Belgium

Belgium is a federal monarchy in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters as well as those of several other major international organizations such as NATO. Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometers (11,787 sq mi), and it has a population of about 11 million people.

Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Dutch-speakers (about 59%), mostly Flemish, and the French-speakers (about 41%), mostly Walloons, in addition to a small group of German-speakers.

Brussels, the Capital, officially bilingual, is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region.

The economy is characterized by a highly productive work force, high GNP and high exports per capita.

Belgium have one of the most congested traffic in Europe. In 2010, commuters to the cities of Brussels and Antwerpen spent respectively 65 and 64 hours a year in traffic jams.97% of the Belgian population is urban.

The tourist industry generates 2.8% of Belgium's GDP. Brussels and the Flemish cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerpen attract most of the tourists.

See more tourist information on Belgium.