Belgique

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a small, developed country in Western Europe. Brussels, the capital, hosts major European Union institutions. The country is a federal constitutional monarchy with a multi-party system. It is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual.

Belgium is bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with a short North Sea coastline. The terrain includes coastal plains, the Ardennes uplands in the southeast, and major river valleys such as the Scheldt and Meuse.

Belgium became independent in 1830 after separating from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a constitutional monarchy with a king as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. Since the late 20th century, it has been a federal state with powers shared among regions and linguistic communities.

Belgium has a highly developed economy focused on services, industry, and trade. It is known for advanced manufacturing, chemicals, logistics, and finance. The Port of Antwerp is one of Europe’s largest ports, and Brussels hosts many European institutions, supporting a service-oriented economy.

Belgian culture reflects its linguistic communities, with distinct traditions in Flemish and Walloon regions, and a renowned culinary scene featuring chocolate, beer, and waffles. The country also has a rich artistic heritage and several UNESCO World Heritage sites.