Belgium+Country+Profile

**COUNTRY PROFILE: BELGIUM** Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium Greater Coat of Arms of Belgium



Belgium on a Map of Europe



Map of Major Belgian Cities including Brussels, the capital
 * **Capital-** Brussels
 * **Population-** 10,827,519
 * **Country Size-** 11,787 square miles
 * **Type of Government-** Federald Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliament
 * **Parliament-** Bicameral Legislature consisting of the Senate, with 71 members, and the Chamber of Representatives, with 150 members
 * **Chief of State- **Monarch, Albert II
 * **Head of Government- **Prime Minister, Yves Leterme
 * **Three Official Languages-** Dutch, French, and German
 * **Major Religion-** Roman Catholicisim
 * **Currency- **Euro
 * **Estimate Gross Domestic Product- $ **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">472.103 billion ($43,794 per capita)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Belgium consumes 220,000 tonnes of chocolate a year (48.5 lbs. per person per year)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The world's largest chocolate selling point is Brussels National Airport
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Knonwn for castles, chocolate, beer, and waffles. Festivals for these foods are almost continuous

Grand Place in Belgium, one of the most beautiful city squares in the world Belgian Beach on the Coast of the North Sea Mini Europa in Belgium (famous European monuments that are 1/25 actual size) Castle in Ghent, Belgium Belgian Cuisine consisting of waffles and chocolate, sometimes together. Another picture of the Grand Place at night. The building towards the right is the exterior of the Hostel Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. Nightly rates start at 22 Euros, but the hostels impressive structure and ideal location make this decently priced. For more luxurious accomodations, one should stay at Hotel Metropole. It is the only hotel housed in a building built in the 19th-Century, and prices range from 140 Euros to over 310 Euros per night. 1. Visit Burges - Burges is one of the oldest cities in Belgium. It is said to be the prime vacation spot during the summer, and features old, gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. There are also many walking tours so that foreigners can learn more about the city. 2. Carnival of Binche - During February, Binche celebrates the upcoming season of lent with a carnival. It can be compared to a European Mardi Gras, and people throughout Europe and the world come to experience the festival. 3. Visit the beaches - The beaches of Belgium are said to be the top attraction throughout July and August. Although they may be crowded and people tend to be nude, the beaches, such as Knokke and Ostead, are renowned throughout Europe. 4. Tour the Chimay Brewery - Belgium is known for its beer, and the Chimay Brewery in Leuven features Trappist Monks brewing beer. 5. Golf - Many are surprised to hear that Belgium has well-manicured and well known golf courses. There are many, such as the Bossenstein Golf Club in Antwerp, that have rates starting at 100 Euros. 6. Biking tours - The best way to travel throughout Belgium may be to take a biking tour. There are various tours throughout the year and some tours will even visit neighboring countries, such as France. 7. Visit Mini Europe - Mini Europe replicates numerous monuments throughout Europe at 1/25 of their actual size. The attraction is a nice day trip and would be good for kids and families.