Country Details
| Land Area |
30,230 sq km |
Population |
10241506 |
| Capital City |
Brussels |
People |
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11% |
| Language |
Flemish (57%), French (33%) English widely Spoken |
Religion |
Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25% |
| Government Type |
federal parliamentary democracy under a constituti |
Life Expectancy |
77.96 years |
| HIV/AIDS Rate |
0.15% (1999 est.) |
GNP per Capita |
$25,300 |
| Currency |
Belgian franc (BEF); euro (EUR)
note: on 1 Janu |
Major Exports |
machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, meta |
| National Holiday |
Independence Day, 21 July (1831) |
Dialing Code |
32 |
| Electricity |
220v 50Hz |
Malaria Risk |
|
| Water Quality |
Safe |
Inoculations |
|
| Crime |
Standard precautions |
Driving License |
National Licences |
| Photography |
|
Entry Regs |
Passport |
| Time Zone |
GMT+1 |
|
|
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
