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Belgium makes a perfect introduction to Europe. It's especially good for first-timers who might be overwhelmed by all there is to see in larger European countries. Though there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors happily occupied for a couple of weeks, Belgium's size is quite manageable, and getting around is easy. In fact, Brussels could be used as a base for exploring the entire country, though some local flavor would be missed. The people are friendly and helpful—even to visitors who speak only English.

For many people, thoughts of Belgium often involve chocolate: sipping oh-so-rich hot chocolate at sidewalk cafes; strolling down cobbled streets with a chocolate ice-cream cone in hand; buying a gaufre (waffle) slathered with melted chocolate sauce from a street vendor; stepping into a favorite chocolatier. Others think of the country's first-rate museums filled with the work of Flemish masters. But our favorite aspect of Belgian life is what we consider some of the best food and drink on the continent.

Geography

Belgium is a relatively small country with two culturally distinct halves. The northern part of Belgium, known as Flanders, speaks mostly Flemish (a Dutch dialect). Wallonia, the southern half, has French as its common language. Eastern Wallonia is also home to a minority of German-speaking Belgians. Brussels, a region on its own, sits just slightly north of center and is considered bilingual, with 85% of its population speaking French.

Belgium is sandwiched between France to the west and the Netherlands and Germany to the east. Luxembourg lies to the south, and the English Channel is to the north. The northern half of the country is flat and predominantly agricultural, and the south is noted for its hills and woods—particularly in the Ardennes region in the country's southeast corner.

History

The country's history has contributed to its rich diversity: The Romans, Celts, Spanish, Austrians, French and Dutch all occupied Belgium at one time or another, and each culture left its mark. This mix has led to another, less-fortunate distinction: It is said that the "Low Countries" (as Belgium and the Netherlands are called) have hosted more wars than any other area in the world. Just about every European country has fought some kind of battle there, the most recent examples being the two World Wars.

A constitutional monarchy, Belgium hasn't always had a smooth time with its leaders. Following World War II, King Leopold III was blamed for the country's quick surrender to the Nazis in 1940. After the war, he was barred from the country, then forced to turn the throne over to his son in 1951. Further discord came in the 1960s when political struggles between the French and Flemish populations brought down several governments.

The ensuing decades have generally been more tranquil, although talk of dividing the country into separate Flemish and French parts crops up regularly. After a general election in May 2007, the country had no government for approximately eight months because the French and Flemish-speaking parties could not agree whether the linguistic regions should acquire yet more autonomy. However, in December 2007, an interim government was formed and that lasted until March 2008.

This period of political instability continued through 2011. In 2014, the Michel Government was formed. Prime Minister Charles Michel was re-elected in 2018, followed by Sophie Wilmes in 2019, and Alexander De Croo in 2020.

As the headquarters for the European Union as well as NATO, Belgium is also known as the heart of Europe.

Snapshot

Belgium's chief attractions include Brussels, history, architecture, diamonds, caves, beer, friendly people, pastoral countryside, Flemish art, Bruges, museums, churches, colorful processions and pageants, cultural festivals, nice beaches and chocolate.

This is a particularly nice destination for those who have a good sense of history, who appreciate fine architecture and good food, and who want to see a wide variety of attractions without packing up and moving every other day. (The country can be seen on a series of day trips from a central base.) Those looking for dramatic scenery or deluxe, full-service resorts will be happier in other parts of Europe.

Potpourri

Napoleon didn't meet his Waterloo at Waterloo. The battlefield was actually 3 mi/5 km south, near his headquarters at an inn called La Belle Alliance, but then "where Napoleon met his La Belle Alliance" doesn't have quite the same ring.

Beguinages were medieval communities for women who wanted a religious living arrangement without taking all the vows required of nuns. They can be found throughout Belgium. Although few are still used for their original purpose, many of these beautiful and self-contained communities have been preserved. Some of the most interesting are in Bruges, Ghent, Diest, Lier, Antwerp and Leuven.

Flemish master Van Eyck painted a layer of egg white between layers of color, which is why his paintings are more vivid today than Rembrandt's.

A wetsuit is required if you want to visit a weird and wonderful attraction in Flanders. An underwater museum has been created in Het Zilvermeer Lake in Mol, near Antwerp, to make the view more interesting for divers. The museum contains historical artifacts, statues, and busts of Greek and Roman gods.