• Belgium or the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in northwest Europe bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France Belgium declared its independence on October 4, 1830, but it was not recognized until April 19, 1939. The northern part of Belgium, known as Flanders, speaks Dutch and contains nearly 60% of the population. The Southern part of the country, which borders France, speaks French and contains the remaining 40% of the population. Together with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the Benelux countries are considered to be the "low countries" because of their low elevation.

  The capital of Belgium is Brussels, which also happens to be the largest city in the country. The government is run as a Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy, with it's chief political figures being King Albert II and Prime Minister Yves Leterme.

  Belgium is famous for its excellent cuisine, which fuses French and Germanic styles. In particular, Belgium is world renowned for its Belgian Waffles, French Fries (Steak-Frites), Chocolate, and Beer.

• Fast Facts

  1. Capital: Brussels
  2. Government: Federal Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy
  3. Population: 10,392,226 (July 2007 est.)
  4. Currency: Euro (EUR)
  5. GDP Official Exchange Rate: $369.6 billion (2006 est.)
  6. Exchange Rate: 0.72 (2007)
  7. Official Language: Dutch, French, German
  8. King: Albert II
  9. Prime Minister: Yves Leterme

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Brussels | Netherlands | Germany | Luxembourg | France | European Union | Flemish | Flemish Region | Guy Verhofstadt | Burges | Ghent | Antwerp | Leuven | The Battle of the Bulge | North Sea | DR Congo

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