Belgium is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy in northwestern Europe bordered by France, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and the North Sea. It covers about 30,689 square kilometers and has roughly 11.7 to 11.9 million inhabitants. The country is linguistically and institutionally complex, divided into three regions and three language communities. Dutch, French and German are official languages. The capital is Brussels, home to EU and NATO institutions. The currency is the euro. The head of state is the King and the head of government is the Prime Minister. Belgium maintains a professional all volunteer military and is a founding member of the EU and NATO. The name Belgium derives from the Belgae tribes described by Julius Caesar. Gambling is legal and tightly regulated with a federal Gaming Commission, casino admission generally set at age 21, and online betting under license.

History
Human settlement dates back to Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, with the Roman conquest integrating the territory into Gallia Belgica. After Rome, the region sat within the Frankish realms, later the Carolingian Empire, and then fragmented into feudal polities like the County of Flanders, the Duchy of Brabant and the Prince Bishopric of Liège. From the 14th to 15th centuries, the Burgundian Netherlands unified many of these lands and stimulated urban prosperity in cloth, trade and early finance. In the 16th century, Habsburg rule followed. The northern Low Countries broke away during the Eighty Years’ War to form the Dutch Republic, while the southern provinces roughly corresponding to modern Belgium remained under Spanish, then Austrian Habsburgs. French revolutionary armies annexed the Southern Netherlands in 1794, imposing new administrative structures. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 folded the area into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830, a revolution sparked by political, religious and linguistic tensions led to Belgian independence, recognized internationally in 1839 under a policy of neutrality. The new state rapidly industrialized, especially in Wallonia’s coal and steel belt and Antwerp’s port, becoming one of continental Europe’s earliest industrial economies. King Leopold II personally controlled the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908, where atrocities and exploitation prompted international outcry. The Belgian state annexed it in 1908 as the Belgian Congo until its independence in 1960. Germany’s invasion in 1914 violated Belgian neutrality, making Belgium a major World War I battlefield around Ypres and the Yser. After occupation and devastation, Belgium regained territory in 1919. In World War II, Germany invaded in 1940; Belgium was occupied until 1944 and saw the Ardennes Offensive in 1944 to 1945. Postwar, Belgium was a founding member of Benelux, NATO and the European Communities, with Brussels later becoming the de facto EU capital. Domestic politics increasingly revolved around balancing Dutch and French speaking communities, leading to constitutional reforms from 1970 onward that transformed Belgium into a federal state with significant autonomy for regions and communities. Events such as the Royal Question about King Leopold III’s wartime role, long government formation periods, and debates over fiscal transfers marked the political landscape. In the 21st century, Belgium has faced terrorism incidents, notably the 2016 Brussels bombings, and has participated in international missions through NATO and the EU while deepening federalization and promoting green transition policies.

Industry
Belgium’s economy is open, high income and service oriented, with powerful industrial niches. The Port of Antwerp Bruges ranks among Europe’s largest seaports and anchors petrochemicals, logistics and refining. Antwerp is a global diamond trading hub. Pharmaceuticals and chemicals are led by firms like UCB and Solvay. Food and beverages are strong, from chocolate houses such as Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas to global brewing giant AB InBev. Automotive assembly includes Volvo in Ghent and Audi in Brussels, alongside bus and coach maker Van Hool and component plants like DAF in Westerlo. Engineering groups such as John Cockerill have deep roots. Belgium also operates nuclear plants at Doel and Tihange while expanding offshore wind in the North Sea. Industrial records include world renowned expertise in specialty chemicals, one of the densest logistics networks in Europe and a top three European port footprint.

Flora and fauna
Belgium’s temperate maritime climate supports beech and oak forests, heathlands and coastal dunes. The Ardennes feature mixed deciduous and conifer woods with red deer, wild boar, roe deer, foxes and badgers. Wolf recolonization has been documented in recent years. Rivers and wetlands shelter herons, grebes and migratory geese. Iconic spring bluebells carpet the Hallerbos. Endemism is limited, but many European protected species occur, such as the European wildcat and great crested newt. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and oak processionary caterpillars can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Export of pets follows EU rules requiring microchip and rabies vaccination; CITES restrictions apply to protected species.

Religion and races
Belgium is culturally Christian with Catholic heritage, though secularization has advanced. A sizable share of residents identify as non religious, and Islam is the largest minority faith, particularly in Brussels and some urban centers. Linguistically, about 60 percent speak Dutch in Flanders, around 40 percent use French mainly in Wallonia and Brussels, and roughly 1 percent are German speaking in the East Cantons. Immigrant communities include Moroccan, Turkish, Italian, Congolese, Romanian and Polish origins. Traditions influenced by religion and region persist, from processions and carnivals to Saint Nicholas customs.

Wars and conflicts
Belgium’s soil bears scars of major battles in both world wars, with memorials and cemeteries around Ypres, the Somme frontier areas and the Ardennes. Today Belgium contributes to NATO and EU missions, has participated in the anti ISIS coalition and provides aid and training to partners, including support to Ukraine. Terror incidents include the 2014 Jewish Museum attack, the 2016 Brussels bombings and later isolated attacks, leading to sustained but managed security measures. War graves, museums and monuments such as the Menin Gate and Tyne Cot Cemetery commemorate the fallen.

Standard of living
Belgium ranks very high in human development, with strong social protection, quality education and healthcare. Income inequality is relatively low by international standards. Corruption is perceived as low to moderate in a global comparison, with robust institutions, free media and active civil society.

Healthcare
Belgium has a universal, insurance based healthcare system with a mix of public and private providers. Care quality is high, and hospital networks are dense. Pharmacies marked Apotheek or Pharmacie typically open during business hours with rotating night service lists. EU visitors can use the EHIC card; others should carry travel insurance. Tap water is safe to drink.

Sport
Football, cycling and athletics dominate. The national football team, the Red Devils, regularly ranks among Europe’s best. Spring Classics like the Tour of Flanders, Liège Bastogne Liège and La Flèche Wallonne define road cycling. Belgium co hosted UEFA Euro 2000 with the Netherlands and hosted the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. Tennis champions Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters and cyclists like Eddy Merckx are national icons. Field hockey teams are world class.

Holidays
Public holidays include New Year’s Day on 1 January, Easter Monday, Labour Day on 1 May, Ascension Day in May or June, Whit Monday, National Day on 21 July, Assumption on 15 August, All Saints’ Day on 1 November, Armistice Day on 11 November and Christmas on 25 December. King’s Day on 15 November is also observed. Carnival of Binche before Lent is a famed traditional celebration.

Traditions
Belgian traditions center on community festivals, processions and food. Saint Nicholas brings gifts on 6 December, especially in the north. Café culture values conversation over beer and fries served with mayonnaise. For visitors, polite greetings, punctuality and respect for language preferences matter. In Flanders, start in Dutch or ask which language is preferred; in Wallonia, French is expected.

Interesting facts
Brussels hosts EU and NATO headquarters, making Belgium a diplomatic hub. The word spa comes from Spa, a Walloon town known for thermal waters. Antwerp is the diamond capital. Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, was born in Dinant. Hergé created Tintin and the Smurfs originated in Belgium’s comics tradition. Art Nouveau flourished under Victor Horta. The Waterloo battlefield south of Brussels draws history enthusiasts. Notable incidents include the 2004 Ghislenghien gas explosion and the 2021 floods in Wallonia.

Money
Currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted, with contactless common and the domestic Bancontact network omnipresent. ATMs are plentiful. Exchange rates fluctuate, but in recent years 1 euro has typically ranged around 1.05 to 1.15 US dollars. ATMs usually offer better rates than exchange kiosks. Dynamic currency conversion often yields poor rates, so choose to be charged in euros. Service is usually included; tipping is optional but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for great service is appreciated.

Household details
Electricity is 230V at 50Hz with type E sockets; type C plugs fit. Mobile coverage is strong with 4G and growing 5G. Major operators include Proximus, Orange and BASE. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport, with designated outdoor areas.

Clothing
Dress is casual smart in cities. The climate is variable, so layers and a rainproof jacket are wise year round. Shorts and sleeveless tops are fine in casual settings. In churches and upscale restaurants, modest or smart casual attire is appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobbled streets.

Tourism
Belgium is compact, so you can see highlights in 3 to 5 days, but a deeper trip benefits from 7 to 10 days. Classic routes combine Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp with day trips to Leuven, Mechelen, Waterloo or Tournai. Nature lovers will enjoy the Ardennes for hiking, kayaking on the Semois or Ourthe and visiting castles like Bouillon. The coast offers broad beaches and the unique Kusttram that runs the length of the shore. Culinary travel is rich, from Trappist abbeys and lambic breweries to chocolate workshops and markets. Battlefield tourism in Flanders Fields and the Ardennes is well developed. Art and architecture fans will find UNESCO listed squares, belfries and Art Nouveau masterpieces.

Types of tourism
Cultural city breaks, gastronomy and beer travel, nature and hiking in the Ardennes, cycling, battlefield remembrance, family friendly coastal stays, architecture and design, river and canal exploration, events and festivals.

List of tourist attractions
– Grand Place of Brussels – ornate central square and guildhalls, UNESCO
– Historic Centre of Brugge – canals, medieval streets and churches, UNESCO
– Belfries of Belgium and France – medieval civic towers across cities like Bruges, Ghent and Mons, UNESCO
– Major Town Houses of Victor Horta in Brussels – pioneering Art Nouveau, UNESCO
– Stoclet House in Brussels – early modernist masterpiece, UNESCO
– Plantin Moretus Museum in Antwerp – Renaissance printing house, UNESCO
– Notre Dame Cathedral of Tournai – Romanesque Gothic cathedral, UNESCO
– Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes near Mons – prehistoric extraction site, UNESCO
– Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre – industrial heritage in Hainaut, UNESCO
– Atomium in Brussels – 1958 Expo landmark with panoramic views
– Museum aan de Stroom and Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp – art and city views
– Ghent’s Gravensteen and St Bavo’s Cathedral – medieval castle and the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
– Leuven Town Hall and university library – Gothic lacework facade and scholarly heritage
– Waterloo Battlefield – museum and Lion’s Mound on the 1815 site
– Ypres Menin Gate and In Flanders Fields Museum – WWI remembrance
– Bouillon Castle and Semois Valley – fortress and river scenery in the Ardennes

List of non tourist attractions
– Doorkijkkerk near Borgloon – see through art church set in orchards
– Lommel Sahara – unexpected sand dunes and pine forest with azure lakes
– Walzin Castle viewpoint near Dinant – dramatic cliffside vista above the Lesse
– Villers la Ville Abbey ruins – atmospheric Cistercian complex with gardens
– La passerelle du Moulin de l’Epine near Bouillon – forest suspension footbridge over the Semois
– Kalmthoutse Heide – cross border heathlands and quiet trails
– De Haan’s Belle Epoque villas – serene seaside streets away from resorts
– Gaasbeek Castle parklands – landscaped grounds and artful follies near Brussels

Local cuisine
Signature dishes include moules frites, carbonade flamande beef stew simmered in beer, stoofvlees, waterzooi chicken or fish stew from Ghent, boulets liégeois meatballs in sweet sour sauce, stoemp mashed vegetables, shrimp croquettes and cheeses like Herve. Waffles come in Brussels and Liège styles. Chocolate pralines are a national art. Beer culture spans Trappist ales, lambic, gueuze and fruit kriek. Lunch is often 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00. Tap water is safe and street food hygiene is generally good. Service charge is included; leave small change or 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service.

Why visit
Belgium blends grand European institutions with intimate medieval towns, cutting edge design with living traditions, and forests and rivers within an hour of world class museums. It is easy to navigate, dense with culture and cuisine, and welcoming to curious travelers.

Safety for tourists
Belgium is generally safe, with urban petty theft the main risk around stations and crowded areas. The terrorism threat is managed with visible security. Dangerous wildlife is minimal; watch for ticks in forests and heed signage in nature reserves. Cities use extensive CCTV. Weather is changeable, with occasional winter storms and rare summer floods. Emergency number is 112. Respect local language sensitivities and general urban etiquette.

Tourist infrastructure level
Infrastructure is excellent. Hotels range from boutique historic stays to international chains. Restaurants are high quality even outside capitals. English is widely spoken in cities and in Flanders, with French dominant in Wallonia. Transport information is clear and digitized.

Entry rules
Belgium is in the Schengen Area. EU and EEA citizens travel with an ID card or passport. Many non EU nationals need a Schengen visa. Passports should be valid for the duration of stay and often at least three months beyond. Customs follows EU rules on personal allowances; cash of 10,000 euros or more must be declared. Certain foods, plants and animal products face restrictions.

Transport
The national railway SNCB NMBS connects cities frequently, with tickets via machines, counters and the official app. Brussels has metro, trams and buses under STIB MIVB. Flanders uses De Lijn and Wallonia TEC for buses and trams. The Coast Tram runs along the entire shoreline. Taxis can be hailed at ranks, called by phone or ordered via apps; ride hailing operates mainly in large cities. Cycling is popular, with marked routes and rentals.

Car
Car rental is widely available. Driving is on the right. Speed limits are typically 120 km h on motorways, 70 to 90 km h on rural roads depending on region and 30 km h in many town centers. The drink drive limit is 0.5 g L blood alcohol. Speed cameras and red light cameras are common. Toll roads are rare; the Liefkenshoek tunnel near Antwerp is tolled. Low emission zones exist in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent and may require vehicle registration. Parking regulations are enforced; blue zones require a disc. Police corruption is very rare. Winter tires are not mandatory but advisable in cold snaps. Dashcams are generally legal if used responsibly and in line with privacy laws. A modern compact car is ideal for cities, while a small SUV helps in the Ardennes.

Noise regime
Quiet hours commonly apply from 22:00 to 07:00, with enforcement varying by commune and building rules.

Daily budget
Budget travelers can manage on about 60 to 90 euros per day with hostels, public transport and casual meals. Mid range comfort typically runs 120 to 200 euros. High end stays and fine dining can exceed 250 euros. In US dollars this roughly spans about 65 to 100, 130 to 220 and 270 plus depending on exchange rates.

What is not recommended or prohibited
Do not fly drones near airports, crowds or in restricted airspace such as central Brussels without proper authorization under EU rules. Avoid loud behavior late at night in residential areas. Do not pick protected plants in reserves, trespass on railway lines or ignore low emission zone rules. Respect photography privacy, particularly of children.

Climate
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters, cool summers and frequent light rain spread year round. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and bloom or foliage. Heatwaves and cold snaps are possible but brief. The coast is breezy and slightly milder; the Ardennes are cooler and wetter.

Tips for tourists
Pack layers and waterproofs. Validate train tickets when required and board with a valid fare. On Sundays many shops close, but museums stay open. Learn a few words of Dutch and French and ask which language your counterpart prefers. Book popular restaurants and attractions in Bruges, Ghent and Brussels in high season. In forests, use tick repellent and check after hikes. Carry a credit card and a debit card, as some small vendors prefer Bancontact or debit.