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This website has been produced with the Financial assistance of the European Union. The content of this website is the sole responsibility of "Youth For Achievements" and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

Belgium

Year of EU entry: Founding member

Political system: Constitutionalmonarchy

Capital city: Brussels

Total area: 30 158 km²

Population: 10.5 million

Currency: euro

Official language: French,Dutch,German

Belgium

is situated between France and the plains of northern Europe, and it borders the North Sea.. Because of its geographic position as a crossroads of Europe,

Belgium

has been a major commercial center since the Middle Ages. The North Sea has been the country’s outlet for trade with the rest of the world.

Belgium

’s geographic location has also given it strategic importance, and many battles have been fought for control of the area. Belgium became an independent country in 1830.

Belgium

appears to be one of the smallest and most densely populated European countries. Together with Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium forms the Low, or Benelux, Countries. Belgium divided into three regions which are: Dutch-speaking Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

Belgium

is an independent constitutional monarchy. The two houses of Parliament are the Chamber of Representatives, whose members are elected for a maximum period of four years, and the Senate or upper house, whose members are elected or co-opted. Given its political make-up,

Belgium

is generally run by coalition governments.

Among the best known Belgians are Georges Rémi (Hergé), creator of Tintin, writers Hugo Claus and Georges Simenon, composer and singer Jacques Brel and cyclist Eddy Merckx. Painters like James Ensor, Paul Delvaux and René Magritte are the modern-day successors of Rubens and the other Flemish masters of yesteryear. Belgium is also known for it’s chocolates. Its favorite dish is mussels and chips (French fries).