Belgium

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 10,392,226 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Belgian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Belgian

Official Language(s): Dutch, French, German

Major Languages Spoken: Albanian, Dutch, French, German, Vlaams, Yiddish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Kingdom of Belgium

Country Name (short form): Belgium

Country Name (local long form): Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

Country Name (local short form): Belgique/Belgie

Name of Capital: Brussels

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Belgium: Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Germany

Land Area: 30278 sq km

Water Area: 250 sq km

Comparative Area: about the size of Maryland

Total Land Boundry: 1,385 km

Coastline: 66.5 km

National Holiday: 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I

International Phone Code: 32

Currency Code: euro (EUR)

Internet Country Code: .be

US Embassy Location: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels

US Embassy Mailing Address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710