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.
Full Name: Kingdom of Belgium
Area: 30,528 sq km sq km (land: 30,278 sq km, water: 250 sq km)
Population: 10,403,951 (July 2008 est.)
Capital City: Brussels
People: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Language: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Religion: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Government Type: Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch
Chief of State: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch
Head of Government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (20 March 2008)
GDP: $US 376.5 billion
GDP per Capita: $US 36,200 (2007 est.)
Inflation: 1.8% (2007 est.)
Unemployment: 7.5% (2007 est.)
Industries: Engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Currency: Euro (€ - EUR)
Member of EU: Yes
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Info provided by the CIA World Factbook
Updated 10/2008
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