Spotlight: Belgium

Spotlight: Belgium

Posted on 21 July, 2014

Happy National Day, Belgium! On this day in 1831, Leopold I became the first monarch of Belgium (which had just gained its independence from the Netherlands the previous year). Today, Belgium is one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe, and, despite its Dutch and French influences, still manages to forge an identity that is resolutely its own. Divided into two ethnic sections–Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south–this nation has so much to offer visitors, from its majestic buildings and countless museums to its charming canals and mouthwatering cuisine.

Fast Facts

Population: 10,449,361
Capital: Brussels
Major Cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges
Official Languages: Dutch (60%), French (40%), German (less than 1%)
Motto: “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Strength through Unity”)

Fun Facts

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also of the European Union (as well as being the headquarters of NATO)
The capital’s unofficial mascot, the Manneken Pis (a statue of a little boy peeing), is dressed up in various costumes to mark special events
A Belgian–Adolphe Sax–invented the saxophone in 1846
The first printed newspaper was published here in 1605
Belgium produces the highest number of comic books in the world (even more than Japan!)
Brussels sprouts are said to have been first grown in what’s now modern Belgium

Where to Visit

Belgium’s capital city of just over 1 million, Brussels has it all: grand buildings, plenty of museums, lively streets, and decadent waffles
Arguably the coolest city in Belgium, Antwerp has a vibrant nightlife, dynamic fashion scene, and compact city centre perfect for exploring
The small, historic city of Bruges has peaceful canals, charming old buildings, and an abundance of chocolate shops and lace boutiques
A favourite destination of Belgians themselves, the un-touristy Ghent is an energetic university city filled with museums and historic sites
Situated along the Meuse River, Liège is often an overlooked destination, but it’s worth a visit for its great museums
Visitors have been travelling to the town of Spa since the 14th century to soak in its legendary hot spring waters
The capital of Belgium’s French-speaking region, Namur is a fortified town with upmarket shopping and fantastic food and the perfect base to explore the forests and hills of the Ardennes region
Nestled between stone cliffs and the River Meuse, the small town of Dinant has plenty of historic sites in a beautiful setting
For those interested in wartime history, visiting the towns of Bastogne and Ypres is a memorable experience