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Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a small and beautiful country in Northwestern Europe known for its chocolates, waffles, and rich history.

Overview

Cuisine

Economy

History

Geography

Languages

Famous Landmarks

Arts And Literature

Festivals And Events

Culture And Traditions

Government And Politics

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Inside this Article

The Adventures Of Tintin

Brussels-capital Region

World Heritage Site

European Union

Entertainment

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Community

Brussels

Did you know?

๐ŸŒ Belgium is a small country located in Northwestern Europe.

๐Ÿซ It is famous for its delicious chocolates and waffles!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also the capital of the European Union (EU).

โšฝ๏ธ People in Belgium love to play sports, especially cycling and soccer.

๐ŸŒณ Belgium shares its borders with four countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

โœจ Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands in 1830.

๐Ÿ‘‘ The current king of Belgium is King Philippe, who has been king since 2013.

๐Ÿ’ช Belgium has a strong economy, famous for its chocolate, beer, and lace.

๐Ÿ“œ Three official languages are spoken in Belgium: Dutch, French, and German.

๐Ÿฐ One of the most famous landmarks in Belgium is the Atomium in Brussels.

Introduction

Belgium is a small country located in Northwestern Europe ๐ŸŒ. It is known for its beautiful cities, delicious chocolates ๐Ÿซ, and famous waffles! The official name is the Kingdom of Belgium. Belgium is divided into three main regions: Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and the Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual. The country became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. Belgiumโ€™s capital city, Brussels, is also the capital of the European Union (EU) ๐Ÿ›๏ธ! People in Belgium are friendly and enjoy various sports, especially cycling and soccer! โšฝ

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Cuisine

Belgium is well-known for its yummy food! ๐Ÿฝ

๏ธ One of the most famous dishes is moules-frites, which is mussels served with fries. Belgian waffles are delicious and come in two styles: Brussels waffles (light and fluffy) and Liรจge waffles (thicker and sweeter) ๐Ÿง‡. Belgium also produces over 1,000 types of beer, from fruity to dark! For dessert, the country has a delightful treat known as speculoos: spiced biscuits often enjoyed with coffee โ˜•๏ธ. Chocolates are also a specialty, with famous brands like Godiva and Neuhaus!
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Economy

Belgium's economy is one of the strongest in Europe ๐Ÿ’ช. The country is famous for its high-quality chocolate, beer ๐Ÿป, and lace! Belgium exports many products, including cars, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Antwerpen (Antwerp) is an important port city for trade, making it a busy place for shipping goods ๐Ÿšข. Agriculture is also essential, with farmers growing crops like potatoes and beets. Many Belgians also work in services like banking and tourism, bringing visitors to admire their famous sites!
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History

Belgium has a rich history dating back to ancient times โœจ. The region was once home to the Celts and later the Romans, who built roads and strongholds. In 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands, which started a revolution called the Belgian Revolution ๐Ÿ—ก๏ธ. The first king of Belgium was King Leopold I. Throughout its history, Belgium has seen many changes, especially during World War I and II. The Battle of Ypres fought in WWI took place in Belgium, affecting many lives ๐ŸŒบ.
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Geography

Belgium is bordered by four countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands ๐ŸŒณ. The country is quite flat, with many areas at low altitude. The highest point is Signal de Botrange, standing at only 694 meters (2,277 feet) tall โ›ฐ๏ธ! Belgium has beautiful rivers, like the Meuse and the Scheldt. The coastline along the North Sea is about 67 kilometers (42 miles) long, making beaches a popular holiday destination ๐Ÿ–๏ธ. The country is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and Brussels in the center!
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Languages

In Belgium, there are three official languages: Dutch, French, and German ๐Ÿ“œ. Dutch is spoken by most people in the northern region of Flanders, while French is spoken in the southern region of Wallonia. Brussels citizens speak both Dutch and French! German is only spoken by a small community in the east. This rich mix of languages makes Belgium a unique place where people can learn and speak different languages! Many kids in schools in Belgium learn at least one of these languages. ๐ŸŒŸ

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Famous Landmarks

Belgium is home to many famous landmarks! ๐Ÿฐ

One of the most recognizable is the Atomium in Brussels, a giant iron crystal structure built for the 1958 World Expo. The Grand Place, an incredible town square in Brussels, is surrounded by stunning buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site ๐ŸŒ. Bruges is known for its beautiful canals and medieval charm with attractions like the Belfry tower โ›ช. The Manneken Pis, a small statue of a boy peeing, is an iconic symbol of the city!
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Arts And Literature

Belgium has a rich tradition of arts and literature ๐ŸŽญ. Artists like Renรฉ Magritte, known for surreal paintings, and Pieter Bruegel, famous for his detailed landscapes, hail from Belgium! The country is also known for comic books, with characters like The Adventures of Tintin created by Hergรฉ. ๐Ÿ“š

Many children enjoy reading about Tintin's exciting adventures. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels house stunning artwork and are popular for school visits and family trips!
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Festivals And Events

Belgium hosts many exciting festivals and events throughout the year! ๐ŸŽ‰

One of the biggest is the Carnival of Binche, celebrated with colorful costumes and parades. Another fun event is the Flower Carpet held every two years in Brussels, where beautiful flowers create stunning designs on the streets ๐ŸŒบ. The Gentse Feesten is a ten-day music and arts festival in Ghent, filled with performances and entertainment! ๐ŸŽญ

Belgium also celebrates Kingโ€™s Day in November, honoring the birthday of King Philippe with family activities and festivities!
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Culture And Traditions

Belgium has a lively culture, with various famous traditions, including their love for music and art ๐ŸŽจ. On the first Sunday of September, the "Ommegang" festival takes place in Brussels, celebrating history with parades and performances. Belgian comics, like "The Adventures of Tintin," are hugely popular not just in Belgium but around the world! ๐Ÿ“š

Belgium is also known for its lively carnivals, such as Binche's Carnival, which is part of UNESCO's heritage โšก. People often enjoy looking at colorful paintings and sculptures found in cities like Bruges and Antwerp.
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Government And Politics

Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, meaning it has a king or queen ๐Ÿ‘‘. King Philippe has been the king since 2013. The country has a unique government structure with multiple languages. The government has three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, each with its own government! The Parliament makes laws for the whole country. Belgium is also known for being home to the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels, where leaders from different countries meet to discuss important issues. ๐Ÿ›

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Belgium Quiz

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