Fact Sheet:

Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Population: Approximately 11.5 million

people Area: 30,528 square kilometers (11,787 square miles)

Official Languages: Dutch, French, German

Government: Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Monarch: King Philippe

Prime Minister: Alexander De Croo

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (Nominal): Approximately $600 billion USD (2021)

GDP Per Capita: Approximately $52,000 USD (2021)

Human Development Index (HDI): 0.916 (very high, ranked 17th in the world) - as of 2020

Climate: Maritime temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers

Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter, Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with minority communities of Muslims, Protestants, and others

Cultural Heritage: Belgium has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from neighboring European countries. It is known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and contributions to art, literature, and cuisine.

Famous Landmarks:

• Grand Place/Grote Markt in Brussels

• Atomium

• Historic center of Bruges

• Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp

• Belfry of Ghent

Education System: Belgium has a well-developed education system with a mix of public and private institutions. It offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including universities, colleges, and vocational schools. The higher education system is internationally recognized, with many programs taught in English.

Economy: Belgium has a highly developed and open economy, with a diverse industrial base including manufacturing, services, and international trade. Key industries include automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

International Organizations: Belgium is home to the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and NATO, making it a key center for international diplomacy and policymaking.

Transportation: Belgium has an extensive and well-connected transportation network, including modern highways, railways, and public transportation systems. Major airports include Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Cuisine: Belgian cuisine is known for its chocolates, waffles, fries, and a wide variety of beers. It incorporates influences from French, Dutch, and German cuisines.

Famous Belgians: René Magritte (artist), Hergé (creator of Tintin), Audrey Hepburn (actress), Eddy Merckx (cyclist), Jean-Claude Van Damme (actor), Hercule Poirot (fictional detective created by Agatha Christie).

Belgium's central location in Europe, rich cultural heritage, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for tourism, education, and busine