Belgium Country Information
Background:
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country 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.
| Capital |
Brussells |
| Largest City |
Brussells |
| Official languages |
Dutch, French, German |
| Government |
Constitutional Monarchy |
| Area... |
|
|
Total |
30,528 kmē (148th) (Est.) |
| Population... |
|
| 2006 Est. |
10,379,067 (79th) |
| 2005 Census |
10,445,852 |
| GDP (PPP)... |
|
| Total (2005 Est) |
$325 billion (30th) |
| Per Capita (2005 Est) |
$31,400 (14th) |
| Currency |
Euro (EUR) |
| Population below poverty line |
4% (1989 Est.) |
| Time Zone... |
CET (UTC+1) |
| Summer (DST) |
CEST (UTC+2) |
| Industries |
Engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum |
| Calling code |
+32 | |
