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 30 Interesting Facts About Belgium

Also known as the Kingdom of Belgium, it is a country located in Western Europe. It has a population of around 11.5 million people all of whom are known for being nice and friendly. Belgium is famous for being the home of the most amazing chocolates, beers, and waffles. The country is divided into three regions which all correspond well leading to a great and well-respected country. These regions have resulted in a stable society both economically and politically.

Even if it is a small country, Belgium has been able to have a significant impact on the economic contributions of the neighboring countries and the world. It is a member of the European Union and NATO as well as many international organizations. Belgium is also known for its amazing soccer teams which have participated in six UEFA European Championships.

Here are 30 interesting facts about Belgium;

1. It has a Strong Geographical Status

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With an area of 30,528 square kilometers, Belgium has been noted as a small country in Europe. To the north, it is bordered by the Netherlands, to the east Germany, and to the south and west France. Over time, Belgium has formed close allies with its neighboring countries. The three main regions of Belgium include Flanders in the north, Brussels in the center, and Wallonia in the south. 

2. Belgium has Rich International Relations

It has had an important role in international relations. Belgium is a founding member of several international organizations which include the European Union. It is one of the six founding members of the organization. It has been able to be the headquarters of the EU institutions.

Belgium is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization also known as NATO. The country plays a huge role in the organization’s activities. 

3. It Engages in Multilateral Forums

 For a long time now, Belgium has been active in multilateral cooperations including the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and World Bank. Belgium has also advocated for global cooperation on economic, social as well as environmental issues.

4. Belgium Has The Same Hierarchy as Britain

Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

At the of its hierarchy is the Belgian Royal Family which is headed by the reigning King or Queen. The current king of Belgium is King Philippe. After the royal family, it is the federal government of Belgium that exercises authority over the entire country and is responsible for national matters such as foreign affairs, defense, and justice.

The three regions of Belgium each have their own government. They are responsible for regional matters including economy, economy, agriculture, and employment.

5. Belgium’s Famous Architectural Sites

Known for its rich history and diverse culture, it’s no surprise that Belgium has become famous worldwide due to its architectural sites. The Het Steen is the oldest and most beautiful site in Antwerp, Belgium. It was built in 1200 and has been renovated a number of times.

Aside from Het Steen, the Bruges Historic Center is a medieval city that has been preserved because of its stunning architecture. The area is among the biggest tourist attractions in Belgium. These places are among the main tourist stops in Belgium.

6. It Has 589 Municipalities

Belgium has 589 municipalities each having its own Mayor and city council. They all work together in order to manage local affairs such as urban planning, education, and social services. These entities also have their own social hierarchy that has various levels and sectors. It includes individuals and groups that are categorized according to social status, wealth, education, and influence within society.

7. It Has Amazing Tourist Attractions

Belgium is famous for its delicious cuisine, diverse cultural offerings, and stunning architecture. The Grand Place located in Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage site that became famous because of its beautiful buildings and also because it is in the heart of Brussels. Bruges which is also known as the Venice of the North is a picturesque town with medieval architecture and home to delicious Belgian chocolates. 

Waterloo is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Belgium. It is where history enthusiasts can visit the historical site where the Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815. The visitor center in the town provides insights into the pivotal moment when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated.

8. Belgium is Known as the Home of Chocolate

Aside from tourist sites, and great history. Belgium is renowned for being the global leader in quality chocolate production. Its chocolate industry has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Belgian chocolates became famous because of their velvety feel and rich taste. The attention to detail in the production of chocolate is both visual and tasty art. Belgian chocolate has won numerous international awards as well as accolades that chocolatiers have received over the years.

9. It is Known For Its Comic Heritage

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Belgium is known for its comic characters that have changed the world of comic books as well as animation. These characters include Tintin, Lucky Lake, and the famous blue colony of The Smurfs. Each of the comics was adapted into successful films that were distributed around the world.

10. Belgium Has an Atomium Sculpture

In 1958, The Atomium architectural sculpture was built for the World Expo. It is located in Brussels and was designed to resemble a unit cell of an iron crystal that has been magnified 165 billion times. The sculpture represents science and progress. It was designed by Andre Waterkeyn and has nine interconnected spheres. 

11. It has a Prestigious Cycling Culture

Belgium is known for its cycling culture and has hosted several amazing cycling races over the years. It is governed by the Belgian Cycling League since 1882, and in 1892, became a founding member of the International Cycling Association.  When it comes to road cycling and cyclo-cross, Belgium has been one of the major countries that specialize in these categories.

These races include the Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders. The best Belgian cyclist is Eddy Merckx, he won all three grand tours and the UCI Road World Championships three times.

12. It is a Country of Craftsmen

For centuries, women have made bobbin lace in Belgium. The northern region of the country specializes in this talent. With intricate lace designs that are each unique, this skill has become one of the most famous traditional things Belgium has to offer. It should be noted that historically, nuns ran schools that would teach girls this skill. This was an effort to preserve the industry that has been passed down for centuries.

13. Belgium is Known as the Capital of Europe

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Due to the fact that Belgium is halfway between France and Germany, it has always been labeled as the central point. After the two World Wars that shaped the entire world, Europe as a continent decided that the European Union should be at the center of France and Germany. Belgium was chosen because it was closest to the two countries that caused not one but two world wars.

Aside from its location, Belgium is one of the six founding members of the European Union. Officially, Brussels is home to the European Commission seats, as well as the Council of the European Union, and the European Council.

14. It has Over 300 Museums

Belgium has numerous museums that offer tourists and locals various aspects of art, culture, and history. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium comprises a number of museums such as the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Magritte Museum, and the Fin de Siecle Museum. They all offer a vast collection of artworks from different periods of Belgium.

Museum aan de Stroom also known as MAS is another institution that focuses on Antwerp and the rest of the world. It has objects, pieces of art, and stories all related to Antwerp’s history, and contemporary.

15. Belgium’s Vibrant Music Scene

Aside from architecture, and famous museums, Belgium has a diverse music scene that has a wide range of genres. The country is known for producing internationally acclaimed musicians. Throughout the year, Belgium hosts various music festivals.

The music scene of Begluim basically represents the rich cultural heritage and passion that the country offers. Music lovers from around the world consider this to be the perfect travel destination.

16. It is The Real Life Whoville

Unlike The Grinch films, there is no grumpy Grinch plot. However, Belgium is the brightest and most fascinating place during Christmas. Just like Whoville, the people of Belgium always find ways to expand their decorating skills. For example, every year on December 6, Sinterklass is accompanied by his helpers to distribute sweets and treats to children. 

The Christmas Markets of Belgium offer festive decorations as well as delicious food and drinks. One can find a number of handmade gifts from the market. Every year in the month of December, these markets are often decorated to the max making them cozy and festive.

17. It’s Significant Traditions

Saint Nicholas Day takes place every December 6th. It celebrated the Belgian figure known for bringing gifts for children. On the eve of this day, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, and by morning, Saint Nicholas has filled them with presents, sweets, and chocolate. To the world, Saint Nicholas is known as Santa Klaus.

Aside from Christmas celebrations, Belgium is known for the Carnival of Binche. In 2003, UNESCO recognized the festival as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It takes place in the town of Binche and is celebrated in the weeks before Lent.

18. It Invented French Fries

For some time, people believed that French Fries had originated from France. Historians clarified this confusion by sharing that in the late 17th century, villagers in the Meuse Valley were already frying potatoes. It is noted that they would cut thin slices of potatoes and fry them in oil as a substitute for fish.

When the dish became popular in European countries, Thomas Jefferson introduced the dish to America. While he was serving as the U.S. Minister in France, he attained the recipe and brought it back to the United States. From that moment, French fries became a worldwide snack and food. 

19. Belgium has a Number of Michelin restaurants

To attain a Michelin star, the restaurant has to be of high standards. Belgium has 22 such restaurants, these include the Hof van Cleve which has three Michelin stars, Bon-Bon which also has three stars, De Karmeliet with three stars, and The Jane with two stars. There are many other restaurants in the list but these are among the highest ranking. They are all located in different parts of Belgium.

20. It is the Birth Place of Many Celebrities

Belgium has been noted for being the place of many celebrities and artists. Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels, she was a film and fashion icon recognized by the American Film Institute as the third greatest female screen legend. Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki was born in Limburg, he has received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Matthias Schoenaerts is a Belgian actor known for his role as Booker in the American film The Old Guard.

21. It has Over 1000 Varieties of Beer

Belgium has been referred to as the Beer capital of the world. It has a long tradition of brewing different beer styles. The Brewery Duvel Moortgat is known for its iconic strong pale ale, and also for the fact that it has been producing beer since 1817. Brewery Chimay has been producing beer since 1862 and is famous for its Chimay Blue, Red, White, and Gold beers.

Brewery Westvleteren is one of the most exclusive breweries in Belgium. The only way to purchase the beer is through the brewery or designated selling points. Due to their strict production limit, pubs compete to purchase this special beer.

22. Its National Symbol is a Peeing Boy

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In Belgium, Manneken Pis also known as the peeing boy is the national symbol. The statue is made of bronze and can be traced all the way back to the 17th century. However, historians note that in the 14th century, there was a similar fountain there. Even though it is recorded that a lion is a national symbol, the locals note that the Manneken Pis is the one and only symbol. The boy is dressed in different costumes that fit all kinds of occasions.

23. Belgium has Over 30 Types of Waffles

In an average Belgian supermarket, there are more than 30 types of different waffles. The two popular types of waffles are the Brussels waffles and Liege Waffles which are found at tourist places. The difference between the two is that Brussels waffles are airer and not as sweet as the Liege waffles.

24. It is a Very Bright Country at Night

The unique detail of architecture in the country can be better appreciated at night. Almost all the highways in the country are lit and the town itself is bright and vibrant. In the entire month of Christmas, Belgians lit up the cities with colorful lights and amazing decorations.

25. Belgium is Ranked as The Safest Country

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Tourists have noted that the country is a very safe country to visit as well as live in. The crime rates are low meaning that bad things happen rarely because of the friendly nature of Belgians. However, it should be noted that tourists are advised to be cautious of petty theft and pickpockets.

26. Belgians Love all Weather Topics

It has been noted that Belgians enjoy talking about the weather. In fact, it is the easiest way for them to make friends and have an easy conversation with a local. Due to the fact that the weather is almost always perfect, they consider it to be a lovely way to start a conversation.

27. It has Flower Carpets in August

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Belgium is known for its carpets that are made from flowers. These carpets can be seen every August and have the most amazing designs. Belgians normally advise that tourists should visit the country during this time in order to see the flower carpets.

28. Belgians Consider Money as a Taboo Topic

Besides the fact that Belfian enjoys a lovely conversation about anything, they never openly talk about money. It is such a taboo topic that even children don’t know what their parents earn. Aside from taxes, they never discuss money with their friends or even family members.

29. Belgium Assisted in Inventing the World Wide Web

It has been noted that the invention of the World Wide Web was created by Robert Cailliau, a Belgian Computer Scientist, and his English colleague Berners Lee. The two scientists invented the hypertext system that is now known as the World Wide Web. 

30. Belgians Created Saxophones

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Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone in the early 1840s. He was a musician who also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn, and saxtuba. It should be noted that every instrument he invented has his last name thus the name Saxophones.

Belgium is home to numerous things that have shaped the world as we know it today. Without its love for music, we wouldn’t have amazing artists and all of these instruments that are used for jazz shows and performances. Belgium is a great country known for doing great things for centuries.