The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with a short coastline on the North Sea. The coastal plain consists mainly of sand dunes and polders. Further inland lies smooth, slowly rising landscape irrigated by numerous waterways, with fertile valleys and the northeastern sandy plain of the Campine (Kempen). The heavily forested hills and plateaus of the Ardennes are more rugged and rocky with caves and small gorges, and offer much of Belgium's wildlife but little agricultural capability. The climate is maritime temperate, with significant precipitation in all seasons. Belgium is historically divided by the Flemish, the Dutch speaking community in the north and the Walloons, the French speaking population in the south.
The constitution has undergone many amendments by its Constitutional Popular Monarchy and the Parliamentary Democracy to avoid any further tension. Belgium is also a founding member of the European Union, which hosts its headquarters in Brussels. One can also visit other important political institutions like NATO, the European Commission, the European Council, and the sessions of the Parliament and part of the Administration take place there as well.
There is a collection of fine chocolates, delectable waffles, assortment of beers, glitzy diamonds, and many other assets that describe and make up Belgium. While this European country is known for its numerous exported goods, Belgium is also recognized for its open-minded and foreigner friendly attitude. Visiting the various Carnivals in Belgium is a must, to experience its culture. One should also have an umbrella alongside, as it rains considerably throughout the year, but that should not keep anybody from taking a tour on a bicycle or admire the fine architecture in its environmental friendly and densely urbanized cities.
Quick Facts
Population: 10,438,353
Capital: Brussels
Per-capita GDP: $ 38200
Size: 30,528 km2
Time Zone: (GMT + 01:00 hour) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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