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Location
Western Europe.
Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Area
30,528 sq km (11,787 sq miles).
Population
10.6 million (2007 estimate).
Population Density
347 per sq km.
Capital
Brussels. Population: 1.98 million (metropolitan area, 2007).
Geography
Belgium is situated in northwestern Europe and is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. The landscape is varied, the rivers and gorges of the Ardennes in the southeast contrasting sharply with the rolling plains which make up much of the northern and western countryside. Notable features are the great forest of Ardennes near the frontier with Germany and Luxembourg and the wide, sandy beaches of the northern coast, which run for over 60km (37 miles). The landscape is liberally dotted with historic cities, castles and churches.
EU
Member since 1958.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. The Kingdom of Belgium was established in 1830. In 1993, Belgium became a federal state comprising three autonomous regions.
Head of State
King Albert II since 1993.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Yves Leterme since 2008.
Recent History
In May 2005, the government survived a confidence vote, enabling it to shelve a dispute over the voting rights of French-speakers in Dutch-speaking areas around Brussels. The far-right Vlaams Blok, which wanted Flemish independence and campaigned on an anti-immigration platform, increased its share of the vote substantially in regional and European elections in 2004. However, the high court later ruled that the party was racist, and it was subsequently reconstituted under a new name, Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest).
Guy Verhofstadt, who had been prime minister since 1999, resigned after big losses in the June 2007 general election. However, it took nine months of political deadlock, which threatened to split the country in two, before a new government was finally formed in March 2008. Yves Leterme, of the Flemish Christian Democrats, now heads a five-party coalition government.
Guy Verhofstadt, who had been prime minister since 1999, resigned after big losses in the June 2007 general election. However, it took nine months of political deadlock, which threatened to split the country in two, before a new government was finally formed in March 2008. Yves Leterme, of the Flemish Christian Democrats, now heads a five-party coalition government.
Language
The official languages are Dutch, French and German. Dutch is slightly more widely spoken than French, and German is spoken the least. English is widely spoken in the Flemish region.
Religion
Mainly Roman Catholic (75%), with small Protestant and Jewish communities.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round two-pin type.
Social Conventions
Flemish Belgians will often prefer to answer visitors in English rather than French, even if the visitor's French is good. It is customary to bring flowers or a small present for the hostess, especially if invited for a meal. Dress is similar to other Western nations, depending on the formality of the occasion. If black tie/evening dress is to be worn, this is always mentioned on the invitation. Smoking is allowed in cafes and bars, but only in designated areas elsewhere.