| |
 About Belgium |
| |
Well-known for its chocolate and waffles, Belgium is considered the gateway to Europe. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is also the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In 1994 a revised constitution made Belgium a federal state, giving political representation to its Dutch, French, and German cultures.
The region of Belgium has been almost continuously occupied by foreign powers, including the Romans, Spanish, Austrians, French, Dutch and Germans. Before the 16th century, and for a few years after the defeat of Napoleon, Belgium and the Netherlands were united, forming the "Low Countries." In 1830, Belgium gained its independence as a separate kingdom from the Netherlands.
Historically, the region of Belgium has been one of the richest and most developed in the world. Art and architecture in cities such as Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp are representative of the wealth acquired during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In the half century before World War I, Belgium was in absolute terms the fourth economic power in the world. This wealth was not due to natural resources, but rather to industrial production and trade, facilitated by Belgium's central position in Western Europe, and by its many land and waterways. |
| |
Location |
| |
Located in northwestern Europe, Belgium borders the Netherlands and the North Sea in the north, Germany and Luxembourg in the east, and France in the south and southwest. Two main rivers, the Meuse and the Schelde, are important commercial arteries. A small country, Belgium is generally flat except for the hilly and forested Ardennes region in the southeast. |
| |
Population |
| |
The population of Belgium is over 10,000,000. Belgians tend to be reserved when they initially meet people, but reveal their warmth and friendliness as they get to know someone better. Belgians place a high value on privacy and personal freedom.
Belgium is one of the most densely populated nations in Europe, and is comprised of two cultural regions, generally called Flanders and Wallonia. The population is 55% Flemish, 33% Walloons, and about 10% foreigners. About three quarters of the people are Roman Catholic. The remainder is largely Protestant, with Islamic and Jewish minorities in the cities. |
| |
Language |
| |
Several languages are spoken in Belgium. These are mainly Flemish (officially the same as Dutch), spoken in Flanders in the North, and French and Walloon (a French dialect) spoken in Wallonia in the South. German and Dutch are spoken in the border areas. Brussels is an officially bilingual city, though French dominates. In addition, English is widely spoken. |
| |
Education |
| |
There are two main school systems in Belgium: the state-owned schools, and the state-free schools that are Catholic-oriented and government-subsidised.
Free schooling is provided for children from the age of 2 ½. Compulsory schooling starts at age 6 with primary school, where second language (French or Dutch depending on the location of the school) instruction begins at the age of eight or earlier. There are also many private schools that serve various international communities, mainly around the larger cities.
Secondary school students choose the direction they wish to follow depending on their skills and interests. The schools are divided into four general types, with each type consisting of a set of different directions that may vary from school to school. The general types are:
- General Secondary Education: Most subjects are general and theoretical, and form the basis for higher education. After completing all six years, students are expected to continue onto university studies.
- Technical Secondary Education: Also a six year program, here subjects are more technical and practical. Upon completion of this type, students are generally considered ready for employment in their speciality. However, they may choose to continue their studies in order to obtain a more theoretical background.
- Job Education: This type is very practical and job specific. It lasts six years plus a seventh year of specialization.
- Art Education: A lesser-known type where mostly artistic subjects are offered.
After secondary school students may continue for higher education or university. Unlike primary and secondary school, these levels are not free, but students may receive government subsidies. Since the adoption of the Bologna process in most European countries, the higher education system in Belgium follows the Bachelor/Master system.
There are universities in Brussels, Ghent, Liège, Louvain, Mons, and Antwerp. The country also has numerous colleges, and schools of music, architecture, and art. |
| |
Weather |
| |
Belgium’s weather is generally moderate, neither too hot in summer or too cold in winter. Mild rainfall is consistent throughout the year. Summer temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C). Winters are mostly overcast, with temperatures around 28 F (-2 C), except for the coast where temperatures are slightly higher. |
| |
Money and Cost of Living |
| |
Belgium has one of the highest standards of living in Europe, and is a very expensive country in which to live. Because it is the headquarters of the European Union, NATO, and hundreds of international corporations, the demands for goods and services, and for housing and transportation are extremely high. |
| |
Currency |
| |
The currency is the euro, €. Euro notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euro denominations. |
| |
Health |
| |
Health care in Belgium is excellent. Many English-speaking doctors, dentists and technicians are available. Many hospital attending physicians have completed part of their training in Great Britain or the United States. Belgian medical school graduates who take the qualifying exam in the United States do extremely well, and many local professors of medicine are certified by the Foreign Medical School Graduate Exam of the United States.
As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Belgium provides, in most cases, free or reduced-cost medical treatment upon production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card is good for access to state-provided medical treatment, but does not entitle medical repatriation costs, or cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which will no longer be valid after December 31 2005. Certain charges can be claimed back for 75% reimbursement on provision of receipts. Ambulance transport is not covered.
Rabies is present in a small number of animals. |
| |
Weights and Measures |
| |
Belgium uses the metric system, with units in grams and kilograms, milliliters, and liters. |
| |
Electricity |
| |
Electricity is 230 volts and 50 Hz.. Plugs are the E type, round with two pins. |
 Back to top
|
|
Get a Moving Quote 
