgium. ): 10,449,361 (growth rate: 0.05%); birth rate: 9.99/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.18/1000; life expectancy: 79.92. Since the country's independence, Roman Catholicism has had an important role in Belgium's politics. The country has a total of 860 miles (1,385 km) of land boundaries with neighbours; it is bounded by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south. ): 10,449,361 (growth rate: 0.05%); birth rate: 9.99/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.18/1000; life expectancy: 79.92. WebCoordinates: 5050N 400E Belgium, [A] officially the Kingdom of Belgium, [B] is a country in Northwestern Europe. WebGeography. Roughly 23,000 more German speakers live in municipalities near the official Community.[158][159][160][161]. Food and Recipes: A typical Belgian family has three meals a day, eating breakfast and dinner together and lunch at school or work. More Family: The average Belgian family consists of two parents and two children; both parents usually work outside the home. Along with the much larger regions of Flanders and Wallonia, the Brussels-Capital Region constitutes one of the countrys three main political divisions. 1) b) Population by citizenship & c) Third country nationals, 1January 2004", L'IMMIGRATION EN BELGIQUE. Ilya Prigogine (Universit libre de Bruxelles) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1977. ", "Belgium gets first female PM as Sophie Wilms takes office", "Belgium agrees on federal government, De Croo to become PM", "The Dutch-French Language Border in Belgium", "Federalism in Russia, Canada and Belgium: experience of comparative research", "Wallonia in 'decline' thanks to politicians", "L'Union conomique belgo-luxembourgeoise", "Het belang van de Vlaamse Ruit vanuit economisch perspectief, "The World Factbook(Rank OrderPublic debt)", "Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 20122018", "Rembert Dodoens: iets over zijn leven en werkDodoens' werken", "Georges Lematre, Father of the Big Bang", "Total Fertility Rate around the world over the last two centuries", "Population par sexe et nationalit pour la Belgique et les rgions, 2001 et 2011", "European Migration NetworkAnnual Statistical Report on migration and asylum in Belgium (Reference year 2003)section A. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [50] Averages for the years 2000 to 2006 show daily temperature minimums of 7C (44.6F) and maximums of 14C (57.2F) and monthly rainfall of 74mm (2.9in); these are about 1C and nearly 10 millimeters above last century's normal values, respectively. It is divided into three highly autonomous regions:[12] the Flemish Region (Flanders) in the north, the Walloon Region (Wallonia) in the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region. [144] Belgium subsequently has one of the oldest populations in the world, with an average age of 41.6 years. [82], The 2014 federal election (coinciding with the regional elections) resulted in a further electoral gain for the Flemish nationalist N-VA, although the incumbent coalition (composed of Flemish and French-speaking Social Democrats, Liberals, and Christian Democrats) maintains a solid majority in Parliament and in all electoral constituencies. Its name is derived from the Belgae, a Celtic tribe that lived in the area in the first century BCE. Brussels is the administrative, commercial, and financial heart of Belgium, and the majority of services and institutions of national importance are based in the city. Belgian cinema has brought a number of mainly Flemish novels to life on-screen. Primarily targeted at economic decision makers and the broader research community, the initiative has been launched by the FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister to strengthen Belgiums openness for innovation, as supported by partnerships and diversity. for work or studies)? Its institutional organization is complex and is structured on both regional and linguistic grounds. The largest group of immigrants in Belgium are Moroccans, with 400,000 people. [38] In 1908, this outcry led the Belgian state to assume responsibility for the government of the colony, henceforth called the Belgian Congo. Like many of the world's countries, Belgium has a long history. Contemporary popular music in Belgium is also of repute. Despite the reforms, tensions between the groups have remained, if not increased; there is significant separatism particularly among the Flemish; controversial language laws exist such as the municipalities with language facilities;[23] and the formation of a coalition government took 18 months following the June 2010 federal election, a world record. Other well-known Belgian cyclists are Tom Boonen and Wout van Aert. The Eighty Years' War (15681648) was triggered by the Spanish government's policy towards Protestantism, which was becoming popular in the Low Countries. ", about Keep your smartphones secure: "OK is not always OK! For other uses, see, "Belgique" redirects here. As no census exists, there are no official statistical data regarding the distribution or usage of Belgium's three official languages or their dialects. Extensions to personal matters less directly connected with language comprise health policy (curative and preventive medicine) and assistance to individuals (protection of youth, social welfare, aid to families, immigrant assistance services, and so on.). In that year, there was an uprising by the Belgian people and in 1831, a constitutional monarchy was established, and a monarch from the House of Saxe-Coburg Gotha in Germany was invited to run the country. A further 5.2% of the population was Muslim and 2.1% were believers in other religions. It borders the Netherlands in the north, France in the south and west, Germany and Luxembourg in the east, and the North Sea in the northwest. WebIn terms of land areas, Belgium can be divided into three main geographical regions. The study also found that 74.5% of the Brussels Capital Region were of non-Belgian origin, of which 13.8% originated from neighbouring countries. WebGeography of Belgium; Continent: Europe: Region: Western Europe: Coordinates: Area: Ranked 136th Total: 30,689 km 2 (11,849 sq mi) Land: 93.5% Water: 6.5%: Coastline: 66.5 km (41.3 mi) Borders: Total land borders: 1,297 km: Highest point: Signal de Botrange 695 m (2,280 ft) Lowest point In July 2019 prime minister Charles Michel was selected to hold the post of President of the European Council. Partly as a result of these conflicts, the Belgian parliament reorganized the countrys structure on the basis of the Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital regions. [40] The Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960 during the Congo Crisis;[41] Ruanda-Urundi followed with its independence two years later. [52] According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the territory of Belgium belongs to the terrestrial ecoregions of Atlantic mixed forests and Western European broadleaf forests. [60] Author of, Honorary Secretary, General Ministry of Education, Belgium. [174] On the other hand, Wallonia has become one of Europe's most secular/least religious regions. The average summer temperature is 77 degrees (25C) while winters average around 45 degrees (7C). [90], While the people in Southern Belgium spoke French or dialects of French, and most Brusselers adopted French as their first language, the Flemings refused to do so and succeeded progressively in making Dutch an equal language in the education system. Belgium's strongly globalized economy[106] and its transport infrastructure are integrated with the rest of Europe. Author of Un millnaire d'historie de Bruxelles, des origines 1830 and others. Currently, the Belgian Marine Component is working closely together with the Dutch Navy under the command of the Admiral Benelux. [1], Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. [109] Belgium's main imports are raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, and oil products. Food and Recipes: A typical Belgian family has three meals a day, eating breakfast and dinner together and lunch at school or work. More Family: The average Belgian family consists of two parents and two children; both parents usually work outside the home. [70], Verhofstadt's coalition fared badly in the June 2007 elections. Flag. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. In 870 in the Treaty of Meerssen, modern Belgium lands all became part of the western kingdom for a period, but in 880 in the Treaty of Ribemont, Lotharingia returned to the lasting control of the Eastern king, or Holy Roman Emperor. [18], The Federal State's authority includes justice, defense, federal police, social security, nuclear energy, monetary policy and public debt, and other aspects of public finances. Nevertheless, in the 20th century Brussels became the principal venue for political and cultural clashes between Flemings and Walloons. Author of, Professor of Dutch and Comparative Literature, University College, University of London. Copyright 2023 Belgian Federal Government, Belgium unveils its new international branding campaign highlighting its openness for innovation, about Belgium unveils its new international branding campaign highlighting its openness for innovation, Keep your smartphones secure: "OK is not always OK! Belgium can also be rainy, cloudy, and humid. With a total area of 30,528 square kilometers, Belgium is the fifth smallest country in the EU. Most of modern Belgium was in the Middle Kingdom, later known as Lotharingia, but the coastal county of Flanders, west of the Scheldt, became the northernmost part of West Francia, the predecessor of France. Many Flemish people still speak dialects of Dutch in their local environment. Because of its focus on regions and local communities, Belgium has several political subdivisions, each of which has a varied amount of political power. Shortly thereafter, Napoleon's army was beaten during the Battle of Waterloo near Brussels and Belgium became a part of the Netherlands in 1815. The northern area is considered the most fertile and much of the land there is used for livestock, although some of the land is used for agriculture. The lowest point in Belgium is sea level at the North Sea and its highest point is Signal de Botrange at 2,277 feet (694 m). In addition, there is a German community near the city of Lige. They supervise the provinces, municipalities and intercommunal utility companies. [122][126] In 2016, the port of Antwerp handled 214million tons after a year-on-year growth of 2.7%. Belgium spans 2 degrees in latitude, from 51 degrees 30 minutes N at Meerle (northernmost point) to 49 degrees 30 minutes N at Torgny (southernmost point). The child had been euthanized due to an incurable disease that was inflicted upon the child. Although historically it was a predominantly Flemish-speaking city, at present the majority of residents in the Brussels agglomeration speak French, which is also the preferred language of the citys growing international labour force. The national dishes are "steak and fries", and "mussels with fries". WebKids learn about the Geography of Belgium. [119] In 2005 and 2006, real GDP growth rates of 1.5% and 3.0%, respectively, were slightly above the average for the Euro area. Geography. Discover the annual Key figures brochure, published by Statistics Belgium, the Statistics directorate of the Belgian FPS Economy. WebOne of the smallest countries in Europe, Belgium is bordered by France, Luxembourgh, the Netherlands, and Germany. Belgium has compulsory voting and thus maintains one of the highest rates of voter turnout in the world. WebCoordinates: 5050N 400E Belgium, [A] officially the Kingdom of Belgium, [B] is a country in Northwestern Europe. In the early 2000s, there were approximately 42,000 Jews in Belgium. Nearly 80% of the population of Belgium is Roman Catholic but there are several other religions in the country, all of which receive government subsidies. [141][142] Belgium was ranked 26th in the Global Innovation Index in 2022. [35] Although the franchise was initially restricted, universal suffrage for men was introduced after the general strike of 1893 (with plural voting until 1919) and for women in 1949. This brochure contains basic figures on population, society, territory, environment, economy, real estate, construction, mobility and transport. WebBelgium has a temperate, maritime climate predominantly influenced by air masses from the Atlantic. The secular branch of schooling is controlled by the communities, the provinces, or the municipalities, while religious, mainly Catholic branch education, is organized by religious authorities, which are also subsidized and supervised by the communities. [165] However Belgium is largely a secular country as the constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice. There are only eleven breweries (six of them are Belgian) that are allowed to brew Trappist beer. [189], Contributions to painting and architecture have been especially rich. 07:45 Feb 28 Belgium Facts and Culture What is Belgium famous for? Belgium switched to the euro in 2002, with the first sets of euro coins being minted in 1999. The treaty-making power of the Regions' and Communities' Governments is the broadest of all the Federating units of all the Federations all over the world.[100][101][102]. Belgium. Brussels is thus surrounded by Flemish territory. In the aftermath of the First World War, Belgium annexed the Prussian districts of Eupen and Malmedy in 1925, thereby causing the presence of a German-speaking minority. The banks are committed to protecting the most affected families. [170] The same survey held in 2012 found that Christianity was the largest religion in Belgium, accounting for 65% of Belgians. land: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km country comparison to the world: 140 Area - comparative about the size of Maryland Area comparison map Land boundaries total: 1,297 km border countries (4): France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km Coastline 66.5 km Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Belgium: Belgium sovereign country located in northwest Europe. [46], The coastal plain consists mainly of sand dunes and polders. He also knows whether children have been good or bad. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Today, Belgium unveiled its new international branding campaign titled Embracing Openness. 2.8million new Belgians. Julius Caesar, De Bello Gallico, Book I, Ch. Belgium is an important country to both Europe and the rest of the world as its capital, Brussels, is the headquarters the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. [177] The Belgian health care system is supervised and financed by the federal government, the Flemish and Walloon Regional governments; and the German Community also has (indirect) oversight and responsibilities. Soon after, Belgium became controlled by the Dukes of Burgundy and was eventually taken over by the Hapsburgs. WebIn terms of land areas, Belgium can be divided into three main geographical regions. It was the first time N-VA was part of the federal cabinet, while the French-speaking side was represented only by the MR, which achieved a minority of the public votes in Wallonia. [211] Belgium produces over 1100 varieties of beer. With a total area of 30,528 square kilometers, Belgium is the fifth smallest country in the EU. 11,679,000. Lower Belgium While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. An estimated 60% of the Belgian population are native speakers of Dutch (often referred to as Flemish), and 40% of the population speaks French natively. The government promoted active diplomacy in Africa[68] and opposed the invasion of Iraq. Non-religious people comprised 32.0% of the population and were divided between atheists (14.9%) and agnostics (17.1%). The richest (per capita income) of Belgium's three regions is the, Native speakers of Dutch living in Wallonia and of French in Flanders are relatively small minorities that furthermore largely balance one another, hence attributing all inhabitants of each unilingual area to the area's language can cause only insignificant inaccuracies (99% can speak the language). There is no question that Brussels is a polarized place. Unlike previous calculations, this one included the area from the coast to the low-water line, revealing the country to be 160km2 (62sqmi) larger in surface area than previously thought. Belgium has produced several well-known authors, including the poets Emile Verhaeren, Guido Gezelle, Robert Goffin and novelists Hendrik Conscience, Stijn Streuvels, Georges Simenon, Suzanne Lilar, Hugo Claus and Amlie Nothomb. Most of the French-speaking region's population does not consider religion an important part of their lives, and as much as 45% of the population identifies as irreligious. However, when the country's statistics were measured in 2018, a new calculation method was used. WebGeography of Belgium; Continent: Europe: Region: Western Europe: Coordinates: Area: Ranked 136th Total: 30,689 km 2 (11,849 sq mi) Land: 93.5% Water: 6.5%: Coastline: 66.5 km (41.3 mi) Borders: Total land borders: 1,297 km: Highest point: Signal de Botrange 695 m (2,280 ft) Lowest point salary, pension, rent), and. [145], As of 2007[update], nearly 92% of the population had Belgian citizenship,[146] and other European Union member citizens account for around 6%. In 2010, commuters to the cities of Brussels and Antwerp spent respectively 65 and 64 hours a year in traffic jams. The territory of Belgium is divided into three Regions, two of which, the Flemish Region and Walloon Region, are in turn subdivided into provinces; the third Region, the Brussels Capital Region, is neither a province nor a part of a province. Resources Bioethics Focus Areas Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Santa Clara University", "GHO | By category | Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized - Estimates by country", "Table 388. Since the modification of the Belgian nationality law in 1984 more than 1.3million migrants have acquired Belgian citizenship. Belgium also has some 40 miles (60 km) of shoreline on the North Sea. Belgium is a Western European country occupying an area of 30,689 km2 (11,849 sq mi). The Belgian Armed Forces have about 47,000 active troops. To the south of the Condroz lies the area of Fagnes and Famenne, which, although a poor agricultural region, is well known for its many mysterious caves, the most interesting examples being those at Han-sur-Lesse and Remouchamps. This is where criminals and fraudsterscome in: they are increasingly developing viruses specifically designed to target mobile devices and goon the attack. Percentage of population enrolled in secondary and postsecondary institutions, by age group and country Chapter 6. International Comparisons of Education, data: 2002", "I. [1] It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO . After World WarII, a general strike forced King LeopoldIII to abdicate in 1951 in favour of his son, Prince Baudouin, since many Belgians felt he had collaborated with Germany during the war. For the city in the United States, see. During the medieval period, Brussels was enclosed by two successive circuits of fortification walls, constructed in the 11th and 14th centuries. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. [95] Thus the Flemings just have one single institutional body of parliament and government is empowered for all except federal and specific municipal matters. [207][208][209][J] Many highly ranked Belgian restaurants can be found in the most influential restaurant guides, such as the Michelin Guide. land: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km country comparison to the world: 140 Area - comparative about the size of Maryland Area comparison map Land boundaries total: 1,297 km border countries (4): France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km Coastline 66.5 km Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm Flag. [44], The Belgian economy is heavily service-oriented and shows a dual nature: a dynamic Flemish economy and a Walloon economy that lags behind. [1] It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO . The country has a total of 860 miles (1,385 km) of land boundaries with neighbours; it is bounded by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south. The Chamber's 150 representatives are elected under a proportional voting system from 11 electoral districts. [166], According to the Eurobarometer 2010,[169] 37% of Belgian citizens responded that they believe there is a God. Geography of Belgium. WebOutline of Belgium. In rock/pop music, Telex, Front 242, K's Choice, Hooverphonic, Zap Mama, Soulwax and dEUS are well known. Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the Conflict Dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, This page was last edited on 2 June 2023, at 20:20. The heavily urbanised Brabant has its own lush green carpet, the forest of Soignes, a forest area and a remnant of the earlier Forest of Cologne, which covered a large part of the country in Roman times. Area Brussels-Capital Region, 62 square miles (161 square km). However, by 2009 Sunday church attendance was 5% for Belgium in total; 3% in Brussels,[167] and 5.4% in Flanders. The history, capital, flag, climate, terrain, people, economy, and population. A few hours later, the new government under Prime Minister Yves Leterme was sworn in. Caesar described this region as having strong kinship links to the Germanic tribes east of the Rhine. This continuing antagonism has led to several far-reaching state reforms, resulting in the transition from a unitary to a federal arrangement between 1970 and 1993. Located on the western coast of Europe, Belgium shares a short coastline with the North Sea. [224] The team's golden generations with the world class players in the squad, namely Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jean-Marie Pfaff, Jan Ceulemans achieved the bronze medals at World Cup 2018, and silver medals at Euro 1980. David Isby and Charles Kamps Jr, 'Armies of NATO's Central Front,' Jane's Publishing Company, 1985, p.59. During the 19th and 20th centuries many original romantic, expressionist and surrealist Belgian painters emerged, including James Ensor and other artists belonging to the Les XX group, Constant Permeke, Paul Delvaux and Ren Magritte. [140] Two Belgian mathematicians have been awarded the Fields Medal: Pierre Deligne in 1978 and Jean Bourgain in 1994. [184] Education is organized separately by each community. Wallonia was historically wealthy compared to Flanders, mostly due to its heavy industries, but the decline of the steel industry post-World War II led to the region's rapid decline, whereas Flanders rose swiftly. Louis Verniers, Belgians hold the most Tour de France victories of any country except France. With the Pragmatic Sanction of 1549 he gave the Seventeen Provinces more legitimacy as a stable entity, rather than just a temporary personal union. Its geographical neighbors include France to the south, Germany and Luxembourg to the east and northeast, and finally the Netherlands to the north. Pop. Health care is delivered by a mixed public and private system of independent medical practitioners and public, university and semi-private hospitals. [33][34] Since the installation of LeopoldI as king on 21 July 1831, now celebrated as Belgium's National Day, Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with a laicist constitution based on the Napoleonic code. Throughout the decades following its independence, Belgium was invaded several times by Germany. The Philippines: Geography and Fact Sheet, Geography of the United States of America, The Geography and Modern History of China, M.A., Geography, California State University - East Bay, B.A., English and Geography, California State University - Sacramento. : Dutch, French and German dialects of Dutch in their local environment medieval,! 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