Guide to Belgium

Belgium is a small country. Its surface is only 11,730 square miles (30,518 square kilometres) with a population of 10.2 million. Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy since 1830. English is widely spoken but there are three languages Dutch, French and German.

There are three regions (Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia) which have self-government in many areas. Many people will have heard of Wallonia but few of them know where exactly it is. Just like the regions of Transylvania or Bohemia, Wallonia is often believed to have been lost in the past. Wallonia is the southern French-speaking half part of Belgium, in contrast to Flanders in the north where they speak Flemish. Belgium has 4 distinct linguistic areas - Flanders, Wallonia, the two German speaking cantons between Wallonia and Germany, and the officially bilingual area including the capital city of Brussels.

There's something about Belgium. Maybe it's the friendly natives, or it's the incredible architecture. Its old-world fascination remains in the preservation of its ancient buildings and historical heritage. And last but not least it's the cuisine found in the local restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Carefree and energetic, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, after we have seen the country all of us want to live as Belgians and enjoy life.

Nestling between France, Luxembourg, Germany and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium has all the best that Europe can offer in an area no bigger than Maryland. Stretching from the picturesque Ardennes region in the south to the cold North Sea coastline in the North, it is crisscrossed extensively by a network of canals. In one day you can take a cruise down a canal in Bruges, or hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, even enjoy waffles on the beach in Oostende. We recommend you to visit the festival in Binche, the castle in Namur, or you can discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege. The museum in Brussels is waiting for the most curious of you. A dense train network makes the navigation comfortable and simple for travelers in Belgium.

Brussels is capital of Belgium and capital of Europe too. Brussels has been given its character by the mixture of Flemish and French culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world that gives Brussels the cosmopolitan flavour to its image. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is strengthening by medieval streets, beautiful boulevard, lively squares, cosy cafés, impressive monuments, spacious parks, interesting restaurants and an active cultural life.The name Brussels is derived from the word Bruocsella that means 'of the marsh'. Long time ago Brussels was surrounded by an extensive marshland.

The heart of the capital and the place to start your tour through the city is the historic market square Grand'Place (Grote Markt) - considered to be one of the most exceptional city squares in Europe with its splendid houses and the Gothic beauty of the Town Hall. At the Market Place, opposite the Town Hall, was built another of the historical treasures of Brussels. The fantastic neo-gothic building with its many statues is the "Maison du Roi" (called "Broodhuis" in Dutch). It now harbours the historical City Museum. The Sablon is one of the most attractive areas in this town. Today it is the center of art galleries and antiques shops. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is called "the national Basilica of Belgium". It was built for the 75th anniversary of the independence of the country.

Antwerp, daughter of the River Scheldt with about 500.000 inhabitants, is the second largest city in Belgium. This city has so many different faces that it takes time before to know it. It is the second largest harbor of the continent (after Rotterdam). Moreover, Antwerp is a splendid city with endless architectural monuments. Antwerp is Belgium's fashion capital. Most famous are "The Antwerp Six", related to six designers all graduated from the Academy in the early 80s.