Belgium is famous for its rich chocolate tradition. Over 220,000 tons of chocolate are produced annually, making it the world's top exporter.
The country boasts more than 1,500 varieties of beer. Each with its own distinctive glass shape and serving method.
Brussels hosts an annual flower carpet festival. It has a million colorful begonias are arranged in intricate patterns in the Grand Place.
The city of Antwerp is known as the diamond capital of the world. It is handling more than 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds.
Belgium is home to some of the world's most renowned painters, including Jan van Eyck and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Their works can be seen in Belgian museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels.
The Belgian coast has the world's widest sandy beach. It is stretching for 67 kilometers along the North Sea.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken by the majority in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and German in the eastern region near the border with Germany.
The Atomium in Brussels is an iconic building that resembles an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It was constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and has since become a symbol of modernity and progress.
The Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in 1815, took place in Belgium. The site is commemorated by the Lion's Mound monument and is a popular tourist destination.
Belgian waffles are famous worldwide for their light, crispy texture and deep grid squares. They are often enjoyed with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate, or fresh fruit.
The Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) was the first university in the world to admit female students on an equal basis with men. This progressive stance marked a significant step forward in higher education.
The Manneken Pis statue in Brussels is a beloved symbol of the city. It depicts a small boy urinating into a fountain and is often dressed in various costumes throughout the year.
Belgium has a rich tradition of comic strips and graphic novels. The character Tintin, created by Belgian artist Hergé, is one of the most famous comic book characters worldwide.
The Belgian highway system is one of the densest in the world. It includes extensive networks of roads and railways that connect major cities and regions within the country.
The Ardennes region in Belgium is known for its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Belgium hosts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of Bruges. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and canals.
Belgian fries, often served with a variety of sauces like mayonnaise or ketchup, are a beloved national dish. They are known for their crispy exterior and soft interior.
The Royal Palace of Brussels is larger than Buckingham Palace in London. It serves as the official residence of the Belgian royal family and is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture.
Belgium has a strong tradition of surrealism in art. René Magritte, one of the most famous Belgian surrealist painters, created iconic works such as "The Son of Man" and "The Treachery of Images."
The city of Ghent in Belgium has the largest car-free area in Europe. This pedestrian-friendly zone encourages walking, cycling, and public transport, contributing to a cleaner urban environment.
The Belgian coastline is relatively short, stretching only 67 kilometers along the North Sea. Despite its size, it offers sandy beaches, dunes, and seaside resorts that attract tourists and locals alike.
Belgium is known for its vibrant cultural scene and numerous festivals throughout the year. Events such as the Ghent Festival, Tomorrowland music festival, and the Brussels Summer Festival draw visitors from around the world.
The Justitiepaleis (Palace of Justice) in Brussels is one of the largest courthouses in the world. Its grandiose architecture and size reflect the importance of justice and law in Belgian society.
Belgium is famous for its tradition of lace-making, particularly in cities like Bruges and Brussels. Belgian lace is known for its intricate designs and fine craftsmanship, making it highly prized.
The Belgian city of Liège hosts one of the oldest and largest flea markets in Europe, known as the "La Batte Market." It takes place every Sunday along the Meuse River and attracts visitors seeking antiques, food, and bargains.
Belgium is home to several UNESCO-recognized belfries, iconic towers that historically served as watchtowers and symbols of civic pride. Belfries in cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Tournai are notable examples.
The city of Leuven in Belgium is known for its prestigious university, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven). Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and a center of academic excellence.
Belgium has a strong tradition of carnival celebrations, particularly in cities like Binche and Aalst. The Binche Carnival, recognized by UNESCO, features colorful parades, traditional costumes, and the famous Gilles characters.
The Belgian city of Mechelen is known for its rich heritage and well-preserved historic buildings. It boasts architectural gems such as St. Rumbold's Cathedral and the Palace of Margaret of Austria.
Belgium has a thriving fashion industry, with renowned designers like Dries Van Noten and Raf Simons gaining international recognition. Brussels Fashion Days and Antwerp Fashion Weekend are key events in the fashion calendar.
The Belgian National Day on July 21 commemorates the inauguration of the first Belgian king, Leopold I, in 1831. It is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural events across the country.
Belgium has a strong tradition of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The country has implemented initiatives to promote renewable energy, reduce waste, and protect natural habitats.
The city of Namur in Belgium is located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. It is known for its historic citadel, scenic riverfront, and vibrant cultural scene.
Belgium is home to several UNESCO-listed carnival celebrations, including the Aalst Carnival and the Binche Carnival. These colorful events feature parades, traditional costumes, and lively street performances.
The Belgian city of Ypres is known for its poignant World War I history. The Menin Gate Memorial honors soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and is the site of the daily Last Post ceremony.
Belgium has a rich culinary heritage that includes dishes like carbonade flamande (Flemish beef stew), waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew), and stoofvlees (beef stew cooked in beer). These hearty meals are often enjoyed with Belgian fries and local beers.
The city of Ostend in Belgium is known for its lively seaside promenade, sandy beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. It attracts visitors with its maritime heritage, museums, and annual events like the Theater aan Zee festival.
Belgian chocolate is renowned for its high quality and craftsmanship. Chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas have gained international acclaim for their delicious creations, which range from pralines to truffles.
Belgium has a significant history in industrial innovation, with the Bois du Cazier coal mine in Marcinelle serving as a poignant reminder of the country's industrial past and the site of a tragic mining disaster in 1956.
Belgium has a strong tradition of environmental sustainability, with initiatives like the Green Key eco-label promoting sustainable tourism practices and green accommodations.
The Belgian city of Charleroi is known for its industrial heritage and transformation into a hub for contemporary art and cultural events, including the BPS22 contemporary art museum.
Belgium has a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population, with dishes like stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables), vol-au-vent (creamy chicken stew in pastry), and waterzooi (creamy fish or chicken stew).
The Belgian city of Oostende (Ostend) is known for its maritime heritage, sandy beaches, and cultural attractions, including the Mu.ZEE art museum and the James Ensor House.
Belgium has a rich tradition of religious architecture, with cathedrals like St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels showcasing Gothic architecture and religious art.
Belgium is home to numerous nature reserves and parks, such as Hoge Kempen National Park, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting in diverse landscapes.
Belgium is home to Waterloo, where the famous Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815. The battlefield and surrounding area are preserved as a historic site and memorial.
Belgium has a strong tradition of puppetry and marionette theater, with puppet festivals and performances held in cities like Brussels and Charleville-Mézières.
Belgium has a rich tradition of folkloric giants, with cities like Ath and Mechelen hosting processions featuring towering effigies of mythical and historical figures.
The city of Mons in Belgium is home to the Mons Memorial Museum, which commemorates the city's role in World War I and II through exhibits and artifacts.
Belgium is known for its gastronomic heritage, with culinary specialties like speculoos (spiced biscuits), cuberdons (cone-shaped candies), and jenever (Belgian gin).
Belgium is home to the Ghent Floralies, one of the largest flower shows in Europe, held every five years in Ghent's Flanders Expo.
Belgium has a strong tradition of jazz music, with festivals like the Brussels Jazz Festival attracting musicians and enthusiasts from around the world.
Belgium is known for its extensive network of cycling routes, including the famous Tour of Flanders route, which attracts cyclists from around the world.
The city of Bruges in Belgium is home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a venerated relic believed to contain a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ.