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Belgium
Brief History of 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.
By: Jabriel James
Capital: Brussels The Geography of Belgium Total Size: 30,528 square km Size Comparison: about the size of Maryland Geographical Coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 E World Region: Europe General Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Geographical Low Point: North Sea 0 m Geographical High Point: Signal de Botrange 694 m Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Population: 10,379,067
The People of Belgium Type of Government: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Languages Spoken: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French) Independence: 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declares independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King Leopold I ascends to the throne) National Holiday: 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I Nationality: Belgian(s) Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Economy of Belgium Major Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum Agricultural Products: sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk Natural Resources: construction materials, silica sand, carbonates Major Exports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs Major Imports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products Currency: euro (EUR) National GDP: $325,000,000,000 Total Export Revenue: $269,600,000,000
