Belgium

Belgium Facts

Capital: Brussels
Government Type: Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Currency: EUR
Population: 10,444,268
Total Area: 11,787 Square Miles
30,528 Square Kilometers
Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Language: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Languages

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French). Belgium has two official languages: Flemish, which is a form of Dutch, and French. Flemish is spoken in the northern region known as Flanders. French is spoken in the southern region known as Wallonia. As a result of having two languages, many cities have two or three names, and some Belgians cannot speak with other Belgians. The language is also reflected in the media, which offers both French and Flemish versions of TV, news, and radio. Many Belgians speak more than one language and are therefore sought after as employees for international companies.

The Belgian People

A person not well known will be greeted formally with a handshake, and the person will be addressed by his or her title ( Mr., Mrs., etc.). A friend or well-known acquaintance will be greeted with a hug and a kiss and called by name. Greetings also depend on any age differences between the people involved. A younger person or someone of the same age will be greeted informally, whereas an older person will be greeted formally with due respect. After a visit, a well-known visitor will be sent away with a kiss and a hug. A visitor not well known will be sent away with a handshake and a “thank you” for the visit.

Where to find more out about Belgium

About Belgium
Belgium Newspapers
Belgium Overview