Belgium Travel Guide
Kingdom of Belgium, is Europe in a nutshell, multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its great art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, numerous castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. Its capital city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities is political home base for European Union and NATO.
Ancient Belgium, once the Roman province of Gallia Belgica, is replete with a fascinating history of invading empires, kings, and a long list of ruling factions, both regal and righteous. History has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange, and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and present - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Nouveau. Cities teem with museums, historical buildings, theatre, music and festivals.
Much has been said about Belgium's hospitality and it's all true. Because of the country's location as an international center of commerce and culture, Belgians are at ease with travelers from all over the world. They are proud of their homeland, and anxious to help get to know it better. You'll find them always personable, cooperative and courteous. The Flemish speak Dutch and the Walloons speak French.
Folklore is an important part of life in Belgium. Carnivals, festivals, pageants, plays and religious processions are held all year long. Almost any occasion is cause for a parade and almost every parade includes a giant or two.
Somehow, Belgium has maintained a low-key approach to all of this international sophistication. It is a country for connoisseurs, but connoisseurs who do not take themselves too seriously. Because the Belgians themselves certainly do not.
Find hotels in:
Quick Facts about Belguim
Government: Kingdom of Belgium
Area: 32,820 sq km
Population: 10,339,000
Capital: Brussels (1.75 million)
Language: Dutch, French, German
Currency: EUR
Member of EU: Yes
Country is divided into 10 provinces, including: Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams Brabant, West-Vlaanderen; note - the Brussels Capitol Region is not included within the 10 provinces
Belgium's weather
The Gulf Stream and Atlantic Ocean winds moderate the weather in Belgium, resulting in cloudy, rainy days, especially along the coastal areas. Inland, east of the Schelde River, summers are generally mild, cloudy and cool. Winters are also mild, with frequent fog and light rain. Colder temperatures are common in the Ardennes.