Where is Belgium?

Belgium is located in Western Europe. It 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.

Belgium flag

Population in Belgium

As of 2021, the estimated population of Belgium is around 11.5 million people. However, population numbers can change due to factors such as birth rates, death rates, and migration.

Currency in Belgium

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR), which is used throughout the European Union. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and is symbolized by the symbol “€”. It is represented by the ISO code EUR and has an exchange rate fluctuating based on the market.

Language in Belgium

The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, and German.

Dutch is spoken by the majority of the population in the northern region of Flanders. French is spoken by a majority of the population in the southern region of Wallonia and the bilingual region of Brussels-Capital. German is spoken by a minority of the population in the eastern region of Wallonia.

Additionally, many people in Belgium also speak English as a second language, which is widely used in business and international communication.

Culture in Belgium

Belgium is known for its rich culture and history. The country has a diverse cultural heritage that is influenced by its location at the crossroads of Western Europe and its history as a crossroads of trade and migration.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and French fries. Belgian chocolate is renowned for its high quality and unique taste, and many of the country’s chocolatiers have a long tradition of chocolate-making. Belgian waffles, known as “Liège waffles” are made from a dough that contains pearl sugar, which caramelizes as the waffles cook, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Belgian beer is also world-renowned for its wide variety of styles and flavors, and the country has a long tradition of brewing.

Belgium is also known for its art and architecture. The country is home to many famous art museums, such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels and the Groeningemuseum in Bruges. The country is also home to many historical buildings, such as the Gothic-style Cathedrals of Saint Bavo and Saint Rumbold, and the Art Nouveau architecture of Victor Horta.

Belgium is also known for its historical and cultural landmarks, like the medieval town of Bruges and Grand Place in Brussels, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Music, especially classical music is also an important cultural aspect of Belgium, with many famous musicians such as Adolphe Sax the inventor of the Saxophone, and Jacques Brel, a famous singer-songwriter.

In summary, Belgium’s culture is influenced by its history, location, and diverse communities and it’s famous for its art, food, architecture, and music.

Main religion in Belgium

The main religion in Belgium is Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism. According to statistics, around 75% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church has a strong presence in Belgian society and culture, and many important holidays and festivals in Belgium are Catholic in origin.

Islam is the second-largest religion in Belgium, and the Muslim community has been growing in recent years, mainly due to immigration. Many of the country’s Muslims are of Turkish or Moroccan origin. Protestantism, which emerged in Belgium in the 16th century is also present, but it represents a small minority, around 5%. There is also a small Jewish community in Belgium, mainly in Antwerp which has been present in the country for centuries.

In general, Belgian society is a secular one and the government guarantees religious freedom and the right to practice any religion, but Roman Catholicism is the main religion and has a significant presence in the country.

Climate in Belgium

The climate in Belgium is considered to be temperate maritime, which means it is characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and consistent precipitation throughout the year.

The average temperatures in Belgium vary depending on the region and the time of year. In general, the average high temperatures during the summer months (June-August) range from around 17-20 degrees Celsius (63-68 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average low temperatures during the winter months (December-February) range from around 0-3 degrees Celsius (32-37 degrees Fahrenheit).

Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year in Belgium, with the summer months being slightly drier than the winter months. The country receives an average of around 700 mm (28 inches) of precipitation per year.

Belgium also receives a relatively small amount of sunshine, mostly due to its northern latitude and the presence of clouds, and is generally cloudy, particularly in the coastal area.

Overall, the climate in Belgium can be described as generally moderate, and while the country doesn’t experience extreme weather conditions, it can be quite damp and gray during certain months of the year.

Main attraction in Belgium

Belgium is a small country with a rich history and culture, and it offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Some of the main attractions in Belgium include:

1. The Grand Place in Brussels: This is the central square of Brussels and one of the most famous attractions in the city. The Grand Place is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings, including the Gothic-style Town Hall and the Breadhouse, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Atomium: is an iconic modernist landmark located in Brussels, built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It’s a steel structure of nine spheres connected by tubes, giving it a futuristic look, and is a famous symbol of the city.
3. Bruges: is a medieval town located in the northwest of Belgium. The town is known for its well-preserved architecture, canals, and historic landmarks such as the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady and the 14th-century Belfry. It’s one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
4. The Royal Palace of Brussels: located in the heart of Brussels, this palace is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. The palace is open to the public during the summer months, and visitors can tour the palace’s grand state rooms and learn about the history of the Belgian monarchy.
5. The Cathedrals of Saint Bavo and Saint Rumbold: These two gothic cathedrals are located in the city of Ghent, Both are impressive examples of Gothic architecture, and both are considered to be some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Belgium.
6. Belgian Beer and Chocolate: Belgium is famous for its delicious chocolate, and there are many chocolate shops and chocolatiers throughout the country where visitors can sample and purchase different types of chocolate. Belgian beer is also famous for its wide variety of styles and flavors and it’s one of the most beer-culture-rich countries in Europe.

Specialty in Belgium

Belgium is known for a variety of specialties, including chocolate, beer, and waffles. Additionally, the country is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes such as mussels and fries, carbonnade flamande (a traditional beef stew), and Belgian endives. In terms of chocolate, Belgium is home to a large number of chocolate makers and is known for producing high-quality chocolate with a wide range of flavors. Beer is also an important part of Belgian culture, with the country home to over 1,500 different types of beer. The famous Belgian waffles are known for their crispy texture and rich flavor and are often served with whipped cream or fruit.

Fact about Belgium

Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. It is known for its picturesque cities, including Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, as well as its historical landmarks such as the Grand Place in Brussels and the medieval city of Ghent. One interesting fact about Belgium is that it is officially a bilingual country, with both French and Dutch being official languages. Additionally, the country has a rich history and culture, with influences from both the Roman Empire and the Low Countries. Belgium is also known for its chocolate, beer, and waffles, as well as its famous comic strip characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs.

What made Belgium famous?

Belgium is known for a variety of things that have contributed to its fame. Some of the most notable reasons include:

• Chocolate: Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolate and has a long history of chocolate-making. Belgian chocolate is known for its rich flavor and wide range of varieties, and the country is home to many famous chocolate makers such as Godiva, Neuhaus, and Leonidas.
• Beer: Belgium has a rich brewing tradition and is known for its wide variety of beers. Belgian beer is known for its unique flavors, with many different styles such as lambic, saison, and Belgian blond. The country is home to over 1,500 different types of beer.
• Waffles: Belgian waffles are a popular street food and are known for their crispy texture and rich flavor. They are often served with whipped cream or fruit.
• Art and Architecture: Belgium has a rich history of art and architecture, with notable examples such as the Grand Place in Brussels, the medieval city of Ghent, and the art nouveau architecture in the city of Brussels
• Comics: Belgium is the birthplace of many famous comic strip characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs. Belgian comics have a cult following and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
• Cuisine: Belgium has a variety of delicious cuisine, including dishes such as mussels and fries, carbonnade flamande (a traditional beef stew), and Belgian endives.
• Politics: Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is also the de facto capital of the European Union, and home to the headquarters of NATO, making Belgium an important political center in Europe.