π§πͺ Belgium
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. The country is divided into two main regions: Flanders in the north, where the official language is Dutch, and Wallonia in the south, where the official language is French. The capital of Belgium is Brussels, which is located in the central part of the country and is considered the de facto capital of the European Union.
Belgium has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era. During the Middle Ages, the country was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and in the 16th century it became a center of the textile industry and trade. In 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands and become a constitutional monarchy.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belgium experienced a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth. During World War II, the country was occupied by Nazi Germany, but it was liberated by the Allies in 1944. After the war, Belgium became a founding member of the European Union and NATO.
Today, Belgium is known for its art, chocolate, beer, and its medieval cities such as Bruges and Ghent. The country also has a strong economy, advanced transportation and communications infrastructure, and it is home to a diverse population of many different nationalities and cultures.
Belgium Popular Food
#Moules-frites #Waterzooi #Stoemp #Carbonnade Flamande #Belgian Waffles #Belgian Chocolate #Belgian Beer
Belgium Travel Taboo
Belgium is a relatively open and liberal country, and there are not many things that are considered taboo when it comes to travel there. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Drug use: Although the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use is decriminalized, the possession and use of most drugs is still illegal. It is also illegal to use any drug, including marijuana, in public.
- Prostitution: Prostitution is legal in Belgium, but it is regulated and there are strict rules in place. Visitors should be aware that sex workers are not allowed to solicit customers on the street, and that brothels and red-light districts are only found in certain areas.
- Tolerance and Respect: Visitors should always be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as religion.
- Political issues: Belgium is a federal state composed of different linguistic communities, visitors should be aware of the different cultures and traditions of each area, and be careful with making any statements or gestures that may cause offense.
- Bike Culture: Similarly to Netherlands, biking is a popular way of transportation in Belgium, especially in cities like Brussels or Ghent, and visitors should be aware of bike lanes and respect the traffic rules for cyclists.
- Overall, Belgium is a welcoming country for tourists, and visitors should use common sense and be mindful of local laws and customs. As a general rule, it's always a good idea to be aware of and respectful of local customs and traditions when traveling, and to treat others as you would like to be treated.
Belgium Local Food
Belgium is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there are many traditional Belgian dishes that are worth trying. Some popular local dishes include:
- Moules-frites: This is a traditional dish of mussels steamed in white wine, shallots, garlic and parsley, usually served with fries.
- Waterzooi: A traditional Belgian stew made from fish or chicken, it usually contains potatoes, carrots, leeks, celery and cream.
- Stoemp: A traditional Belgian dish that is a mashed potatoes with other vegetables such as carrots, onion, and kale.
- Carbonnade Flamande: A Belgian stew made from beef, onions and beer, it is usually served with fries or bread.
- Belgian Waffles: Belgium is famous for its waffles, they are thicker and denser than the American waffles, they can be enjoyed as a dessert or breakfast, and they are often topped with powdered sugar, fruits, whipped cream or chocolate.
- Belgian Chocolate: Belgium is known for its high-quality chocolate, it is available in various forms, from pralines and truffles to bars and slabs, and can be found at chocolate shops all over the country, some famous chocolate brands are Godiva, Neuhaus and Guylian.
- Belgian Beer: The country is also famous for its beer culture, it has a wide variety of beer styles, from fruity lambics to malty abbeys, visitors can find them in bars and taverns all over the country, some well-known Belgian beer brands are Leffe, Hoegaarden, and Duvel.
Belgium Festiaval
Belgium has a rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some popular festivals include:
- Belgian Beer Weekend : Held every September, in the Grand Place, Brussels, the Belgian Beer Weekend is a festival that celebrates the country's famous beer culture. Visitors can sample many different types of Belgian beer, and enjoy live music and traditional Belgian food.
- Bruges Beer Festival: This festival is held in January in the city of Bruges, featuring more than 200 beers from around the world, visitors can sample different beer, attend talks and lectures, and enjoy live music.
- Gentse Feesten: The Gentse Feesten, or Ghent Festivities, is a ten-day cultural festival that takes place every July in the city of Ghent. It features a wide variety of events, including music, theater, dance, and comedy, as well as traditional Belgian food and drink.
- Brussels Summer Festival: This festival is held in August in the capital city of Brussels, featuring a range of live music, comedy and theater performances.
- The Brussels Flower Carpet: This is an event that takes place every two years in August in the Grand Place, Brussels, it features a giant flower carpet made of begonias, it's a beautiful sight and a must-see for visitors.
- Carnival of Binche: This is an annual event that takes place every February, in the city of Binche. It is considered as one of the most important carnivals in Europe, featuring colorful parades and costumes, music, and traditional celebrations.
- Overall, Belgium has a wide variety of festivals and events for all tastes, there is always something happening throughout the year, visitors can find something that interests them and experience the local culture.
Belgium History
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, with a history that spans many centuries. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been ruled by various different groups over the centuries.
- In the Roman era, the region that is now Belgium was known as "Gallia Belgica", and it became an important center of Roman civilization. During the Middle Ages, the country was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and it was ruled by a series of dukes and counts. In the late 14th century, the Burgundian dukes established a powerful duchy in the region.
- In the 16th century, the Southern Netherlands, present-day Belgium, came under the control of the Habsburgs and remained so until the late 18th century, at this time the country experienced a period of economic growth, but it was also the stage for religious and political conflicts between Catholic and Protestant, Flemish and Walloons.
- In 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and become a constitutional monarchy. The country experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth in the 19th century, which led to an increase in the standard of living and a growth in population.
- During World War I, Belgium was occupied by German forces. After the war, the country was granted a mandate to govern the former German colony of Rwanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda and Burundi, by the League of Nations. During World War II, Belgium was occupied by Nazi Germany, but it was liberated by the Allies in 1944.
- After the war, Belgium became a founding member of NATO and the European Union. Today, Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy with a developed economy and a diverse population, it's composed of three linguistic communities; Dutch, French, and German.