Belgium It is located in the western part of Europe and is washed by the North Sea on the north-western side, it borders on France in the south and south-west, and the Netherlands in the north and Germany on the east.
As of January 2010, the population was 10,839,905 people, of which 60% were Flemings and 40% were Walloons. Also, more than 1 million foreigners live in Belgium (Moroccans, Italians, Turks, French, Spaniards, Dutch, etc.).
There are 3 official languages in the country: German, French (distinguished by local pronunciation and a significant number of dialect words) and Flemish (similar to Dutch, has several dialects).
The official currency in the country is the euro. Currency can be easily exchanged at exchange offices or banks.
The predominant denomination in Belgium is the Roman Catholic Church. There are also significant concessions of Protestantism, Anglicanism, Islam, and Judaism.
Belgium - the capital and major cities
The population of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, reaches 1 mil. person. This city received the status of the capital in the 19th century, its name translates as "city of swamps." There are many diplomatic meetings in Brussels, NATO headquarters.
It can be safely divided into two completely different parts. On the one hand, Brussels is represented by wide boulevards and beautiful majestic buildings, and on the other - a maze of narrow medieval streets. All the sights of the capital are located in its four quarters.
In this city you can truly feel the beauty of architecture and art. Fountain "Manneken Pis" has long been one of the main attractions of the capital. The National Opera House, as well as other "temples of Melpomene" offer a huge variety of productions and concerts. There are also a lot of all kinds of bars, restaurants, cafes, differing in a cosmopolitan assortment.
It is possible to note such major cities of Belgium as Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, Liege, Charleroi and Bruges.
Belgium - holidays and tours
Belgium can not be attributed to the most popular resort countries in Western Europe, but there are also excellent opportunities for beach holidays. Sandy beaches stretched along the coast of the North Sea. The bathing season is short - from mid-June to mid-September, but this is more than enough to relax perfectly.
In Belgium, you can also recover in balneological centers with famous sources of mineral waters.
This country has great potential for cultural tourism - the number of ancient castles is simply huge, and each village has its own history. Just for such impressions, tourists are drawn here, and they are not at all in danger of disappointment, since the Belgians are very reverent about their traditions and historical monuments.
Back in Belgium, diving is very popular. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean are not so rich in representatives of the ichthyofauna, but there are many remains of ships, both modern (sunken during World War II) and medieval.
Belgium - Attractions
Belgium is remarkable not only for fresh beer, hot chocolate, jewelry stores in Antwerp and Brussels sprouts. There is much more unusual and interesting in it.
Not far from the Royal Square is located one of the main museum complexes of this country - the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. It combines two of the richest museums that have collections from the 14th century to the present day - these are museums of modern and ancient art.
Modav Castle is located on a huge rock, towering above a small tributary of the Muse River, called Hoyuks. It is located in the middle of a nature reserve, which has a total area of about 1,112 acres.
On the bank of the small river Urt, on a rock, is the castle of the Urgel counts, built in the 14th century by the Count of Luxembourg.
The Ferme au Chesne Brewery organizes excursions throughout its territory. Here you can not only familiarize yourself with the production of traditional beer, but also taste it.
Antwerp houses the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. And in Liège you can see the church of Saint Barthélemy with a bronze font cast in the 12th century.
In Brussels, you must visit a pharmacy, where for the first time they started selling chocolate candies as a medicine that improves mood. Over time, the resourceful pharmacist noted for himself that these sweets are sold much better than pills and other drugs. The sale of chocolate has become the main focus of its activities.
In Belgium, you can perfectly relax in the well-known spa resort, with its mineral springs, and have a wonderful rest on the beaches of the resorts De Haan, Knokke, Oostende and Westende.
Belgium - weather
The climate of Belgium is quite mild, temperate marine. In January, the average temperature on the coast is + 3 ° C, and in the Ardennes -1 ° C. In July, it is from +14 to +18 ° C. Very often, the weather can "get out" of its usual framework - in the summer come cool cool winds from the Atlantic, which bring relatively cool weather and prolonged rains. In winter, these same cyclones bring damp and warm weather. Rainfall is most common in autumn and winter. The rainiest months are November and April.
Weather in Belgium now:
Belgium - cuisine
Belgian cuisine is very similar to French, just as it is rich in seafood. Cream, butter, wine and beer are also heavily used. Belgians use herbs, spices, mustard and mix sweet with sour or salty.
In Belgium, there are a huge variety of cheeses. From traditional cuisine, it is worth trying croquettes from creamed parmesan cheese and raw shrimps, shrimps with tomatoes under mayonnaise and Flemish asparagus with buttered sauce.
It is also worth mentioning about Belgian chocolate, which is known throughout the world.
Very good local beer numbering over 600 sorts. Of the most popular are Trappist and Lambic, from barley and wheat. You can find beer with raspberry or cherry juice additives.
Belgium - interesting facts
Belgian statehood does not have a very strong and ancient history, so its discussion should be avoided in every way when communicating with the Belgians. Especially critics of the institutions of the kingdom, the royal family and interethnic relations. It is considered bad form to compare Belgium with France or copy a Belgian local accent.
Belgium - visa application
The Belgian consulate issues only individual visas by private invitation or business (Schengen) visas. All foreigners are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days for each period of 180 days. The only exceptions are family members of citizens of the European Union.
The consular fee for citizens of the Russian Federation for a visa with a short stay is 35 euros.
Belgium - Embassy
121069 Moscow, Mal. Molchanovka, 7
Phone: (+7 095) 937-8040
Map of Belgium
