Belgium
The Kingdom of Belgium is located in Western Europe. The capital is Brussels. The country covers an area of more than 30.5 thousand square kilometers. You can cross it in just a few hours. But it has a lot of attractions. Public transport operates strictly on schedule. Buses and trains run between the cities. Approximately 12 million people live in Belgium. Three official languages have been approved at once ‒ Dutch, German and French, and the monetary currency is the euro. Castles and historical monuments have been located on the territory of the state since the Middle Ages. Belgium is proud of its high-quality chocolate and freshly brewed beer. There are many comfortable beaches here. It is also the birthplace of diamonds. Ostend Resort is famous for its spa facilities.
Brussels is called the unofficial capital of the European Union. It is one of the most multicultural European cities. Antwerp is recognized as the second largest city in the country. There is a huge Gothic cathedral here. Researchers believe that the painter Peter Paul Rubens created his masterpieces here.
Bruges is one of the richest medieval cities. It is popularly called the Venice of the north. There are many canals in this place, and there is a romantic atmosphere. A great place to spend your honeymoon, find inspiration or relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also worth visiting Leuven, a historic city with a Catholic University, famous all over the world. St. Peter's Church is located in the city center. There are many works of art and precious metal products in the ancient temple. Liege has the status of the cultural center of Wallonia. Medieval architecture is intertwined with modernity in this multifaceted city. Eclecticism looks aesthetically pleasing and attracts attention.
In general, Belgium can be called a safe country. Increased vigilance should be exercised in some areas of Brussels and the port of Antwerp. The best time to visit is from April to September. It would be a good idea to spend the Christmas holidays here.
History
The Belgi Celtic tribe was the first to settle in the country. The state was named after them. In the 1st century BC, it was conquered by the Romans and incorporated into Gaul. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the lands were conquered by the Franks. Most of the territory belonged to Burgundy. In the 15th century, it became part of the Holy Roman Empire, then subordinated to Spain, and then France and the Netherlands. This had an impact on the further development of the country. According to statistics in Brussels, 80% speak French, and the remaining 20% speak Dutch. The Walloon region has been compared to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, because the spirit of the Middle Ages is felt here. And the inhabitants of Wallonia are famous for knowing a huge number of different legends and myths.
In 1830, after the revolution, Belgium was declared an independent state. This date is still celebrated with pride in the country. Then it became known as the Belgian Kingdom. A year later, a constitutional monarchy was adopted. In the 19th century, Belgium basically did not enter into wars and remained neutral. At that time, the state was engaged in the development of the industrial and economic complex. But during the First World War, the country turned into an arena for military operations. Poison gas was used in Ypres, and the city was destroyed. During the Second World War, the state was occupied by German troops.
In the post-war years, the country managed to recover. And today it is one of the most developed in Europe and the world. Its advantage lies primarily in political and economic stability. The textile and metallurgical industries are flourishing in it. Agriculture is well developed, thanks to which Belgium exports about 40% of its products. Mechanical engineering has been actively developing since the 20th century. In addition, diamond processing is profitable.
All this combined has allowed Belgium to become an open country, and it is not difficult to obtain citizenship of this country. Currently, about 15% of the state's residents are immigrants. The largest communities are Portuguese and Italian.
Climate
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, typical of many Western European countries. The summer is cool, and it rains a lot. Heat is rare. Winter is mild, but it also rains at this time of year, so many people take umbrellas with them when leaving home. The temperature is kept at +2 °C.
Heavy precipitation is associated with the wind that blows from the sea. The temperature rarely drops below zero. But despite the positive air temperature, the weather is wet and windy. Skiing is possible in the Ardennes, which is in high Belgium, because snow falls in small amounts and not as often as in other countries. Almost never in flat areas. The heat remains from April to September.
The most popular month to visit Belgium is July. During this period, the average temperature ranges from +14°C to +18 °C. Even in the hottest weather, the temperature does not rise above 30 ° C, and the heat is easy to bear. The weather is cloudy and rarely changes. Many people are watching the weather forecast.
Nature and Wildlife
The nature of Belgium is beautiful, although not very diverse. The country consists of 3 natural areas of the coastal lowlands, the central Plateau and the Ardennes. Botrange Mountain is recognized as the highest point. The altitude above sea level is almost 700 meters.
Belgium used to consist almost entirely of broad-leaved forests. Oak, chestnut, and juniper trees grew in large numbers. But the trees were not treated as valuable, and eventually the forests were cut down. They were preserved in the Ardennes. In other areas, artificial plantings, consisting of forest belts and gardens, predominate. To strengthen the coastal dunes, the Belgians plant pine and fir. At the moment, if we take into account forest plantations, 20% of the Kingdom of Belgium is covered with forests. The country continues to plant trees and carefully ensures that forests are no longer cut down. The lowland part of the state is dominated by dark green meadows. There are trout in the rivers. It is caught for its own consumption and for export to nearby countries.
Swamps with characteristic vegetation are also found on the plateau in the foothills of the Ardennes. The fauna of the indigenous forests managed to survive only in the Ardennes. In this place, the animal world is represented by foxes, badgers, deer, roe deer, wild boars. The country is home to hares, forest mice and squirrels, partridges, pheasants and ducks fly. Of all the birds, pheasants are the most common. Hunting both animals and birds is strictly permitted under a license, if not, it is punishable by law. There are no exceptions.
The Zvin Nature Reserve is located on the coast of the North Sea near the Netherlands. It occupies almost 150 hectares. Storks were brought here. The complex has a garden with tropical butterflies. The pride of Belgium is the Solar Park. The Belgians call it a tropical town. Exotic fish swim here, and parrots live here. The largest protected area is considered to be the Haut-Fan Park, which occupies 55 thousand hectares. Dense thickets of oak and spruce are under state protection. The reserve is home to deer, roe deer, wild boars and songbirds.
Cuisine
The standards of French, Dutch, and German dishes can be found in the Belgian national cuisine. The meal turns into a gastronomic adventure. The menu in restaurants is the most diverse in all of Europe. It is served in several languages. Among the main ingredients are vegetables, meat, seafood. All products are grown in the country.
Popular first courses are mashed soups and fish soups. For the second course, you can try French fries with meatballs in tomato sauce. The Belgians are sure that it is their country that has become the birthplace of French fries. Many establishments serve Flemish carbonade and rabbit in beer. The desserts are delicious. Locals recommend trying Liege waffles and Belgian chocolate. They sell more chocolate at the airport than in the whole country. It is the hallmark of the state. In addition, Belgium is famous for its rich brewing traditions. Beer is considered one of the highest quality, and the country competes with Germany in this area. Cherry and raspberry juices, honey, and even rice are added to some varieties according to old recipes.
The most popular restaurants where you can have a delicious meal are Dinner In The Sky, where the meal takes place at an altitude of 45 meters above the ground, Bon Bon, decorated with 2 Michelin stars, Comme Chez Soi, a restaurant built in the Art Nouveau style. In almost all public institutions, you can pay with a bank card, so you don't have to have cash with you. Tips are included in the bill. As a rule, they do not exceed 15% of the order amount.
Tips for Tourists
In Belgium, drivers like to drive at high speed, so you need to carefully cross the road. You definitely need to look around. Belgians love flowers, but if you come to visit with carnations, the owners of the house will not show cordiality. In the country, carnations are funeral flowers. And you should never give 13 buds, it will be a symbol of unhappiness. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a gift, you can buy sweets and wine. Friendship can begin with this display of attention.
The locals believe in equality. And if one of the interlocutors condemns someone, he will be perceived as an uneducated person. No one will communicate with such a person. It is necessary to carefully choose topics for jokes. At the same time, the Belgians like to complain. Advising and trying to help solve the problem is not worth it. It's just a habit ingrained in the mentality. In order not to stand out, you can share any of your indignation. For example, the weather or a song on the radio ruined the mood, the store didn't have the right product, and so on. This is how small talk is maintained.
Housing Rental
There is right-hand traffic in Belgium. The state has very good roads, some of the best in the world. But Belgian drivers are not particularly attentive or polite. It's not customary to pass each other around corners here.
Cities are located close to each other, you can rent a car and travel around the country without adjusting to the schedule of public transport. Rental offices operate at the airport and in large cities. Among the popular carsharing companies are Hertz, Avis, and Eurocar.
To rent a car, you need to have a passport, a driver's license, and a bank card with an international payment system. The deposit is up to 1,000 euros. There is a wide range of cars, ranging from budget brands to luxury models. Almost all highways are free, with the exception of passage through the tunnel under the Scheldt. There are security cameras on the road sections, and compliance with traffic rules is monitored in the country. Fines are heavy, and malicious violators are deprived of their driver's licenses.
Visa
To cross the border into Belgium, you need to obtain a visa and apply for medical insurance. The customs regulations do not set limits on the imported and exported currency. But if the amount exceeds 10,000 euros, the funds must be declared. It is impossible to hide them.
It is forbidden to import canned meat, plant seeds, honey, chocolates, fruits, vegetables, any porn products and all types of narcotic substances. You can take 10 packs of cigarettes, 1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of wine, 500 grams of coffee and 100 grams of tea on a trip. Jewelry weighing more than half a kilogram is not subject to mandatory declaration. If you travel to Belgium with your pets, they must be vaccinated and have a vaccination certificate issued 10 days before the trip. Otherwise, entry to the country's border will be prohibited. It is forbidden to litter on the territory of customs control, it will be assessed as a sign of disrespect. Belgium likes cleanliness and maintains order.
Holidays
There are 12 national holidays in Belgium. These include New Year's Eve, Easter, All Saints' Day, and Belgian Independence Day. A day off is announced during their celebration, but police officers and medical staff are always working in hospitals.
There are many non-governmental holiday events. Mother's and Father's Days, Halloween, and Valentine's Day are widely celebrated. Festivals occupy a special place in the cultural program. This is a great way to relax and have an interesting time, feel the festive atmosphere of Belgium. The most spectacular events begin in winter, spring and summer.
Belgium Day, celebrated on July 21, is considered to be the key annual holiday. A parade is taking place in Brussels and other cities. Musicians perform at folk festivals. Some museums are canceling the entrance fee so that everyone can learn about the history of the country.
The Binsha Carnival is recognized as the most popular folk festival. This is a major European festival with a length of 3 days. It is celebrated before Lent. A diverse cultural program is being prepared. It consists of a demonstration of performances and a procession. On the second holiday, the Belgians dance together. On the final day of the festival, the carnival show participants dress up in costumes with wax masks, and then head towards the administration, scattering oranges along the way. There is a belief that if you catch an orange, the year will be happy.
Events in Belgium start on time. It is not customary to be late for informal meetings. The maximum delay is 5 minutes.