Belgium is a very small state in Western Europe. What language do its inhabitants speak? What is the state of Belgium? From this article we learn about this country, as well as its features.
Belgium: government, government
The name of the country comes from one Celtic tribe - the Belgians. The state gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830, but it was recognized only in 1839. Since then, the independent state of Belgium has been on the political map of the world. The country's form of government is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. This means that the monarch has limited powers, for the most part he plays the role of a symbol and representative of the state, and not the role of ruler.
The name of the king of the state of Belgium, whose form of government is the monarchy, is Philippe Leopold Louis Maria (since 2013). The prime minister's name is Charles Michel. The king appoints the government, and the head of the party that won the election becomes prime minister. The administrative-territorial structure of Belgium is federal.
Belgium is a member of the European Union, NATO and the UN. The political center of Belgium is its capital Brussels. Here are the headquarters of some influential organizations, such as NATO, the European Commission, EFTA.
Population and language
In Belgium, there are about eleven million people, most of whom are city dwellers. The country has one of the highest population densities among other European states.
Two large ethnic groups prevail here: Flemings and Walloons. Flemings make up about 60% of the population and live mainly in the northern provinces. In the southern provinces live Walloons, of which about 40%. They are spoken French and Dutch. These languages are state.
The Germans make up the largest group of national minorities. German in Belgium is also official. English is widely used as a spoken word. In some regions, they speak Lorraine, Walloon, Luxembourgish and champagne.
Many immigrants from Italy, Morocco, DR Congo, Turkey and other countries live in the country.
Belgium cuisine
Belgian cuisine has incorporated the features of Latin and German culinary. It is highly regarded in upscale restaurants. As you may recall, one of the talents of the famous literary character in the detective novels of Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot was just culinary.
Fried mussels and grilled meat with salad are national dishes. Popular Belgian dishes include waffles and chips. The Belgians think that the world owes them for the invention of french fries, their experts in this field are in almost all cities of Belgium.
The Kingdom of Belgium is also famous for its chocolate and beer. This country is the founder of pralines. The most famous chocolate brands are Godiva, Leonidas, Neuhaus, Côte d'Or, Guylian. Beer is produced here about five hundred different brands, many of which are more than 500 years old. In addition to the usual varieties, you can try peach, apple, chocolate, etc. In Brussels, there is the headquarters and museum of the Confederation of Belgian Brewers. The confederation was founded more than 300 years ago.
Tourism and culture
Belgium ranks 21st in tourism competitiveness. About seven million people visit it annually, most of them come from neighboring countries.
Fans of architecture visit Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges. Here are well preserved examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, built in the style of Art Nouveau. The most famous architect whose work can be seen in Belgium is Victor Horta.
Many visit the state for the sake of painting. Flemish painting was especially famous during the Renaissance. In this country, artists of different styles and trends worked: romanticism, surrealism, symbolism, expressionism. Rubens lived in Antwerp. James Ersons, Constant Permeke, Rene Magritte were born and worked in these parts.
The Kingdom of Belgium is often visited to purchase diamonds and jewelry.
To visit this country, you need to get a Schengen visa. The Belgian Embassy in Moscow is located on Schipok Street, 11, p. 1, near the metro stations Serpukhovskaya, Dobryninskaya or Paveletskaya.
Interesting facts about the country
- The name Brussels is translated as “a city in a swamp” from a medieval version of the Dutch language.
- There were fewer battles in all of Europe than in Belgium.
- Upon reaching adulthood, all citizens of the Kingdom of Belgium are required to vote.
- This country has a very high standard of living, so there is practically no emigration.
- Belgium is second only to Canada in the number of citizenship granted.
- We owe the invention of the saxophone to Belgium and Adolf Sax.
- Forced marriage is unacceptable here and is punishable by law.
- In 1605, the world's first newspapers were printed in Antwerp.
- Many dog breeds come from here. For example, Malinois, Tervuren, Griffon.
- Fans of the unusual will especially like the hotel located in Belgium in the shape of a human intestine.
- The third place in the world after the Netherlands and Japan in terms of the number of cars is Belgium.
Conclusion
Amazing Belgium, the form of government of which is named above, is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is called the birthplace of chocolate and lace, waffles and saxophone were invented here, and the headquarters of world-famous organizations are located in the capital.