Pictures Belgium

The Kingdom of Belgium is located in northwest Europe, bordered by The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and a short North Sea coastline. It has been a constitutional monarchy since 1830 and is a liberal democracy. Its area is only about 30,000 km2 and it has a population of about 10.50 million. The capital Brussels has around one million inhabitants. Though small, Belgium has three regions, Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, which are autonomous in many respects, and three languages: Dutch (often referred to as Flemish), French and German. English is also widely spoken. Belgium’s alliance with The Netherlands and Luxemburg became the Benelux Union in 1958. This became one of the foundation stones of the European Community, which has its headquarters in Brussels as does NATO.

Though it has retained its old-world charm with the preservation of ancient buildings and historical traditions, the image of Boring Belgium has well and truly vanished over the last decade or so. The country has realised how much it has to offer in such charming cities as Bruges, Ghent, Liège, and Brussels and has suitably promoted them. Visitors will find imposing architecture, lively nightlife, excellent cuisine and many other attractions. Antwerp has now developed into a focal point for fashion and contemporary design. But Belgium has for more than ‘only’ pulsating, chic city life. It has a pastoral appeal in the mountainous Ardennes region. The coastal resorts also have much to offer, for instance De Haan, a picturesque village flanked by sand dunes which are nature reserves. An excellent coastal tram service calls at most of the seaside towns and offers an enjoyable day out exploring the various resorts.

As well as Belgian waffles, moules frites and world’s biggest selection of beers, the country is also famous for its fine chocolate.