Belgium is a city of which country. Belgian government

The country is named after the ethnonym of the Celtic tribe - Belgi.

The capital of Belgium is Brussels.

Belgian Square. 30528 km2.

Population of Belgium. 11.30 million people

Belgian GDP. $533.4 billion

Administrative divisions of Belgium. Consists of 9 provinces - Antwerp, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Namur, East and West Flanders - ruled by governors appointed by the king.

Belgian form of government. with a federal government. Head of state. King.

Belgian supreme legislature. Bicameral Parliament, elected for 4 years. Supreme executive body. Government. Big cities. Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Liege,. Official language. French, Flemish. Religion. 85% -, 8% - Protestants.

Ethnic composition of Belgium. 55% - Flemings, 33% - Walloons, 12% - French and Germans. Currency. Euro = 100 cents.

Climate of Belgium. , marine. The average annual temperature is + 9°C. Belgium has mild, wet winters and cool summers. In some places it rains 200 days a year, with 700-900 mm of precipitation per year, and 1200-1500 mm in the mountains. mostly flat, in the west - the Ardennes mountains. The highest point is Mount Botrange (694 m).

Flora of Belgium. Broad-leaved forests (beech, oak and hornbeam] occupy almost 20% of the territory.

Fauna of Belgium. Boars, fallow deer, roe deer, hares, squirrels, mice are found mainly in the Ardennes. Partridges, woodcocks, pheasants, ducks are found in the thickets.

Rivers and lakes of Belgium. Scheldt and Meuse. There are many channels, the total length of which is 735 km. Sights. rich in attractions. In there is the Royal Museum, built in the XV-XVIII centuries, with the world's largest collection of paintings by Rubens, the ensemble of the Old Town, the Diamond Museum - the "diamond quarter", the antiques market; 14th century cathedral Bruges is a city-museum of medieval architecture, where there are 16 museums and galleries in Liege is the church of St. Paul. Among the attractions are the Gothic architecture of the central square, the Royal Palace. Every 5 years (closest date 2020) Ghent hosts the international flower show Floralis. Helpful information for tourists. Trains in Belgium are among the fastest in Europe. New high-speed railway lines link Brussels with Paris and Liege.

The whole country can be crossed in a short time: from Antwerp to Brussels you will reach in half an hour, to Ghent - in 45 minutes, to Bruges - in an hour and a half. The trains run exactly on time, almost on par with the perfect punctuality of trains in Germany and the Netherlands, which allows passengers to plan their time.

Tickets are quite expensive, but there is a system of discounts (depending on the age of the passenger, the number of trips for a certain number of days, the number of passengers buying a ticket). Discounts can be found at the railway station.

A single ticket is issued for three types of public transport. On the bus and tram, the ticket must be noted in a special machine. In the subway, he passes control at the automatic turnstile. You can buy tickets at any metro station, newsstands, buses.

Most often, tourists do not consider Belgium as the main point of tourist travel. As a rule, they make a transfer at the Belgian airport and depart along the Benelux route, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Nevertheless, Belgium is an interesting state worthy of attention.

The standard of living here is approaching prosperous Switzerland. A huge number of castles from the Middle Ages and other historical monuments have been preserved on the territory of the country. In addition, thematic trips are very popular among tourists - someone comes to try the famous chocolate, someone is attracted by diamonds, and someone is attracted by the comfortable beaches and spa centers of the Ostend resort.

general information

The Kingdom of Belgium is in Western Europe. The capital is Brussels. On the territory of 30.5 thousand sq. km. about 11.6 million people live. The word "Belgium" comes from the name of the ethnic tribe of the Celts - the Belgae, they were the first to settle in this part of Europe.

Neighboring countries:

• Germany - eastern border;
• Netherlands - northern border;
• Luxembourg - southeastern border;
• France - southern and western border.

The northwestern border of the state is washed by the North Sea.

Belgium is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, today the ruling monarch is Philip I, however, in fact, the country is ruled by the prime minister - since 2014, the position has been occupied by Charles Michel.

Given the geographical features of the state and the relief, there are three zones:

• plain (regions bordering the North Sea);
• the Ardennes Upland;
• plateau.

Main water resources the rivers Meuse and Scheldt. Mount Botrange (approximately 695 meters) is the highest point.

In accordance with administrative division the territory of the state is represented by three regions:

• Flemish;
• Walloon;
• Brussels.

There are also 10 provinces.

Belgium is a multi-religious country - 70% of the population are Catholics, 200 thousand inhabitants profess Islam, 40 thousand attend the Anglican Church, 35 thousand profess Judaism and only 20 thousand inhabitants are Orthodox.

Historical digression

The first tribes in Belgium appeared about 400 thousand years ago. Information about them, unfortunately, has not been preserved. In the I millennium BC. Western Aryan tribes settled in Belgium. Approximately in 300 BC. The Belgae occupied the Belgian lands and formed a new state.

Street of the town of Durui

In 57 B.C. There are two ethnic groups in the country. The southern part of Belgium is captured by the Roman Empire. Residents gradually forgot native language, since Latin prevailed in everyday life, the Walloon language arose on its basis. Germanic tribes settled on the territory of Northern Belgium, which laid the foundation for the Flemish people. In the period from the 5th to the 9th centuries, the state was ruled by the Franks, who were replaced by the Roman Empire.

From the 12th to the 14th centuries, handicraft workshops actively developed in the country, Belgium attracted the attention of Germany and France, but in the 16th century the Spaniards firmly settled on its territory and ruled here for a hundred and fifty years. In the 18th century, power passed to the Austrians, and in the first half of the 19th century, by decision Congress of Vienna the country became part of the Netherlands. From the united state they wanted to form a powerful barrier against the troops of Napoleon and France.

Episode of the Belgian Revolution of 1830

In 1830 there was an uprising, the purpose of which was the independence of the country. A year later, Belgium became a constitutional monarchy. Since then, industry has been actively developing here, Belgium has been conquering colonies. However, the further prosperity of the country was prevented by wars. In the post-war years, the Belgian government determined the state program for external development.

Events that became the basis of the economic development of Belgium:

• Benelux was created in 1944;
• in 1945 Belgium became a member of the EU;
• in 1949 the state became a member of NATO;
• in 1949 Belgium joined the Council of Europe;
• in 1954 the country joined the Western European Union.

Language

In accordance with the Belgian constitution, the inhabitants of the country are divided into three linguistic groups:

• French - Wallonia, about 32% of the population;
• Dutch (Flemish) - northern regions, about 58% of the population;
• German-speaking - the eastern part of Wallonia, about 67 thousand people.

The inhabitants of Brussels speak French (80%) and Dutch (20%).

Good to know! The Flemish dialect has dialects characteristic of Belgium. French and German are notable for their special pronunciation. Almost all Belgians are fluent in English.

Population

The total number of inhabitants of Belgium is 11 million 600 thousand people. Of them:

• Flemings - 60%;
• French - 25%.

Interesting fact! Belgium is an open country, as a rule, there are no problems with obtaining citizenship. 15% of Belgians are immigrants. The largest communities are the Portuguese and Italians.

Economy

Belgium is a country with an actively developing industrial complex, intensive agriculture and an extensive network of foreign economic relations. According to statistics, almost half of Belgian products are exported.

Main export articles:

• automobiles and machinery;
• diamonds;
• metal products;
• chemicals;
• Food.

Export partners: Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Italy, USA.

Import partners: Netherlands, France, Ireland, Germany, UK, China.

City of Charleroi

The industrially oriented regions of Belgium are concentrated closer to the north of the country, around the capital and in Flanders. Liege and Charleroi are also considered industrial.

Agriculture is rapidly developing in regions where the Dutch language is dominant.

Good to know! The state leads in Europe in terms of the density of railway lines.

Regions and major cities

Walloon region

This part of Belgium is often compared to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The spirit of the Middle Ages is especially felt here, which is harmoniously complemented by amazing landscapes and dilapidated palaces. The inhabitants of Wallonia know an endless number of legends and myths.

It is interesting! Here they serve the most delicious ham and the best live beer.

The capital of the region - Namur - a fortress that protected from enemy raids. The best way to get to know Wallonia is on foot or by bike. Tourists are offered to make an unforgettable flight on hot-air balloon. In addition to sightseeing, you can play golf and climb mountain peaks here.

Good to know! One of the best resorts in the region is the town of Spa.

Flemish region

Part of the province of Flanders belonged to France, but after 1830 the region became completely part of Belgium, and today it unites cities such as Antwerp and Ghent, famous for their architectural sights and amazing historical facts.

Brussels

For more than 50 years, the Belgian capital has been home to the largest international organizations. The city with a population of 1 million 850 thousand people is the center of the French and Flemish communities, which is why most of the inhabitants speak French. Brussels is located within the second city walls. concentrated on Avenue Louise, on the Grand Place.

Antwerp

The second settlement after the capital. The city is the capital of the region of the same name, built on the banks of the Scheldt River. The headquarters of the world's largest banks are located here, fairs and international exhibitions are held. In addition, the best diamond workshops operate in Antwerp. The skill of jewelers is recognized all over the world. It is very difficult to list everything, there are many museums, palaces, fountains, parks and, of course, a zoo.

The main settlement of West Flanders and a popular trading center during the Middle Ages. located in the area between the station, the central square and the market.

The city has many museums, cathedrals, temples and basilicas, palaces. A unique historical object is the Center for Lace Making. In Bruges, an old mill has been preserved, and the number of bridges is more than 80.

City-museum, the church and sacred life of the country is concentrated here. Liège is the main settlement of the province of the same name, located at the place where the rivers Urthe and Meuse join. Comfortable to view during a river cruise - water transport works fine here.

It is located 65 km from the capital and is the main city of the French-speaking part of the country. The history of Namur is quite tragic, as a lot of blood was shed here. For many decades in Namur there was a struggle for the possession of the city, because from a geographical point of view, the settlement was of great strategic importance. To protect Namur from attacks, a fortress was built, which, after numerous reconstructions and fortifications, turned into a work of fortress art. The citadel, together with the adjacent park, covers an area of ​​70 hectares. Another famous Namur attraction is the Royal Theatre. .

The second name of the city is the Queen of the Belgian coast, because the settlement is located on the coast of the North Sea. The main attractions of Ostend are comfortable beaches, casinos, vibrant nightlife and horse racing at the hippodrome.

A famous historical site is the Peter and Paul Church dating back to the 19th-20th centuries. Another attraction of Ostend is the three-masted sailing ship Mercator. Five beaches of the city are connected by a tram route. See an overview of the city and sights of Ostend.

The city is the capital of the eastern part of Flanders and is based on the banks of the Scheldt River. Here is a large seaport and the Gent-Terneuzen canal. In addition to a large number, it is revered as the largest Training Center where students study at the oldest university. Historical architectural monuments are concentrated along the embankment - the Lis Canal, the cloth market, the Gravensteen Palace. There are many theaters, museums in Ghent, people come here to try the famous bacon and Ghent cheese with herbs.

The city of students is located on the banks of the Dale River. Here is a university founded in the early 15th century. educational institution divided into two parts - the Flemish part is in Leuven, and the Walloon part is in Louvain-la-Neuve. The attention of tourists is attracted by the town hall, built in the Gothic style.

The production of Stella Artois brand beer was founded in Leuven in the middle of the 14th century. The university even has a faculty "Academy of Brewing". Every year a competition is held in the city, where the best bartender is chosen. Read .

The city is located between the capital and Anterpen, built on the banks of the Dale River. The settlement was swampy, water was pumped out through special channels. After the Second World War, Mechelen was completely restored, now it is one of the most beautiful Belgian cities. It was here at the beginning of 1835 that the first railway in Europe was put into operation. The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Rumold and the Church of Our Lady.

Charleroi

It is located 50 km from Brussels. Initially, it was a fortress, but gradually its territory increased. The city is named after the Spanish monarch Charles II. Second name locality- Black country, coal mining was actively carried out here at numerous mines, the metallurgical industry was developing. The interest of tourists is attracted by the town hall, decorated in neoclassical style, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Basilica of St. Christopher. Detailed .

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Culture, holidays and festivals

The Belgians are a unique people who combine the punctuality of the Germans, the prudence of the Dutch and the politeness of the British. Perhaps that is why it is impossible to characterize the inhabitants of Belgium in one word. Here is the border dividing Europe into the German north and the Latin south. Separation is felt in culture, linguistic features, everyday life, politics. From time to time, news about the collapse of Belgium into two parts appears in the world, but the rumors are clearly exaggerated. Numerous wars that tore apart the state from the inside taught the Belgians to appreciate peace and tranquility.

Good to know! The people of Belgium are proud of their Walloon and Flemish roots, and at the same time they revere family values.

In Europe, Belgium is considered a boring country, probably the myth appeared against the backdrop of extravagant French, Dutch and Germans who know how to advertise themselves. The natural modesty of the Belgians is due to the fact that for many centuries the country was conquered, it was ruled by different states. That is why the locals prefer not to draw attention to themselves and remain in the shadows.

Characteristics Belgium and its inhabitants:

• culture is based on contradictions;
• society honors traditions, but tries to take an active part in the formation of a new Europe;
• the state bureaucracy is developed here;
• there are a huge number of laws in the country;
• Belgians are capable of eating and drinking all day, but find time to do all the work.

Officiality, politeness, capitalist and medieval values ​​coexist in one Belgian. The inhabitants of the country know how to earn money in order to live, if not luxuriously, but with dignity.

The Belgians love to relax, in terms of the number of holidays and solemn days, the state is ahead of many European countries.

The most interesting events:

Kitchen

It is based on three powerful pillars - the standards of French, Dutch and German cuisines. That is why the Belgian menu is considered to be the most diverse in Europe. Meat, fish, seafood and vegetables are perfectly prepared here. All products are grown locally.

The first courses are usually mashed soups and fish soups. The famous Flemish carbonade, rabbit in beer, mussels and oysters are valued all over the world. As for desserts, it's impossible not to fall in love with delicate, incredibly delicious Liege waffles and Belgian chocolate.

Interesting fact! More chocolate is sold at a Belgian airport each year than in the entire country.

Belgium is a country of beer, they prepare a drink according to unique, old recipes, some add non-standard components - cherry or raspberry juice, honey or rice. Another popular national product is cheese. The country produces more than 140 varieties of cheese according to different recipes.

Geography

Belgium is located in the northwestern part of Europe, predominantly on a flat area that extends from two lowlands - Campin and Flanders to the Ardennes.

Village in the Ardennes

In the north of Belgium are the dunes of the North Sea. Here, on the coast of the Scheldt, the city of Antwerp was built, recognized as the largest port in the world.

In addition to the Scheldt, there are other water arteries in the country:

• the rivers Meuse and Leie;
• the Albert, Ghent-Ostend and Scheldt-Meuse canals.

The highest point in Belgium - Mount Botrange - is located in a rather picturesque place - on a swampy plateau, which was formed as a result of the action of tectonic forces. The height of the point is almost 695 meters. The special location of the plateau has created a unique climate here, reminiscent of primeval places untouched by man.

In the middle of the last century, this part of the country was recognized as a natural reserve in order to preserve the amazing microclimate, flora and fauna. A fir forest was planted on the plateau. The park is open to the public and there are hiking trails with signs that help travelers to freely pass through the swampy areas.

Helpful information! Many legends and myths are associated with the plateau. There are cases when people died in the quagmire, this is confirmed by crosses and stones installed along the excursion trails. At the end of the 16th century, the merchant Pierre Panhaus disappeared here, a high column was erected in his memory.

The coastal zone is formed by a lowland that stretches along the North Sea through Flanders and Campina. The sand dunes form Flanders' natural defense against floods.

The Ardennes zone is represented by low hills scattered through the valleys. To the northwest of the mountains rise the central plateau 200 meters high. The area looks like frozen waves. The Ardennes zone and the plateau are separated by the rivers Meuse and Sambre.

It's important to know! In summer, Belgian time is 1 hour behind Moscow time, and in winter - 2 hours. On the last Sunday in March, clocks are set forward 1 hour, and on the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back 1 hour.

Climate and weather

Considering that Belgium occupies a rather modest territory in Europe, there is no large temperature variation here.

• winter temperature in the mountains is about -1 degrees, in the central part of the country - +2 degrees, and in coastal regions - +3 degrees;
• in summer the temperature varies from +16 to +20 degrees depending on the region.

The warmest months are from the second half of spring to September, but even in hot weather the temperature almost never rises above +30 degrees.

Belgium is considered quite rainy, up to 1000 mm of precipitation falls throughout the year. In the mountains, the level of precipitation reaches 1500 mm. The weather during the cold season is windy, snow falls, but not too much.

On a note! The weather in Belgium is predominantly overcast, most sunny days in April and September.

The water in the North Sea is +5 degrees in winter and +18 degrees in summer.

Currency, plastic cards

The main monetary unit is Euro. Currency can be exchanged at banks, on the territory of hotels, post offices and exchange points. The most favorable rate is presented in banks and post offices. The hotels have ATMs, which also provide a currency exchange service.

Helpful information:

It is important! ATMs (Geldautomat) are mounted in separate booths, only one person can be inside.

A VAT refund can be issued provided that the product was purchased in a store that is part of the TAX FREE system, the purchase amount must be more than 125 euros. The client signs two receipts for the amount of tax, documents are presented at the exit from the country and must be sent to the store for three months. Otherwise, the tax will be deducted from the bank card.

A is the subject of a separate article.

Transport

The easiest way to travel in Belgium is by train. This country has the best rail links connecting all Belgian cities. Each train has two classes of carriages. There are three types of trains:

• high-speed;
• long-distance traffic (stop at big cities);
• regional traffic (stop at all stations).

Tickets can be purchased at the station ticket office, in special vending machines, as well as from conductors, in which case you will have to pay an extra 7 euros.

Approximate ticket prices from the capital:

• to Antwerp - 8.00 euros;
• in Bruges - 15.00 euros;
• in Ghent - 9.50 euros.

Helpful information! Before buying, it is better to check the cost of tickets on the official website of the Belgian railway. To save money and time, you can purchase an Interrail Benelux Pass - a ticket that entitles you to an unlimited number of trips for 3 to 8 days. The cost is 90 euros for tourists from 12 to 27 years old and 120 euros for adults.

There is a bus service, but it is not very common in Belgium. Travel takes longer.

Major Belgian bus carriers:

• Eurolines (website - www.eurolines.fr) - flights depart from the capital and other major cities to European capitals, tickets cost from 15 to 35 euros, the journey takes from several hours;
• De Lijn (website - delijn.be) - the company is engaged in suburban transportation in Flanders;
• TEC (tec-wl.be) - the company is engaged in commuter transportation in Wallonia;
• STIB (stib-mivb.be) is a suburban transportation company in Brussels and the metropolitan area.

Helpful information! Bus transportation is most popular in mountainous regions where there is no railway connection.

Water transport

Comfortable liners regularly cruise along the Belgian rivers. From Vilvoorde to Brussels, you can ride a water bus, a ticket costs from 2 to 5 euros.

Ferry service:

• P&O (website - poferries.com) - ferries run from Zeebrugge to Hull, the journey takes 14 hours, you will have to pay 162 euros for two people and a car;
• TransEuropa Ferries (website -transeuropaferries.com) - ferries run from Ostend to Ramsgithom, the journey takes 4 hours, you need to pay 60 euros for a car with all passengers.

Please note that the schedule changes frequently due to weather conditions.

Transport within cities

Buses, trams run in all cities, and there is a metro in the capital and Antwerp. All public transport operates from 06:00 to 00:00. There are night routes in major metropolitan areas.

Fare:

• Brussels - 2.10 euros;
• Antwerp - 3 euros.

If you are planning an active holiday and will often use public transport, buy a ticket for all modes of transport worth 5 euros for 1 day.

For comfort lovers, it is better to take a taxi. There are parking lots in all cities, there are many of them. You can also order a taxi by phone. Taxi rates:

• landing - from 2 to 2.50 euros;
• 1 km - 1.15 euros.

It is important! Cycling in Belgium is not very convenient, as the roads in the historic districts are paved. If you still dare to travel by bike, the rental will cost from 3 euros for 2 hours.

Rent a Car

Belgian roads are among the best in Europe. Local drivers are attentive and polite. Tourist cities are located close enough to each other, so renting a car is a great way to travel around the country.

Rental points are organized at the airport, big cities. Foreign tourists can rent transport in companies:

• Avis;
• Hertz;
• Buget;
• Europcar.

List of documents:

• international passport;
• driver's license;
• card with the required amount.

Car rental rates (per day):

• passenger car – 45 euros;
• SUV - 85 euros;
• minivan - 110 euros.

Security deposit - from 600 to 1000 euros. The cost of gasoline varies from 1.30 to 1.40 euros per liter.

In general, Belgian highways are free. You will have to pay only for travel through the tunnel under the Scheldt.

Note! In Belgium, the observance of traffic rules is strictly controlled, and large fines are provided for their violation, up to the deprivation of rights.

Visas

Belgium is a territory where the Schengen agreement is in force, so you will need to apply for a visa to cross the border. Residents of Ukraine who have received a biometric passport can visit Belgium and other Schengen countries without a visa.

What visas are issued:

• short-term - necessary for tourists, foreigners to visit relatives and friends, for business trips (stay - up to 90 days);
• long-term - issued for training, entrepreneurial activities, for work in Belgium, treatment and marriage;
• transit - is issued when a tourist stays in the transit zone in Belgium, the validity period is no more than 5 days.

The package of documents is submitted to the Belgian embassy. The application is considered from 3 days to two weeks. If the representative of the embassy submits a request to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, the period for consideration of documents increases.

It is important! Documents are submitted at least three weeks before the day of departure.

The Belgian Border Guard has the right to refuse entry into the country for the following reasons:

• there is no amount required for the trip;
• there is no hotel reservation confirmation, official invitation or letter from the employer.

Customs requirements and regulations:

• import and export of any amount is allowed;
• duty-free import applies to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, a liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 0.5 kg of coffee, 100 g of tea, 50 g of perfume;
• the duty is not paid for personal products in the amount of less than 64.45 euros per person (the amount for a child under 15 years old is 24.79 euros);
• jewelry weighing more than 0.5 kg upon entry into the country must be declared.

Note! The import of meat, dairy products, canned food, chocolates is prohibited.

Pets should be vaccinated before the trip, there must be a corresponding certificate of this, issued ten days before the trip.

Communication and Wi-Fi

cellular

Roaming is available to subscribers of Beeline and Megafon operators. If it is important for you to constantly be in touch, it is better to purchase a SIM card from a Belgian telecom operator. The most common provider is Belgacom. Pricing for 4G:

• 2 GB - 15 euros;
• 4 GB - 25 euros;
• 8 GB - 35 euros.

There are many Wi-Fi access points in Belgium, they are in cafes, in all hotels. As a rule, no password is required to connect to the Internet, access points are open. The connection speed is high.

The country code in the international directory is 32. Telephone booths are installed in Belgian cities, from where you can call outside of Belgium. There are guides inside. There are several ways to pay for calls:

• coins - there are almost no such machines left;
• by phone cards - the cost varies from 3 to 25 euros, depending on the number of minutes;
• credit cards.

The most expensive calls are from 8-00 to 12-00, the cheapest calls are from 18-00 to 08-00.

Belgium is a state where the best chocolate, original cheeses, hundreds of beers, bureaucracy, openwork lace, rich oil paints, medieval castles are miraculously mixed. In ancient times, the Walloons, the Flemings, who determined the individuality of the Belgians, lived on the territory of the state.

Professional video with views of the main cities of Belgium - interesting and enjoyable to watch!

Belgium is located in the northwest of Europe and borders France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In the northwest it is washed by the North Sea.

Most of the country is flat, but abundantly dissected by uplands and low hilly ridges. Despite its small size, the country's territory is clearly divided into three natural landscape zones: a coastal low plain surrounded by dunes and dissected by polders in the northwest, a low central plateau (High Fenn) and the Ardennes Upland in the southeast of the country. Cultivated landscapes predominate. The highest point is the city of Botrange (694 m., Ardennes).

The total area of ​​the country is 30.5 thousand square meters. km.

Little Belgium boasts of its diverse landscape - in the north the dune landscapes of the seaside, in the central part - the green hilly plain, in the south - the green lowlands of the Ardennes.

The country has three official languages ​​- Flemish (close to Dutch, has several dialects), German and French (distinguished by characteristic local pronunciation and a large number of dialect words).

In many major cities and in resort areas on the coast, English is almost fluent.

Population in Belgium divided into three major linguistic communities. North of the country Flanders speaks Dutch, South of Belgium - Walloon francophone.

Every tenth Belgian is bilingual, the majority of the population has some knowledge of a second language. About 1% of the Belgians are Germanic, the German community is concentrated in the eastern part of the province of Liege, in 9 communes in Saint-Vitus and Eupen.

Brussels is made up of 19 bilingual communes, although the French-speaking population predominates. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the life of the country was dominated by the French-speaking population.

Gradually, the Flemings achieved recognition as a separate ethnic community, first on their own lands, and then on a state scale. Flanders received the status of autonomy.
Most Belgians are Catholics. Although the number of parishioners in Walloni is declining, in Flanders and the Ardennes it remains approximately constant. Protestants live mainly in Brabant and Ghent. The Jewish community is concentrated in Brussels and Antwerp.

Political structure of Belgium

Federal constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The legislature is a bicameral parliament (the House of Representatives and the Senate), legislative acts are formed jointly by the parliament and the monarch.

Administrative division - 3 regions (Flemish, Walloon and Brussels metropolitan region) and 10 provinces. The regions are endowed with extensive autonomous rights and are governed by local executive authorities (assemblies).

Capital of Belgium - Brussels- is also the capital of the region with its own government and parliament, the headquarters of the Council of Ministers of the European Community, NATO and other international organizations are located here.

The largest cities are Brussels (970 thousand), Antwerp (480 thousand), Ghent (234 thousand), Liege (201 thousand).

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is a country with a characteristic high level life, which is based on political and social stability, linguistic diversity and multinationality of the population.

The combination of these factors, combined with a highly developed infrastructure with an extensive international communication network, the availability of qualified consultants with international experience, contributed to the fact that Belgium was able to become the most important center of international financial activity.

An important aspect of obtaining a residence permit in any country is the legitimacy (legality) of this procedure from the standpoint of the legislation of both the country where the residence permit is obtained and the legislation of the country of which the person seeking to obtain a residence permit is a citizen.

When obtaining a residence permit, the applicant, who is the manager of the company, may incur additional costs associated with the services of lawyers, accountants, notaries. State duties and fees are 3.000-4.000 Euro.

When opening an account in a number of banks, a deposit is required. Its size can fluctuate on average from 1000 Euros.

Belgium is an ideal travel itinerary for tourists from disadvantaged countries who often come to holiday in Belgium. That is, from countries where a calm, measured, stable life is an unaffordable luxury even for very rich people. In Belgium, you forget about everyday fuss and stress, troubles, problems.

Most popular with tourists Antwerp. Here you should definitely visit the house-museum of Rubens. Magnificent Antwerp Zoo- one of the best in the world. Antwerp is a port city, it is highly recommended to visit its waterfront.

Vacation in Belgium is like a history lesson. The center of Brussels is similar to the centers of many ancient cities in Western Europe. It has preserved many medieval buildings, such as the Gothic town hall (XV century) and the cathedral (XIII - XV centuries). Here stands the famous mannequin statue of a pissing boy.

Official holidays and weekends in Belgium:

• January 1-2 - New Year.
• March 31-April 1 - Easter.
• May 1-2 - Spring and Labor Day.
• May 9 - Ascension of the Lord.
• May 19 - Holy Trinity Day.
• May 20 - Spirits Day.
• July 21 - King's Oath Day, National Remembrance Day.
• August 15 - Exaltation.
• September 27 - National holiday.
• November 1 - All Saints' Day.
• November 15 - Day of the Royal Dynasty, a national holiday.
• December 25 - Christmas.

In addition, the country has many beautiful holidays with interesting national traditions, celebrated no less widely.

The Belgians are distinguished by their buoyant cheerfulness, inborn love of life, sense of humor, as well as stubbornness and persistent unwillingness to express their opinions directly to their faces, because fate throughout their history has forced them to be secretive and patient.

Belgium cannot be classified as a resort country, but it also has places to relax in nature. The most famous resort in Belgium is Spa, located in the east of the kingdom, not far from Liege. In the city, known for its mineral water sources, in addition to balneological health centers, there is the "Museum of the City of Waters" and a gallery with works by artists who captured local landscapes.

Along the entire coast of the North Sea stretched sandy beaches about 70 km long with the resorts of Knokke, De Haan, Westende, Oostende. The swimming season lasts from mid-June to mid-September.

The most famous resort is Ostend(Oostende), its beaches and dunes are the perfect place to spend a hot day and a romantic evening. In the city aquarium you can see the underwater world of the North Sea. In Ostend, you can visit the Mercator sailboat, which has preserved all the historical details.

A little west of Ostenede is another resort Flemish coast- Middelkerk. The most north-eastern town of the coast - a resort of the highest class - Knokke-Heist. It is known for its special beaches, pine groves, terraces and gardens, as well as golf courses, swimming pools and casinos.

Landscapes and wildlife are preserved in many reserves and national parks: Belsel, Haute-Fagnes, Calmthout, Shewton, St. Hubert and the bird sanctuary on the coast of Zwin.

Ardennes offer many places of recreation, for example, surrounded by rocks with beautiful grottoes Dinant, above which the mysterious walls of the citadel rise. Reserve St. Hubert, where on the square near the church of St. Giles you seem to find yourself in the time of the pilgrims. In winter it is a ski resort. In September, here, not far from the abbey, founded in the 7th century, the international Day of the hunter takes place (St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunting). The pride of Belgium is the large Arden forest on the border with Germany and Luxembourg. In the Ardennes, you can find many places of recreation surrounded by ancient castles and beautiful mountain landscapes.

The country is literally the focus of historical monuments and architectural structures, many of which are scattered throughout almost the entire territory of Belgium. In every city in Belgium there are ancient cathedrals or fortresses, castles or buildings of medieval guilds that keep the memory of the wealth of medieval commercial Flanders and the Walloon counties.

Brussels, the capital of ancient Brabant - cultural and political center countries and the European Community. The Belgians call the old part of the city "Pentagon", as it is surrounded by ring boulevards built on the site of old defensive structures. Most city tours start from the largest of the squares of the capital - the Grand Place (Grotemmarkt or Great Square), on which the old town hall Hotel de Ville is located with the famous weather vane (XV century), depicting St. Michael slaying the dragon There is also Brodhus with the Museum of the City of Brussels and a whole block of old buildings, each of which has its own name.

Not far from the Grand Place, on Etuve Street, there is the famous fountain, the "calling card of the city" - Mannequin Pis ("Manneken Pis", XVII century) and the Palace of Nations (parliament). To the west of the Grand Place is the Bourse (1873), one of the most prestigious scenes in Europe - Opera Monnet, Place Rogier, the Church of St. Catherine on the square of the same name, surrounded by old houses of the 17th-18th centuries, as well as picturesque the people of the central boulevards. On the site of the old canal, just behind the church of St. Catherine, there is a beautiful pedestrian area with a delightful church of St. John the Baptist (17th century) and two small rectangular ponds surrounded by numerous fish restaurants.

One of the most famous historical sights of the city is the Royal Galleries of St. Hubert between the Marche-aux-Erbe and Ekuyer streets. This is the first architectural complex in Europe with covered galleries (1847), today surrounded by dozens of art salons, cafes, restaurants and theaters. No less popular with guests of the city are the Cathedral of St. Michael (XIII-XVI centuries) and the "Classic Quarter", on the territory of which such famous monuments as the Palace Square with the Royal Palace and the Palace of the Academies, the Royal Square, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, the Kokelbergskaya the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Church of St. James and the huge Palace of Justice.

On a small Museum Square, indeed surrounded on all sides by museums, there is the palace of Charles of Lorraine and the famous "Failure" - an illuminated well in which some of the exhibits of the Museum of Modern Art are exhibited. To the south of the Place Royale are the Greater and Lesser Sablon quarters, where it is worth visiting the Egmont Palace (XVIII century), the Minimes Church (1715) and the beautiful Gothic church of Notre Dame de Victoire du Sablon (XVI century) .

The "Brussels Park" - the former hunting park of the royal dynasty, and today - a classic French-style park, accommodating several picturesque reservoirs, the Royal Palace, the Palace of Justice, the headquarters of the Brussels Bank Lambert, the Parliament complex (1780 d.), Park Theater and many beautiful landscaped areas.

In the southeastern, business part of the city, the quarter of the squares of Maria Louise and Ambiorix, as well as the Suan and Cambrai forests, are interesting. Thousands of tourists are attracted by the Cambrai Abbey (XIII-XVIII centuries, today the National Geographic Institute and the Cambrai graduate School Fine Arts) in the Ixelles Ponds area, as well as the Cambrai Square and the Des Poches Theatre.

In the north-east of Brussels, the Botanical Garden (1829), a number of beautiful neoclassical buildings on Meridien Street and Ketele Square, the Sainte-Marie Church (1845), the old Malebec covered market (now the city concert hall is located here), "Turkish area" between the Rue Josafate and Filomenet, the churches of St. Mary and St. Henri, the Joseph Park and many beautiful buildings descending from the hill along the Rue Eugène Demoulder, Lambermont Boulevard and Houard-Amoire Avenue.

The western part of Brussels is famous for the Notre Dame de Laiken church and the small Laiken cemetery - a real museum of cemetery art, the Leopold II Palace (XVIII century) with the unique Royal Orangeries (XIX century), the Bruparc ensemble, as well as the famous Atomium - enlarged in several million times a model of an iron molecule, around which is the Mini-Europe park (area - 2.5 hectares), where you can see all the famous cathedrals of the Old World - from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Big Ben. Nearby there is a tropical year-round swimming pool "Oceadium".

In Anderlecht Attract the attention of the Erasmus Museum of Rotterdam (XVI century) on Chapitre Street, Birsel Castle (XIV century), the royal castle of Gaasbek, Astrid Park and the famous Constant Vanden Stock stadium.

Among the many museums in Brussels, the most interesting are the Royal Museum of Fine Arts with an extensive collection of masterpieces of world art from Rubens to Magritte, the Municipal Museum in the building of the Royal Palace (XVI-XVIII centuries), the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, the private Museum of Automobiles in the "Centennial Park" ", the Museum of Classical Art with a magnificent collection of Flemish artists, the Museum of Modern Art, the Instrumental Museum, the Museum of Porcelain in the territory of the Royal Orangeries, the Museum of the Belgian Dynasty, the Royal Central African Museum (13 km east of the city), the Wax Museum, the Horta Museum, The Royal Museum of History and Arts (one of the richest collections of Egyptian and ancient antiquities, Chinese and pre-Columbian art of America), the Meunier Museum, the small Ixel Museum, the Witokkian Book Museum, the Aeronautics Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments (more than 6 thousand exhibits), the Cantillon Brewery and others

Antwerp- the main city of the province of the same name and the second largest port in Europe, as well as the world's largest diamond-cutting center. But many monuments of culture and antiquity are also concentrated here - the Royal Museum of Art, the Mayer van den Berg Museum ("Jewellery Museum") - one of the most interesting and richest museums in Antwerp, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the Brabo fountain (XIX century), the Cathedral Our Lady, the Church of St. James and St. Charles Borromeo, the royal castle of Gaasbek, the oldest building of the city - the fortress of Sten (now the Maritime Museum), the Church of St. Charles and James, the Museum of Modern Art, the Sculpture Museum on Middelheim, Museums of Folk Art and Ethnography, Museum "Dwelling of Virgins", Museum of Folklore, Vleeshuis Museum (Museum of Archeology and Applied Arts), Opera and Flanders Ballet, Diamond Museum and the famous Antwerp Zoo. Also, thousands of tourists are attracted by the Hoogstraat pedestrian street, the house of the nobleman Rokoks (XVII century), the central Grote Markt square, the picturesque embankment and the South Terrace of the Scheldt and Linkeruver (the left bank of the Scheldt, built up according to the Corbusier project).

For an art lover, Antwerp is primarily associated with the name of the great Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens lived in Antwerp most of his life. One of the main city shrines of Antwerp is Rubens' house. The works of Rubens can be seen in the famous Antwerp church - the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onse Live Vraukerk) and in many other churches in Antwerp, including the Church of St. Jacob, where the artist is buried.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the largest art gallery in the city. It is based on paintings that once belonged to the guild of St. Luke - an association of artists founded in 1442. The Guild broke up in 1773, after which the paintings by Rubens, Jordans and other famous Dutch masters of the 16th-17th centuries, which were in its possession, were transferred to the museum. Part of the collection was removed from Antwerp during the French occupation of 1794-96, but returned to the museum after the fall of Napoleon.

In 1841, thanks to the invaluable donation of the former burgomaster Florent van Ertborn, the museum's collection was replenished with paintings by the so-called "Flemish Primitives" - representatives of the "golden age" of Dutch painting by van Eyck, van der Weyden, Hans Memling and the works of other ancient masters, including the genius of the Italian Renaissance Antonello da Messina.

The museum also presents Belgian artists of the New Age, among them the famous Rene Magritte.

Unlike most art galleries, the halls of the Royal Museum are distinguished not by numbers, but by letters. Room Q contains paintings by the most revered masters of 15th-century Netherlandish painting. There you can see two masterpieces by Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden's famous triptych "The Seven Sacraments". In the adjacent hall, the visitor will admire the creations of Hans Memling. Another room will please with a wonderful collection of paintings by the famous Antwerp artist of the 16th century. Quentin Masseys (the Belgians call him Metsys), and admirers of the magnificent 17th century will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in the Rubens and Van Dyck rooms.

The Meir area houses many shopping establishments, as well as the ancient Royal Palace (XVIII century), the Borenbond tower - the first skyscraper in Belgium, the Stock Exchange, the churches of St. James (XVII century) and St. Augustine, the beautiful rotunda of the Burla theater and the Schunmarkt shoe market).

In the north of the old town, several old pools and St. Paul's Church are of interest. The southern quarter is famous for the beautiful squares of Leopold-Waalplats and Marnixplats, the esplanade of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Flemish and Walloon embankments, literally seething with cultural life. Art galleries are located here, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Photography settled in an old grain warehouse on Levenstraat.

The city has a great variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs and other entertainment venues. Especially popular are the "entertainment district" of the Central Square and the railway station.

On the outskirts of Antwerp, the modern cultural complex "Singel", the Guyet House (designed by Corbusier) and the town hall Borgerhout with 47 bells on Morkensplein are interesting. There are two castles in Dern, one of which - Sterkhof - houses the Museum of Arts and Crafts, as well as one of the most beautiful parks in Belgium, famous for its ponds and centuries-old trees. There is an open-air museum in Middelheim Park, where landscape compositions and a whole exposition of modern sculpture are spread on a giant lawn. The ancient "Fort VII" (1860) has been turned into a natural park-reserve, inhabited by dozens of species of representatives of the local flora and fauna.

Town Lear famous for its astronomical clock, the ancient Zimmer tower and the ring of fortifications of the 16th century. Nearby is the Kalmthout Nature Reserve (861 hectares), protecting a relict landscape of sand dunes ("lands") surrounded by moorlands and pine forests.

Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, ranks first in the country in terms of the number of magnificent old buildings.

Ghent is a real pearl of Flanders, and of the whole of Belgium, which carried the atmosphere and charm of the Middle Ages through the centuries. In the city center, buildings and streets from the times of the economic heyday of Flanders have been preserved to this day, to which it owed much to Ghent - this proud and rebellious city. Unlike Bruges, which has remained a medieval museum city to this day, Ghent lives and develops. This is the fourth largest city in Belgium (250 thousand inhabitants). It still retains its economic importance for Flanders to this day. Due to the important seaport, convenient location (in the center of the country), it was Ghent that became the venue for the well-known fair "Flanders Technology" (Flanders Technologies) on a regular basis. The Belgian State University is also located in the city.

The heart of the city is the reservoir, from which the Veldstraat departs. One of the symbols of the city is also located here - St. Michael's Bridge, thrown over the Lys Canal, as well as the watchtower and Lakenhalle (covered Cloth Market, XV century) on the Belforstraat enfilade, as well as the picturesque Grasli and Korenley embankments, built up with medieval guild buildings. The oldest quarter of Ghent, preserved almost in its original state - Patershol, built up with houses of the XVI-XVMI centuries, which today houses restaurants, antique shops and other commercial establishments.

The main attractions of Ghent are the Cathedral of St. Bavo (XII century) with murals by Van Eyck, the Church of St. Nicholas, the street of old houses Grasley, the Tower of the University Library (64 m.), St. Peter's Abbey (XVII century) on the slopes " mountains "Blandeinberg, the main square of the city - Vriydagmarkt ("Friday Market"), Van der Mers Palace (XVIII century), the Royal Palace on the Breidelstraat, surrounded by magnificent houses of the aristocracy Town Hall on Hoogpoort, the old fortified gateway Works, the castles of Count Philip ( XII century) and Gerard the Devil (XII century), Church of St. Jacob, old "beguinage" (convent of the order of beguines) of St. Elizabeth around the church of the same name, Church of St. Michael, Beiloke Abbey (XIV-XVIII centuries, now the Archaeological Museum is located here), the Museum of Modern Art with an extensive collection of "old Flemings" (XV-XVI centuries), a festive hall and the old printing house "Voruit" and the austere building of the Opera on Brabantdam.

Fans of wandering through museums will also find a lot of interesting things here - the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Folklore in the building of the old Kinderen-Alein Hospice, as well as the Veldstraat pedestrian street, where old houses and private mansions of the 18th century. interspersed with fashionable shops, as well as the banks of the Scheldt turned into magnificent gardens. Very close to the city are the castles of Laarne (XIII-XVII centuries), Ooidonk (XV-XVI centuries) and Vondelgem, intended to protect Ghent.

Bruges, the main city of West Flanders and a famous medieval trading center, is a great place to visit.

Thanks to the developed network of canals, Bruges is called the "Venice of the North", although in reality there is quite little in common between the Italian and Belgian cities. Venice was built on islands in the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. And Bruges is located deeper inland, at least, at the present time - since scientists believe that somewhere in the 5th century BC, the coast of Flanders was repeatedly flooded by the North Sea. When the sea receded, it left behind numerous branches, through which ships can reach the place where Bruges is located.

In the Middle Ages, during the "Golden Age" of Bruges, the path from the sea to the city was regularly expanded and cleared so that large merchant ships could bring their cargo here. But starting from the 12th century, most of the cargo was left in the satellite cities - Damme and Shlus, two small medieval towns that exist to this day, where special excursions are organized.

Inside the city, a whole network of canals was created at the base of the Reye River, which allowed merchants to deliver their goods to the huge building of the Sea Hall (Water Halls) in the main market.

Now excursions on boats are organized along the canals of Bruges, vaguely reminiscent of Venetian galleys. Moreover, the honorable right to conduct these excursions belongs only to four dynasties of carriers, each of which has its own boats.

The richest in monuments and interesting part of the city is located between the station, the Main Square and the market. Of interest are the City Museum of Fine Arts (the famous Groninge Museum) and the Hans Memling Museum in the building of the Sint-Jans hospital, the old market square with buildings of the XIII century and a magnificent 83-meter watchtower (XIII-XV centuries), the large pedestrian Zand Square, the Cathedral of St. Salvator (XII-XIII centuries) with an extensive Cathedral Museum, the Gothic Church of Our Lady (122 m high, XIV-XV centuries), beguinage (XIII century) with Lake Minnewater ("lake of love"), churches of St. James, St. Walpurgis, St. Anne, St. Giles and Jerusalem, the Gruthuse Palace on Deiver Street, the Gothic ensemble of the Cloth Rows, the ancient city gates of Ezelpoort, Gentpoort and Smedenpoort, the Basilica of the Blood of Christ (XV century) and the Monastery of the Angels, the city hall (XIV century), the Palace of Justice (Palace of the Bruges Union) and the Saint-Saint Basilica on Burg Square.

The official name of the Groninge Museum is the City Museum of Fine Arts. However, his second name is much more popular - the Groninge Museum, associated not only with the nearby Groninge straat - Groninge Street, but also with the Groninge fields in the Belgian town of Kortrijk (Courtrey), where on July 11, 1302 the Flemish civil uprising utterly defeated the brilliant cavalry of the French king. The victory in this battle, later called the "Battle of the Golden Spurs" (700 golden spurs of the French knights were hung out as trophies in the Cathedral of Courtrai), is still a matter of national pride for the Flemings.

Starting from the 18th century, when the collection of the city museum began to take shape, and up to the present, the curators of the museum deliberately limit themselves to collecting paintings only by those artists who lived and worked in Bruges. Once the largest Flemish trading city, the residence of the court of the Dukes of Burgundy, Bruges can afford such a luxury: in the 15th century, it was there that the artistic center of the Netherlandish school of painting, which is now called the "Flemish primitivists" in the West.

The artists belonging to it are not as well known to Russian art lovers as, for example, the masters of the Italian Renaissance or French classicism, but this school is incomparable in its skill and innovation, strict detail, combined with spirituality.

Its first and greatest representative is Jan van Eyck (the legend credits him with the invention of oil paints). The Groninge Museum has two of his paintings: a portrait of the artist's wife, Margarethe van Eyck, and the famous Madonna of Canon van der Pale. The canon himself, the customer of the painting, is traditionally depicted in the painting in the venerable company of the Mother of God herself, as well as St. Domitian and St. George.

Every detail in this picture is a true miracle, whether it be an inlaid floor, a multi-colored velvet carpet at the feet of the Madonna, St. George, where not so much the metal itself is conveyed, but the glare of light on it.

Another great artist of the 15th century Dutch school is Hans Memling. In the museum you can see only one of his works - the altar of St. Christopher. But a few tens of meters from the Groninge Museum, in the chapel of the former hospital of St. John, now houses the Memling Museum, which houses six of his works created specifically for the hospital.

Among the masters of the "Golden Age" of Netherlandish painting, presented in the Groninge Museum, one should also name Gerard David and Hugo van der Goes. But it would be a big mistake to get carried away by big names and neglect the anonymous artists of Bruges of the 15th century - the level of the Dutch school of painting was so high in this era.

The art of the "Flemish Primitives" is without a doubt the most valuable part of the Groninge collection. However, a true connoisseur of painting will not be limited to it and will be rewarded with works of the Baroque and Classicism eras, as well as an interesting collection of the Belgian school of the 20th century - both the expressionists of the beginning of the century and the artists of the "Cobra movement" of its second half.

The unique objects of historical heritage include the Lacemaking Center, the still working St. Janus mill (1770), as well as 80 bridges over the picturesque canals and more than 2 thousand other sights of the city.

The "hot city" of Liege is the largest and one of the oldest cities in Wallonia. Here, first of all, it is worth visiting St. Lambert Square, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Museum of Walloon Life and the Museum of Walloon Art, see the Town Hall and the Church of St. James, as well as the ancient symbol of the independence of the city - Perron (fountain and column with four lions ), which is located on the Marchais Market Square.

No less interesting are the Church of St. Antoine, the Baroque Church of the Atonement, the ancient monastery Frere-Miner with many interesting museums, the Le Temple courtyard and the picturesque Dead Ends, the "Liege miracle" - baptismal fonts with biblical scenes in the Church of St. Bartholomew (XII century), the Church of St. Serve (XIII century), a big noisy flea market on the Bath embankment, St. Leonard with the white and red house of Curtius, the Church of Saint-Denis (XV century), the Cathedral of St. Paul on the Place Vinave d'Ile with the famous statue of the Delcourt Virgin and Lemonnier's passage, the oldest in Belgium (1839). It is worth visiting Place Isère with the building of the Theater De la Place, the famous Diver Circus in En-Rothure Lane, Frane Bridge, D'Avroi Park, the Chapel of Holy Communion on the hill of St. Martin with 12 medallions of Jean Delcourt, the Museum of Glass (more than 9000 exhibits), the Museum of Religious Art and Mozan Art, the Museum of Weapons, the Ansembourg Museum, the Aquarium and Zoological Museum, the Chancha Puppet Museum and dozens of other historical monuments.

For five centuries, the former capital of the Spanish Netherlands and the birthplace of Beethoven, Mechelen (Malin), has been famous for its bells and architecture. One of the oldest buildings of the city is of interest here - Schepenhuis (1374), the Town Hall (XV-XVI centuries), the Cathedral of St. Rombout, the palace of Margaret of Austria - the Palace of Justice (XVI century), the Royal Lyceum, the Baroque Church of St. Peter , the palace of Margaret of York (now the city theater), the Church of St. John, which houses the famous triptych of Rubens "Adoration of the Magi", the Bishopric and Abbey of Saint-Tron, medieval shipyards, the Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk (1663), the Great Beguinage with a beautiful church of the 17th century, the City Museum (Museum of the Busleiden family, 1500), the Museum of Toys and Folklore, the Museum of Traditional Crafts, etc.

One of the leading tourist centers in Belgium is the town of Waterloo, the site of the famous battle between Napoleonic army and Wellington's troops. All the sights of the city are "dedicated" to this event - Napoleon's headquarters, the Wellington Museum, Lion's Hill with the Visitor Center, Panorama, the Wax Museum and the Church of St. Joseph. No less interesting are the "city of churches" Tournai, ancient Mons, medieval Binche, in which the famous Carnival is now held, the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty - Charleroi, the capital of Tudinia, the edge of the ancient abbeys - Thuen, the oldest city in the country - Tongeren, "who also saw Julius Caesar" Namur, "the tin capital of the country" - Hui, the famous spa resort Spa , the first capital of the Duchy of Brabant - Leuven, the old capital of imperial Flanders - Aalst, the "city of discarded cats" Ypres, the "Flemish Texas" - Kortrijk and many other no less charming places.

The pride of the country Great Ardennes Forest on the border with Germany and Luxembourg, where travelers are waiting for the grotto of Neptune half an hour south of Charleroi, the grotto "Thousand and One Nights" near La Roche, the rock of the citadel of Dinant and many other picturesque places where, surrounded by almost virgin nature, there are also ancient monasteries

The country: Belgium
Capital: Brussels
View: A constitutional monarchy
Reigning Monarch: Philip I

The Kingdom of Belgium is the youngest in Europe. The birth year of the Belgian monarchy is 1830. Then, as a result of the revolution, Belgium separated from the Netherlands and became an independent state. Leopold I became the first ruler of Belgium. Under him, the economy was actively developing and the culture of the country flourished.

During the first and second world wars, the Belgian monarchy had to endure difficult times. German troops occupied the country, the people were afraid, but remained steadfast. But the ruling at that time, King Leopold III surrendered to enemy troops, because of which he entered the history of Belgium as the most cowardly monarch.

Royal family of Belgium

Returning to Belgium in 1951, Leopold III renounced the throne in favor of his son Baudouin. It is with this ruler that the formation of Brussels as the "capital" of Europe is connected. Belgium became one of the initiators of the creation of a collective security system within the framework of United Europe and NATO. During the reign of Baudouin, the reputation of Brussels as a leading European center for international business grew.

The ruler himself was modest, simple, able to find a common language with everyone. In 1960, the king married a Spanish aristocrat, Dona Fabiola. Unfortunately, there were no children in the royal family.

King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde In 1993 the king died and the throne passed to him. younger brother Albert II. The new king was an educated and multifaceted personality. Married to Italian Paola Ruffo di Calabria, he had three children: Crown Prince of Belgium and Duke Philippe of Brabant (b. 1960), Princess Astrid (b. 1962) and Prince Laurent (b. 1963).

In 2013, King Albert II abdicated in favor of his son Philip.

The 79-year-old ruler announced this on television, and assured his citizens that "now they are in safe hands."

Official photo of King Philip and Queen Mathilde The current reigning Philippe is the first Belgian prince to attend a regular school instead of receiving a traditional home education. The king is interested in technology and especially aircraft construction. On account of Philip 30 single sorties, he knows how to fly a helicopter.

Since 1999, he has been married to Matilde d "Udekem d" Akoz, who on the day of the marriage was awarded the title of Princess of Belgium. The couple have two daughters: Princess Elisabeth Teresa Maria Helena (born 2001), heir to the Belgian throne, and Princess Eleonora Fabiola Victoria Anna Maria (born 2008) As well as two sons: Prince Gabriel Baudouin Carl Maria (2003 born), Prince Emmanuel Leopold Guillaume François Marie (born 2005).

Belgian royal family welcomes subjectsInteresting Facts:

• The official title of the head of state is not "King of the Belgians", but "King of the Belgians". This emphasizes the connection between the monarchy and the people.
  
• The heir to the throne does not automatically become king on the day of the death of his predecessor, as is customary in other monarchies. This happens only after he takes the constitutional oath.
  
• Assuming the throne, the first king Leopold I defined the tasks of the monarchy as follows: "Advise. Encourage. Warn." The Royal Family Belgium continues to fulfill the functions that the founder of their dynasty determined for himself upon accession to the throne.
  
• Although the monarch in Belgium does not have unlimited political power, he is a symbol of the nation, an arbiter who ensures stability in his country. According to the data obtained, in countries with a monarchical system of government, the economy develops most stably.
  
• Belgium is divided into three linguistic communities: Flemings (Dutch-speaking), Walloons (French-speaking) and partly Liege (German-speaking). Each king has two spellings of the name: in French and in the Flemish manner. So King Baudouin I in Flemish was called Boudewijn I.

The Kingdom of Belgium is a member of NATO, the UN and the EU. The population living in this territory is more than 10.5 million people. Further in the article we will tell you where Belgium is located, with what territories it borders, and also about its administrative unit and history.

General information

Belgium is a country with a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. In the form of an administrative-territorial structure, it is a federation. The currency of Belgium is the euro. The capital is the city of Brussels. The area of ​​Belgium is 30,528 sq. km. The name België (Dutch) comes from the ethnonym of the Celtic Belg tribe. Where is Belgium located? The federation is located in Western Europe. Belgium borders the Netherlands to the north, France to the west and south, Germany to the east, and Luxembourg to the southeast.

Brief historical background

In 54 BC. e. the territory in the northern part of Gaul (where Belgium is now) was conquered by the troops of Julius Caesar. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Franks (Germanic tribes) took over the province in the fifth century. They created their own kingdom in this territory. In the Middle Ages, België was part of the Duchy of Burgundy, and from 1556 to 1713 it was part of Spain. The separation of Belgian territory from the Netherlands began during the Eighty Years' War.

Since 1713 België has been referred to as the Austrian Netherlands. From 1792 to 1815 Belgium passed to France. Then, until 1830, it was part of the Netherlands. This year, on September 23rd, a revolution took place. As a result of the unrest, Belgium gained independence and became a neutral kingdom. Its ruler at that time was Leopold I.

Post-independence development

The economy of the future federation was formed quite intensively in the 19th century. The territory became the first in continental Europe on which a railway was built. Railway tracks connected Brussels and Mechelen. At the end of the 19th century, Belgium became a colonial country. In her possession from 1885 to 1908 was the country of the Congo, which is now a democratic republic. The active exploitation of the colony was one of the essential sources for the development of industry and replenishment of the capital of Belgium. During the First World War (it is called the "Great War"), the future federation suffered very badly. In one of the cities (Ypres), poison gas was even used.

In 1925, in connection with the conclusion of an agreement between the Netherlands and Belgium, the latter lost its neutrality. In addition, it was demilitarized During World War II, Belgium was captured by the Germans, and King Leopold III was deported to Germany. After the liberation of the territory, a new government was formed. The king was the head of state. In 2013, on the twenty-first of July, the coronation of Philip I took place. From the moment of its formation, Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy, and since 1980 it has also been a federal country.

Administrative division

There are two parallel systems in the country. The federation is divided into three regions. Of these, two, in turn, have their own provinces:

The Flemish Region includes:

• Antwerp.
• East Flanders.
• Limburg.
• West Flanders.
• Flemish Brabant.

The Walloon Region includes:

There is also the Brussels Capital Region. In addition, there are three language communities in Belgium. In the field of their jurisdiction - cultural issues, scientific, educational activities and sports. The leadership of the regions is involved in solving issues of the local economy, ecology, as well as in public works (for example, in road construction).

Belgium map

The entire territory is divided into three geographical areas. In the southeast - this is the Ardennes Upland, in the northwest - the coastal plain. The third part is the central plateau. The Low Belgium (coastal plain) is mostly polders and sand dunes. The first includes areas that are at risk of flooding. They are protected by dams or fields with special drainage channels arranged farther from the sea. Polders are characterized by high soil fertility. Between the western sections (Schelde and Lys) lies the Flemish Lowland. Behind it is Kempen (geographical area). The landscape in this area is mainly represented by meadows and coniferous forests, as well as corn fields.

central plateau

Middle Belgium lies between the valleys of the rivers Meuse and Sambre and Kempen. This is the central plateau. There are mostly clay plains, which gradually rise towards the valleys. This area has the most fertile soil in all of Belgium. The central plateau includes the province of Hainaut, the south of Limburg and the north of Liege. Most of the land here is occupied by meadows and arable land. Between them are hamlets (rural estates).

Ardennes highlands

High Belgium is characterized by an abundance of forests and a fairly low population density. The relief here is represented mainly by mountains. In this regard, the territory is not developed Agriculture. However, this region attracts a fairly large number of tourists. High Belgium begins from the valleys of the rivers Meuse and Sambre and stretches to the south. Immediately behind them lies Kondroz (geographical region). This territory is dominated by low hills, the height of which is no more than 300 m. High Belgium includes parts of the provinces of Liege, Emo and Namur. Behind them are high hills - the Ardennes. They are mostly covered with forest. Small villages located throughout the territory are connected by winding serpentine roads. In the Ardennes is the highest point in Belgium - Mount Botrange (694 m).

Ethnic composition

The population of the country is divided into two main groups. The first is the Flemings. They make up about 60% of all residents. About 40% are Walloons. The Flemings live in the five northern provinces. official language in this territory is considered Dutch. The inhabitants speak it and its many dialects. The Walloons inhabit the five southern provinces. They speak Walloon, French and some other languages. After the federation gained independence, it was a French-oriented region. First there was one official language of Belgium - French. However, it must be said that the Flemings always made up the majority of the population. But even in Flanders itself, for quite a long time, French was the only language of higher and secondary education.

At the end of the First World War, an active movement began for the emancipation of the Flemings. It developed into the so-called "language struggle". The movement achieved results only by the 60s of the twentieth century. In 1963, a set of laws was adopted that regulated the use of a particular language in official cases. By 1980, the second state language of Belgium, Dutch, was officially recognized. However, despite the successes achieved, tensions between the two main populations of the federation persist.

Political structure

As mentioned above, Belgium is a federation. The head of government is the prime minister. Today this post is held by Elio Di Rupo. Usually the prime minister is a representative of the party that won the most votes in the election. The king appoints the government. Parliament also participates in the approval of its composition. According to the Constitution, linguistic parity must be respected in the government: 50% must be from the Dutch-speaking community, and 50% from the French-speaking group. The federal parliament consists of two chambers. The top one is the Senate. The lower one is the House of Representatives. Both of them are formed on the basis of direct general elections, which take place every 4 years. All residents of the country who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote. There are 150 deputies in the House of Representatives and 71 in the Senate. Sometimes Belgium is called a double federation, since it is divided simultaneously into three linguistic communities and three regions. Almost all of them have their own government and parliament. The exception is the Flemish region and the Dutch-speaking community. By mutual agreement, power in them was united. As a result, Belgium has six parliaments and the same number of governments. The federal government coordinates the actions of the other five management structures. In addition, she is responsible for defense, foreign affairs, pensions, monetary and economic policy, and other nationwide issues.