Belgium – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Kingdom of Belgium (Royaume de Belgique / Koninkrijk België / Königreich Belgien)
Area: ~30,700 km² – small but mighty (and waffle-shaped if you squint)
Population: ~11.7 million (2024)
Location: Western Europe, bordered by France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and the North Sea
Form of government: Federal parliamentary monarchy
Head of State: King Philippe (since 2013)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (since 2020)
Capital city: Brussels (Bruxelles / Brussel) – ~1.2 million (metro ~2.5 million)
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1 / +2 in summer)
Official languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, German
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Founding member (1957)
Schengen area: Yes, since 1995
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Brussels – ~1.2 million
- Antwerp (Antwerpen) – ~0.5 million
- Ghent (Gent) – ~0.3 million
- Charleroi – ~0.2 million
- Liège (Luik) – ~0.2 million
- Bruges (Brugge) – ~120,000
- Namur – ~110,000
- Leuven – ~100,000
- Mons – ~95,000
- Aalst – ~90,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Brussels: EU capital, Atomium, Manneken Pis (tiny statue, big fame).
- Bruges: Medieval canals and chocolate shops on every corner.
- Ghent: Hip university city with castles and beer halls.
- Antwerp: Diamonds, fashion, and a stunning train station.
- Ardennes: Forests, castles, and outdoor adventures.
- Ypres & Waterloo: For history buffs (wars, battles, and lots of memorials).
Climate
Mild maritime: cool summers (18–25 °C), damp winters (0–7 °C), and rain whenever you least want it. Umbrellas are basically national accessories.
Culture & Daily Life
- Divided but united: Flemish north, French-speaking south, and a tiny German corner — like three countries sharing one fridge.
- Beer: Over 1,500 varieties; Belgium treats beer like France treats wine.
- Comics: Home of Tintin, Smurfs, and comic murals all over the cities.
- Fries (frites): Never call them French fries here, unless you want a lecture.
Food & Drink
- Moules-frites: Mussels with fries, a Belgian national treasure.
- Waffles: Brussels vs. Liège style — try both.
- Chocolates: World-famous pralines that make dentists rich.
- Beer: Trappist, lambic, witbier — pick your potion.
Summary
Belgium is compact but full of surprises: EU politics in Brussels, fairy-tale canals in Bruges, and enough beer, fries, and chocolate to keep you happy for a lifetime. It’s quirky, multilingual, and delicious — just don’t forget your umbrella and stretchy pants.