Belgium

Belgium is a small, highly developed and densely populated country at the cross-roads of Western Europe. Its people are well-educated and its economy is very modern and highly developed. Its natural resources, such as construction materials, silica sand, and carbonates, are exported throughout the world. The country itself is a major trade port for most European nations. It is a member of NATO and the EU, and its capital is also the capital of the EU. It became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was under German rule during World War One. Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The current king is King Albert II.

After many losses in the two world wars, Belgium became a country dedicated to keeping peace. It has pursued membership in a range of international organizations aimed at preserving peace and building prosperity.

The main religions in Belgium include mainly Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Anglican, and Greek and Russian Orthodox. The main languages spoken are Dutch by the Flemings and French by the Walloons. It is one of Europe's true melting pots with Celtic, Roman, Germanic, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Austrian cultures having made an imprint.

The Belgians are pretty laid back people. Fairs, festivals, parades, parties, and religious holidays are a part of the Belgian way of life. The main sports in Belgium are soccer and bicycling. Belgium is the ideal place to live, known for its excellent food, housing, health care, education, and its world records for high productivity and low poverty. The country is beautiful with not much pollution and many wildlife reserves. It is known for its art dating back to the middle ages. There are many old castles and churches along with other sights to see in Belgium.