Geography
Belgium, which lies on the North Sea, is in the heart of ‘old Europe’ and has borders with France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. It rises from sea level in the north to more than 500 metres above sea level in the hills of the south. The main rivers in Belgium are the Scheldt, the Meuse and the Yser, and the country has a moderate maritime climate. Belgium has a surface area of 30,500 km² and more than 11 million inhabitants. (Geography of Belgium)(Belgium fact sheet)
History
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Although Belgium only became an independent country in 1830, its territory has an interesting history stretching long before that, in which the population experienced both wealth and poverty, as well as starvation and war. Perhaps the most striking feature of the long Medieval period was the international trade that brought great wealth and prestige to the area that is now Belgium. In the centuries that followed, it was ruled by Spain, Austria, France and the Netherlands, and many wars were fought out on Belgian territory. After a revolution, in 1830 Belgium gained its independence and the country’s borders were definitively laid down. The kingdom of Belgium has now developed into a federal State. (History of Belgium).
Politics
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and a federal State comprising communities and regions. It has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. The head of state is King Philippe and the prime minister is Elio Di Rupo. You can make an initial acquaintance with how the Belgian State is organised on the page "Structure of the federal State".
Economy
Belgium has a total GDP of more than €300 billion (2006). It has a mainly export-oriented economy – indeed, in terms of export per capita, Belgium is the world’s leading export country. Belgium has a well-developed road and rail network, while air connections are provided by one national airport (Brussels) and four regional airports. The country’s main ports are Zeebrugge and Antwerp, which is the fourth largest port in the world. You can find more information about the Belgian economy on the page "Key sectors".
Quality of life
Belgium has an infrastructure that ensures an enviable quality of life, with high-quality healthcare facilities and social security and excellent food and drink. We are referring here not only to Belgian chicory, delicious handmade chocolates and refined beers that are known throughout the world, but also to creative, tasty Belgian cuisine. Belgium’s holiday areas, such as the coast (sea and sun) and the Ardennes (hills and forests), are easily accessible and well worth a visit, and the country boasts a huge range of cultural sights and activities and leisure opportunities.
Culture
The constant contact Belgium has had with other peoples and cultures influenced art and culture in the past and continues to do so. Architecturally, the centuries-old buildings in Belgian cities, such as cathedrals, town halls, belfries and castles, immediately catch the eye, while the traces of the Art Nouveau style of Victor Horta, among others, are still very much in evidence. With the Flemish Primitives, Pieter Paul Rubens, James Ensor, René Magritte and Jean-Michel Folon and many other artists, Belgium boasts an amazing painting tradition extending through the centuries and taking in a whole range of styles. In terms of music, you have no doubt heard pieces from Jacques Brel, Toots Thielemans and the opera singer José Van Dam. In Belgium, comic strips are also an art form. The wonderful Tintin, Lucky Luke and Smurfs comic strips are all Belgian handiwork. In the world of fashion, the successful Antwerp Six have been joined by many new names. In the sporting arena, Eddy Merckx is still a legendary figure, while until recently in particular our female tennis stars, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, have been taking centre stage.
Of course, Belgium is not just about these creative individuals, sports personalities and other famous figures, but about a whole population that is open to the world and is renowned for its hard-working and well-educated and trained staff who together make Belgium a country where it is pleasant to live.
In short, Belgium is a country that does a lot more than just encourage you to do business.
You can find out some initial facts about Belgium in the appealing brochure "Belgium at a glance".
You can find more information about Belgium at belgium.be.