Belgium - Country facts
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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