Belgium is located in Western Europe, North Sea, "the crossroads of Europe," said. The full name of the Kingdom of Belgium. An area of 30,500 square kilometers. Population of 10.33 million mainly Flemish and Walloon ethnic communities. Residents are Catholicism. The official language is Dutch and French. Currency euro. Brussels (Bruxelles).

National Flag

From left to right the flag has three black, yellow and red vertical stripes. Black expresses condolences, yellow is a symbol of national wealth and harvest and red symbolizes life and blood. Belgium Map

History

The Romans, Gauls and Germans split the early rule. Between the ninth and 14th centuries there was a vassal state of separatism. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Burgundian dynasty took charge. Spain, Austria and France also ruled the country after that. In 1815, Belgium was assigned to the Netherlands. On October 4, 1850, it became independent. In the two World Wars there was German occupation. In 1995, to complete the national system, it became a federal state.

Economic and Cultural Customs

Belgium's main industries include iron and steel, machinery, chemicals and textiles. Most famous is its iron and steel industry, which ranks second in the world. Its main agriculture is animal husbandry and its main agricultural products are wheat, sugar beet and potatoes.

Ancient battlefield of Waterloo

About 10 km south of Brussels, there is a hilly open area, is the year Napoleon led the French army and coalition forces a decisive battle where the British general. 1815 cannot - the French army in the world annihilated. Now here is a man-made redoubt, a western with a respect for the 8 tons of lion, is the winner that year with the British Duke of Wellington ordered the casting of cannon captured. Nearby battlefield, "Waterloo Museum."

Bruges

In the 14th century, Bruges became one of Europe's largest commercial ports. Known as the "Venice of the North," the city has a river aspect and row upon row of old buildings retaining their medieval style. Major ancient buildings include Notre Dame, the Gothic town hall, the palace site and the ancient church. Church and museum collections house many of Bruges painting masters. Notre Dame also has a collection including the Michelangelo's "Madonna."