Belgium is formally named the Kingdom of Belgium. The name ‘Belgium’ originates from around 900 BC, when the Celtic tribe called “Belgae” settled there. In 1830, Belgium became independent from the Netherlands.

Located in Western Europe, Belgium is bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. This country has 3 official languages, Dutch, French, and German. The Flemish, which make up about 60% of the Belgian population speak Dutch and are located in the Northern part of the country. The Walloons located in the south, whom make up the other 40% of the population, speak French. In the east of the country, there is a small German-speaking community, which makes up about .73% of the population.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium is a bilingual city, where the majority of citizens speak French. Belgium has a temperate climate with colder winters and warm summers. The scenery seen while traveling through Belgium varies throughout the region. One can see rivers and rolling hills in much of its northern and western sides. The country is also made up of a great forest near the Germany and Luxembourg borders and sandy beaches on its northern coasts with castles and churches throughout the country.http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/30/general_information/Europe/Belgium.html#ixzz0qVt6C3nR

Belgium is a country full of history and culture. Though Belgium has had many historical events forming the spectacular art and architecture of the city, the Olympics, Belgium's entry into World War II, and the Brussels Worlds Fair are just a few of the important events in this country's history.

Shortly after World War I in 1920, Antwerp was awarded the Olympics in honor of the victims of the war. During this event, the Olympic flag was raised for the first time with its five rings, symbolizing the world unity of the games. As that war was forgotten and World War II began, Belgium began the war as a neutral territory. After Germany invaded Belgium on May 10, 1940 Belgium had officially entered into the war. Eighteen years later, Belgium hosted the1958 Brussels World Fair. The Atomium can be seen in Brussels today, as an icon of this event. In 1998 Belgium set another precedent, becoming the first member of the European Union to switch to the Euro. http://www.olympic.org/en/content/Olympic-Games/All-Past-Olympic-Games/Summer/Antwerp-1920 http://www.expomuseum.com/1958/ http://www.visitbelgium.com/?page=world-war http://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/intro/html/map.en.html

Grand Place Brussels (Grote Markt), BrusslesTown Hall, Saint Michael Cathedral and St. Gudula Cathedral, Atomium, Mini Europe Park, Royal Palace of Brussels, Coudenberg Hill, Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art, Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, Leuven, Antwerp, Bruges, Leige, House of Peter Paul Rubens