52 interesting facts about Belgium

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is a country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and culinary delights. Famous for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Belgium has a significant role in international governance. The country is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, where Dutch is spoken; Wallonia in the south, where French is the main language; and the Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual. Its complex cultural mosaic has shaped its political system, making Belgium an interesting study in both historical and modern contexts. Here are more than 52 facts about Belgium:

1. Belgium is known as the “Heart of Europe” due to its central location.
2. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.
3. Belgium was one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (EEC).
4. The country became an independent state in 1830 after separating from the Netherlands.
5. Belgium is divided into three linguistic communities: Dutch-speaking, French-speaking, and German-speaking.
6. It has a constitutional monarchy, with King Philippe serving as the current monarch.
7. Belgium is famous for producing over 1,600 different varieties of beer.
8. The country also produces more than 220,000 tons of chocolate each year.
9. The Law Courts of Brussels is believed to be the largest court of justice in the world.
10. Belgium was the first country in continental Europe to undergo an industrial revolution, in the early 19th century.
11. The country has more castles per square kilometre than any other nation in the world.
12. Renowned surrealist painter René Magritte was Belgian.
13. The saxophone was invented by a Belgian, Adolphe Sax, in the early 1840s.
14. The Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated, took place in Belgium.
15. The country has one of the highest rates of female employment in the European Union.
16. Belgium is one of the few countries in the world that grants compulsory voting rights to its citizens.
17. The Royal Palace of Brussels is larger than Buckingham Palace in London.
18. Belgium has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world.
19. The country’s national dish is moules-frites, mussels with fries.
20. Belgium was the first country in Europe to introduce a railway system, in 1835.
21. Famous detective Hercule Poirot, created by Agatha Christie, is a Belgian character.
22. The country ranks high in education, with literacy rates near 100%.
23. Belgium is one of the top diamond trading and processing countries in the world.
24. The European Parliament has two seats, one of which is in Brussels.
25. The Atomium, a building in Brussels, was constructed for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World Fair.
26. Famous cyclist Eddy Merckx, known as “The Cannibal,” hails from Belgium.
27. The country played a significant role in the African colonization, particularly in Congo.
28. Belgium has one of the lowest proportions of McDonald’s restaurants per inhabitant in the developed world.
29. Jean-Claude Van Damme, also known as “The Muscles from Brussels,” is a famous Belgian actor and martial artist.
30. Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German.
31. The world’s first printed newspaper, Relation, was published in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1605.
32. The Belgian coast is lined with a tram system that stretches over 68 miles, the longest in the world.
33. Belgium is home to Europe’s oldest shopping arcades, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels.
34. The country is a founding member of NATO, which was established in 1949.
35. The town of Spa in Belgium has been famous since the 16th century for its healing hot springs, giving rise to the term “spa.”
36. Belgium’s national football team is known as the “Red Devils.”
37. The comic strip character Tintin was created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé.
38. The country has a large expatriate population, with around 20% of the residents having foreign nationality.
39. Belgium is one of the world’s leading exporters of billiard balls.
40. The University of Leuven, established in 1425, is the oldest Catholic university still in existence.
41. Manneken Pis, a famous statue in Brussels, has over 1,000 specially made suits.
42. The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, opened in 1843.
43. Belgium is famous for its waffles, with over a dozen regional varieties.
44. The country’s health system is considered one of the best in Europe.
45. Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2003.
46. The Smurfs, the well-known cartoon characters, were created by Belgian artist Peyo.
47. Brussels Airport is the world’s largest chocolate selling point.
48. The country hosts several world-famous music festivals, including Tomorrowland.
49. The Belgian motorway system is the only man-made structure visible from the moon at night, due to its extensive lighting.
50. Belgium has more comic makers per square kilometre than any other country in the world.
51. The first recorded lottery in history was held in Belgium to raise funds for the needy in 1445.
52. Leopold II, former King of Belgium, owned the Congo Free State as his private property.

Belgium is a country that offers a rich blend of history, culture, innovation, and culinary excellence. Its diverse linguistic landscape and complex political system make it a unique case in modern Europe. Known for its contributions to art, music, gastronomy, and global governance, Belgium’s multifaceted identity continues to intrigue and attract people from around the world. Whether it’s the allure of medieval castles, the taste of world-famous chocolate, or the sound of a saxophone, Belgium’s charm resides in its varied and vibrant heritage.

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is a country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and culinary delights. Famous for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Belgium has a significant role in international governance. The country is divided into three regions:…