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Belgium

Europe

Kingdom of Belgium

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🗺️ Brussels, Belgium

Capital city

📍 50.8503°, 4.3517°View larger map →

📍 Essential Info

CapitalBrussels

TimezoneUTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Population12.0M

Governmentfederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

🔌 Practical Info

Driving SideRight

Electrical PlugsType C, E (230V)

Internet Code.be

Internet Users95%

GDP per Capita$63,100

🌍 Geography

LocationWestern Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands

Size Comparisonabout the size of Maryland

Climatetemperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Terrainflat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

👥 People & Culture

Ethnic GroupsBelgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.)

ReligionsRoman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 2.3%, other Christian, 2.8%, Muslim 6.8%, other 1.7%, atheist 9.1%, nonbeliever/agnostic 20.2% (2018 est.)

Median Age42.4 years

Life Expectancy82.3 years

National HolidayBelgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831)

🎎 Cultural Tips

Greetings

Handshakes are standard. In French-speaking areas, cheek kisses (one or three depending on region) are common. Belgians are reserved initially but warm up over time.

Dining

Belgian cuisine is excellent - try frites, waffles, and chocolate. Beer culture is UNESCO-recognized. Meals are enjoyed slowly. Tipping is included but rounding up is nice.

Key Phrases

Hello (Dutch): Hallo / GoedendagHello (French): BonjourThank you (Dutch): Dank u welThank you (French): MerciPlease (Dutch): Alstublieft

Destinations in Belgium

Hidden Gem of Flanders

Data sourced from the CIA World Factbook