Belgium is a small country in the north – west of Europe. It borders with France, Germany and Netherlands. Its current borders were established in 1919 after the First World War. Today Belgium is a highly developed industrial country with a prosperous economy. Belgium also is an important piece of European politics.

Today I will present you some interesting facts about Belgium. Those spicy things that you need to know about this wonderful country.

• With almost one million people, the capital of Belgium, Brussels, is the economic and the governmental center of the country. Brussels is also the administrative seat of the European Union. Brussels is called the capital of Europe. This is the city where you cannot get bored. The Atomium is the second monument of Brussels, after the Grand Place. The City Hall is an imposing building in Gothic style which attracts more and more visitors, to lovers of architecture. Brussels is in the middle of the country and it is the right city for shopping lovers. The capital of Belgium has an important part designed for cyclists. A city full of energy, Brussels is also called “the heart of Europe”.

• Villages represents a large part of Belgium. Farmers produce cereals, fruits, vegetables, sugar beets and they raise cows, sheep and horses. Belgium has few natural resources and 60 percent of the energy is from nuclear power.

• Belgium is the country with three languages: Dutch, French and German. In this country, all signs are in these three languages. In the south of Belgium, the people speak Waloon – a French dialect. In the north, people are using Dutch or Flemings, and a small community in the east, speaks German.

• Belgium is one of the world’s largest exporters of chocolate. The Belgian Chocolate is the best. Brussels is the champion of chocolate. Brands like Leonidas or Godiva was created here. The chocolatier, Jean Neuhaus, the one who invented the pralines, was from Brussels. Brussels celebrates every year the festival of chocolate or “Chocolate Week.” On this occasion, the visitors test the chocolate and visit the chocolate workshops.

• Gambrinus Bar serves over 400 kinds of beer. For Belgians, the beer means fun. Other favorite drinks are genevere and advocaat.

• Belgium has many successful sports. Cycling is a very popular sport in Belgium. The legendary Eddy Merkx is probably the greatest cyclist in the world.

• French fries are the national dish of Belgium. The Belgians are the true inventors of fries.

• The city story of Belgium is Bruges. This city is also called “ The Venice of the North”.

Belgium is also famous for :

- For producing billiard balls;

- For the Manekken Pis statue;

- For producing diamonds (Antwerp is the city of diamonds and the biggest city of Flanders);

- For the best European traffic.

Belgium is one of the most beautiful European countries. With dream places, beautiful stories and sweet chocolate, Belgium is a must see.