Top 50 Fascinating Facts about Belgium
Belgium, a country in Western Europe, is well-known for its Renaissance buildings, medieval cities, and for housing both the EU and NATO headquarters. Belgium is a small country with a rich cultural landscape that combines German, Dutch, and French influences.
The nation is split into three main regions: the multilingual Brussels-Capital Region, Wallonia (which speaks French), and Flanders (which speaks Dutch). Another notable feature of Belgium is its intricate political structure, which consists of six governments overseeing different facets of the nation.
Belgian cuisine is well-known for its waffles, chocolates, and more than 1,500 varieties of beer. Beautiful architectural landmarks can be found in cities like Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels, and picturesque castles can be seen in rural areas.
Belgium has a rich history of serving as a front line in European conflicts, particularly in World Wars I and II, and has grown to become a major international center for trade and diplomacy. Belgium is still a popular travel destination for tourists and historians alike because of its rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Here’s a deep dive into the top 50 fascinating facts about Belgium, a country that has left an indelible mark on the world in more ways than one.
1. Three Official Languages
Belgium is a multilingual country, with three official languages: Dutch (spoken in Flanders), French (spoken in Wallonia), and German (spoken in the eastern part of the country). Brussels, the capital, is officially bilingual, but French is more commonly spoken.
2. World’s Capital of Comic Strips
Belgium is home to some of the world’s most famous comic strips, including The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. The country has over 700 comic strip artists and is often referred to as the “Comic Strip Capital of the World.”
3. Belgium is a Monarchy
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, with King Philippe serving as the current monarch. The country has had a monarchy since 1831, following its independence from the Netherlands.
4. Home to NATO and the EU
Brussels is often considered the de facto capital of the European Union, as it houses many of the EU’s main institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. Additionally, NATO’s headquarters are also located in Brussels.
5. A Country of Castles
Belgium has the highest number of castles per square kilometer in the world. With over 3,000 castles, ranging from medieval fortresses to grandiose palaces, Belgium is a paradise for history lovers.
6. Famous for Chocolate
Belgium is synonymous with high-quality chocolate. It produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate annually, and the country is home to over 2,000 chocolate shops. Pralines were invented in Belgium in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus, a Swiss-born Belgian.
7. The Origins of French Fries
Despite the name, French fries were actually invented in Belgium. Known locally as frites, they are often served with mayonnaise and are a staple food in Belgian cuisine.
8. Home to the World’s Largest Beer Collection
Belgium is world-renowned for its beer. With over 1,500 different varieties of beer, the country has an unparalleled beer culture. In fact, some of Belgium’s Trappist beers are brewed by monks, and several are protected by a special appellation of origin.
9. Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are famous worldwide, but there are different types of waffles within Belgium. The most popular are the Brussels waffles, which are light and crispy, and the Liège waffles, which are sweeter and denser.
10. The Atomium
Built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, the Atomium is a unique building that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It has become one of Belgium’s most iconic landmarks.
11. Birthplace of Audrey Hepburn
Famed actress Audrey Hepburn, best known for her roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, was born in Brussels in 1929. She spent part of her childhood in Belgium before moving to the Netherlands and later to the United Kingdom.
12. A Divided Political System
Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region. The country’s political system is highly decentralized, and each region has significant autonomy in areas such as education, transportation, and healthcare.
13. Land of Diamonds
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is one of the world’s leading diamond trading hubs. More than 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp, making it the global capital of the diamond industry.
14. Surrealism in Art
Belgium has been a hub for surrealist art, with famous painters like René Magritte leading the movement. The Magritte Museum in Brussels is a tribute to the artist’s life and works, which continue to influence modern art.
15. Belgium’s Love for Cycling
Cycling is one of Belgium’s most beloved sports. The country has produced many famous cyclists, including Eddy Merckx, considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time. Belgium hosts several prominent cycling races, including the Tour of Flanders.
16. The Battle of Waterloo
The famous Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by British and Prussian forces, took place just south of Brussels in 1815. Today, the battlefield is a major tourist attraction.
17. Belgium’s Dense Railway Network
Belgium boasts one of the densest railway networks in the world, with over 3,600 kilometers of tracks crisscrossing the country. This makes traveling by train an efficient and popular way to get around.
18. First Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage in Europe
In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world, after the Netherlands, to legalize same-sex marriage. The country is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
19. The Grand Place
The Grand Place, located in the heart of Brussels, is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the towering Town Hall.
20. Famous for Mussels and Fries
One of Belgium’s national dishes is moules-frites, or mussels and fries. The mussels are usually cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served alongside crispy fries.
21. Napoleon’s Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte met his final defeat, took place in Belgium. The site is now a tourist attraction with monuments, a museum, and reenactments of the historic battle.
22. Belgium is a Fashion Hub
Belgium has made a name for itself in the fashion industry, with cities like Antwerp emerging as fashion capitals. Designers like Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, and Raf Simons are some of Belgium’s most famous fashion exports.
23. Tintin’s Global Fame
Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin is one of the most translated comic books in the world, with editions in more than 70 languages. Tintin, the iconic boy reporter, has become a symbol of Belgian pop culture.
24. Longest Government Formation
In 2010-2011, Belgium set the world record for the longest period without a government—541 days. Despite this political deadlock, the country continued to function due to its strong federal and regional institutions.
25. Famous for Festivals
Belgium is home to numerous internationally renowned festivals. Tomorrowland, one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, takes place annually in Boom, while the Ghent Festival is one of Europe’s largest cultural festivals, attracting over a million visitors every year.
26. The EU’s Smallest Official Language
Although only a small portion of Belgium speaks German, it is one of the country’s three official languages. The German-speaking community in Belgium numbers around 75,000 people.
27. Belgium’s Love for Chocolate
Belgian chocolates are famous worldwide, and the country has over 2,000 chocolatiers. Brands like Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus have become symbols of high-quality Belgian chocolate.
28. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Belgium is home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of Bruges, the Major Mining Sites of Wallonia, and the Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes.
29. Famous Belgian Actors
Aside from Audrey Hepburn, Belgium has produced several well-known actors, including Jean-Claude Van Damme, who is famous for his roles in martial arts films, and Matthias Schoenaerts, known for his work in European and Hollywood cinema.
30. Belgium’s Influence on World War I
Belgium played a significant role in World War I, particularly during the Battle of Ypres, where some of the war’s most brutal fighting took place. The Flanders Fields region is now dotted with memorials and cemeteries commemorating the fallen soldiers.
31. Birthplace of the Saxophone
The saxophone was invented in Belgium by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. Sax, a Belgian instrument maker, created the saxophone, which has since become a staple of jazz and classical music worldwide.
32. Belgian Innovation in Medicine
Belgium is a leader in medical research and innovation. The country is known for pioneering techniques in cancer research, heart surgery, and IVF treatments. Belgian hospitals are renowned for their high standards of care.
33. The Manneken Pis Statue
The Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain, is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks. Despite its size, the statue has become a symbol of Belgian humor and independence.
34. Belgium’s Complex Government System
Belgium’s political system is highly decentralized, with power shared between the federal government, three regions, and three linguistic communities. This system reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
35. Home to the World’s Oldest Shopping Arcade
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels, which opened in 1847, is one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. The elegant, glass-covered shopping center is home to luxury boutiques, cafes, and theaters.
36. Famous for Lace
Belgium is renowned for its intricate lace-making tradition, particularly in the cities of Bruges and Brussels. Handmade lace has been produced in Belgium for centuries and remains a popular souvenir for visitors.
37. The Spa Town of Spa
The town of Spa, located in the Ardennes region, is the origin of the word “spa.” Known for its natural mineral springs, Spa has been a popular destination for health and wellness treatments since Roman times.
38. Belgium’s Iconic Carnival
The Carnival of Binche, held annually in the town of Binche, is one of Belgium’s most famous and unique cultural traditions. The carnival features participants dressed as Gilles, who wear elaborate costumes and masks. It is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
39. Belgium’s Rich Architectural Heritage
Belgium is home to a wealth of architectural styles, from medieval Gothic cathedrals to Art Nouveau buildings designed by famous architects like Victor Horta. Brussels, in particular, is known for its stunning Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture.
40. Belgian Frites Stand
Belgians are passionate about their fries, and you’ll find frites stands, or friteries, in almost every town and city across the country. The tradition of serving fries in a paper cone with various sauces is quintessentially Belgian.
41. Belgium’s First Printing Press
Belgium was one of the early adopters of the printing press, with the city of Leuven home to one of the first printing presses in the 15th century. This helped spread knowledge and literature across Europe during the Renaissance.
42. The Belgian Blue Cow
The Belgian Blue is a breed of beef cattle known for its extreme muscularity. The breed is often referred to as “double-muscled” and produces lean, high-quality beef.
43. High Beer Consumption
Belgians take their beer seriously, and the country ranks among the highest in beer consumption per capita in the world. Beer is not just a drink; it’s a cultural experience in Belgium, with a beer for every occasion.
44. First Skyscraper in Europe
The Torengebouw, later renamed the Boerentoren, located in Antwerp, is considered the first skyscraper in Europe. Completed in 1931, it stands at 87.5 meters and was the tallest building in the continent for several years.
45. Home to the International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice, often referred to as the World Court, is located in The Hague. However, Belgium has its own contribution to international law with the International Criminal Court’s decision to prosecute war crimes and human rights violations.
46. Belgium’s Tradition of Puppetry
Puppetry is a popular tradition in Belgium, particularly in cities like Ghent and Brussels. The Royal Puppet Theatre Toone in Brussels is one of the oldest puppet theaters in the world, dating back to the 19th century.
47. Inventors of the Speed Camera
The speed camera, used for detecting and recording vehicles that exceed the speed limit, was invented in Belgium. Today, speed cameras are used worldwide to ensure road safety.
48. Belgium’s Complex Education System
Education in Belgium is organized according to the linguistic divide, with different systems for the Dutch-speaking, French-speaking, and German-speaking communities. Despite this, Belgium boasts a high standard of education with several top-ranking universities.
49. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a magnificent complex of greenhouses located in the grounds of the Royal Castle of Laeken. Built in the 19th century, they are only open to the public for a few weeks each year, attracting thousands of visitors.
50. The Rich Musical Heritage
Belgium has a rich musical history, from classical composers like César Franck and Eugène Ysaÿe to modern electronic music pioneers like Stromae. Belgium is also famous for its jazz festivals, including the Brussels Jazz Marathon and the Gent Jazz Festival.