BELGIUM

Capital Brussels is the capital of Belgium

Demographic Information Belgium has a population of 10,379,067 Belgium covers a total of 11,780 square

miles. The 2 main languages are Dutch and

French. Brussels is the capital with

approximately 1 million people. 75% of Belgians are Roman Catholic.

Form of Government

Belgium has a federal parliamentary democracy.

This form of government is under a constitutional monarchy

There and the Executive- King (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet) branches. Legislative bicameral parliament (Senate and House of Representatives) branches.

Historical Events

Belgium was created in 57 BC after being invaded by Romans.

Many of Belgium's fortunes and misfortunes have come from Europe's ever-changing balance of power.

Parties of raiding Vikings forced the growth of feudal domains in the 9th and 10th centuries. This was called the rise of Flanders.

Historical Events (Continued) At the Conference of London in January

1831, the European powers recognized Belgian independence.

After WWII the country was caught up in a constitutional crisis over Léopold III’s wartime actions.

Many people believe that early surrender saved Belgium as a country.

Economic Information Belgium has a well developed free market

economy. (Both industry and service) In 1999, the nation ranked number 11

among the world's top exporters. Belgium's economy has consistently

placed among the top 20 economies of the world.

Belgium's economy was based on the nation's manufacturing capabilities through most of its history.

Food

Belgium is famous for its waffles. Belgians enjoy making deserts out of

waffles. Many cuisines contain fruits and

chocolates. America’s idea of Belgium waffles is

very inaccurate.

Major Cities

Brussels is the largest city of Belgium Brussels has a population of over 1

million people Anwerpen is the second largest city with

nearly 500,000 residents. Belgium's Flanders region contains the

most big cities.

Contribution to the Arts

Belgium art expression idea from various disciplines portray the life and traditions of the people of the country.

Belgium is essentially a heterogeneous country with diverse ethnic groups.

The arts and culture of Belgium is diverse, rich and colorful.

Belgium artist use realism and surrealism.

Works Cited http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/images/europe/belgium.jpg http://www.keytours.com/destinations/pictures/picture334.jpg http://www.123independenceday.com/belgium/demography.html http://www.indexmundi.com/belgium/government_type.html http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2874.htm http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belgium/history http://dalje.com/slike/slike_3/r1/g2009/m11/y219462981877433.jpg http://

www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Europe/Belgium-OVERVIEW-OF-ECONOMY.html

http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/template/assets/img/Belgium-gdp-and-wage-growth-graph.gif

http://artofbackpacking.com/traditional-foods-in-belgium-liege-and-brussels-style-waffles/

http://s3.static.globaltrade.net/media/images/map/map-belgium.gif http://www.geonames.org/BE/largest-cities-in-belgium.html