Belgium - Country facts
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Location
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Background
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Population
10,364,388 (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Religions
Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Languages
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Map of Belgium
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