Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II.
The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, political divisions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.
Temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Belgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.)
Cleanliness is a source of pride in Belgium, where people can be seen washing the pavement in front of their house or sweeping the street.
Moules-frites — fresh mussels cooked in olive oil and white wine with garlic, thyme, and shallots served with potato fries
High income economy with strong but moderate growth; high public debt; aging labor force; low labor force participation of low-skilled, migrant, and older workers; strong welfare system; high congestion; complex business permitting and judicial systems
Belgium