A book can be written about Belgian facts. There are so many interesting facts about Belgium that are shockingly amazing. Famous for its chocolate and beer brewing, cheese, and so many different things, you cannot expect anything more from this beautiful country.
Belgium, a Western European country, has a deep culture bursting with history, art, food, and unique beers.
The information and facts about Belgium keep piling up, and with its spree of striking our hearts with unknown facts and narratives, let’s see some fantastic facts about Belgium.
1. Top Interesting Belgium Facts to Know
1.1. The Invention of the Body Mass Index, Saxophone, and Plastic
Belgians invented the body mass index, saxophone, and plastic. Now, it is one of the critical Belgian facts, and not only these but many other inventions made by Belgians are amazing.
In the mid-1830s, Adolphe Quetelet’s interest in statistics led to the formulation of what is now known as BMI.
Adolphe Sax discovered the saxophone and made an unprecedented step toward different kinds of musical instruments.
Leo Henricus Baekeland found plastic and made the first bare plastic called Bakelite. Looking at the modern era, it isn’t easy to imagine a life without plastic.
1.2. The Invention of Asphalt
Invented by Edward de Smedt, it is a very significant invention for this world because it introduced us to modern roads.
Today’s streets have been significantly influenced by this invention, among other advancements in road construction technology.
1.3. The Longest Tram Line in the World
Named by the Dutch population, the Kusttram connects different cities and towns along the Belgian coast. It runs between De Panne and Knokke-heist, and it is the longest tram line in the world. The ride is beautiful and exciting for all the tourists visiting.
1.4. The Art of Music Festivals and the Capital City
Music festivals and other musical activities are prominent in Belgium, among the best.
If you are looking for a music festival, it will probably be in Belgium. From Tomorrowland to Carnival Parade, music lives in Belgium’s heart.
Many events are held, and a unique carnival is also held in the capital city of Belgium. The food and the dances are all memorable.
During summer, you can find events happening daily and enjoy them every day as your heart desires. Different kinds of carnivals are held around the city. Hop on and enjoy the music and life.
1.5. The Belgian Beer
There are many different types of Belgian beers, and the amount of beer brewed daily in Belgium is incredible.
Belgium’s varieties of Beers, chocolates, and many other sweets are astounding.
More reasons to visit Brussels, Belgium, for the different varieties of Beers and cafes for the taste of exceptional Belgian Beer. You can live in Belgium for over four years and may never have the same beer twice.
The place is filled with breweries and cafes where you can try different types of beers per your needs and taste. The Belgian Beer will not disappoint you once it is tasted on your tongue.
1.6. Belgian Chocolate
Please take all the chocolates of different origins and rank them. Belgian Chocolate will take the top. The chocolate industry in Belgium is approximately 400 years old.
The Chocolate of Belgium holds pristine quality, exclusive taste, and wide varieties that should not be missed.
1.7. Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are available for you to try in Belgium. This is one of the crucial Belgian facts because, with Chocolate, waffles, and Beer, you can see how important food is to Belgian people.
If you go around an average Belgian supermarket, you will find a good number of varieties of waffles that are super exciting and tasty.
1.8. The Diamond Capital
It has the world’s diamond capital. Antwerp is the diamond capital.
Most central diamond mining companies are in Antwerp, and all the exports and imports are done here.
The world’s rough diamonds are handled here, accounting for nearly 85 per cent. Antwerp has come a long way in the diamond business and holds the position of King in the diamond monarchy.
1.9. The Big Bang Theory
It is said that before Edwin Hubble, another physicist, Georges Lemaitre, gave a theory regarding the universe’s origin.
The physicist was Belgian, and he published it before Hubble around two years before his published papers.
1.10. Three Official Languages
Belgium has three official languages. No Belgian language exists.
The official languages are Dutch, French, and German. You will find many who speak French.
Many Belgians are multi-lingual and can speak two or all three official languages.
1.11. The National Symbol
The Belgian national symbol is a boy peeing, Manneken Pis. The emblem is a peeing boy and the boy is generally not clothed.
Different kinds of clothes are available for the boy based on the type of occasions happening around the country.
It stands as Belgium’s cherished national symbol, peeing merriment and wearing the vibrant attire of the country’s cultural tapestry, making it a living emblem of celebration.
1.12. The Highest Point
Belgium’s highest point, the Fens plateau at 694 metres (signal de bot range), may not touch the sky like the towering Burj Khalifa.
However, this elevation provides a unique vantage point, inviting visitors to explore the picturesque beauty that extends far beyond its modest height.
Though not a towering peak, it is a testament to the country’s diverse terrain, offering panoramic views that weave tales of geographical charm and historic allure.
1.13. Same-Sex Marriage
Belgium is the world’s second country to legalize marriage between the same genders. Introduced in 2003 and been in effect till the present.
This progressive stance showcases Belgium’s ongoing dedication to fostering a society that embraces diversity and celebrates love in all its forms.
Belgium’s embrace of same-sex marriage reflects legal innovation and a cultural commitment to creating a society where love knows no boundaries.
1.14. Some Famous Belgians
1.14.1. Peter Paul Rubens
Peter Paul Rubens is a famous Flemish Artist and a diplomat. The artist is considered a very prominent figure from the Flemish Baroque period. His art showed Christian history, and he was an exceptional artist.
1.14.2. Rene Magritte
In the world of art and painting, Rene Magritte has made his name. He is one of the famous Belgians whose art can be found in museums of Belgium. One of his most famous works is “The Pipe,” also called The Treachery Of Images.
1.14.3. Carlota of Mexico
So, a Belgian princess became the empress of Mexico. It is said she was a people person and was loved by all. This can be one of the Belgian facts that a person from Belgium ruled in Mexico.
1.14.4. Georges Remi Hergé
Georges Remi Hergé had his mind around many famous comic strips, one of them being Tintin, one of his many famous works. His works had made a global impact when released and were one of a kind.
1.14.5. Eddy Merckx
The athlete is a true legend. He is one of the famous cyclists who won the Tour de France five times. He was called “The cannibal” for his monstrous stamina and strength.
1.15. World Wide Web
The World Wide Web, when designed, had the help of a Belgian person who is the co-inventor of this.
Rober Cailliau: Without any help from this person, it would have been impossible to make this fantastic tech.
Belgium’s Robert Cailliau, like a digital artisan, sculpted the foundations of the World Wide Web, intertwining innovation with the threads of connectivity that now weave through the global digital landscape.
1.16. The Belgian Highways
This is one of the fun facts about Belgium: the maximum speed limit on the Belgian highway is around 120 kilometres per hour. It is about 30 in Brussels.
Belgium’s highways are a hybrid network with ring roads, express highways, regional highways, and many exits.
They also have a document created to ensure public road safety. It contains the Belgian Traffic Regulations known as the Highway Code.
1.17. Europe’s Oldest Shopping Arcades in Belgium
This one is called the Galeries St Hubert, which was opened around 1847 and holds a lot of history for the Belgian people.
It is a complex of three shopping streets comprised of the Galerie de la Reine, the Galerie du Roi and the Galerie des Princes.
This shopping arcade is a vintage shopping haven that not only houses boutiques but whispers stories of bygone eras as if each corridor is a chapter in a stylish time capsule.
1.18. The Gillet Vertigo
Gillet Vertigo is the name of the car that holds the Guinness world record for the fastest acceleration.
The successful race driver Tony Gillet founded Gillet Automobiles and introduced the Gillet Vertigo in 1992.
Carbon fibre and honeycomb materials make up the car’s chassis to save extra weight, ensuring greater strength and stiffness.
1.19. North Atlantic Treaty Organization
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, has its headquarters in Belgium. This is one of the Belgian facts that holds quite a value because this organization and its members serve democratic values and help each other in security-related matters.
It accommodates national delegations from member countries and serves as a location for liaison offices or diplomatic missions representing partner nations.
The efforts of these delegations and missions receive assistance from NATO’s International Staff and International Military Staff, both of which are situated in the headquarters.
1.20. The Smurfs
The Smurfs were invented in Belgium. The comic- strips of Belgium are world famous and hold a special place in our hearts with lucky Luke and Tintin.
The comic strips in Belgium have always found their way through animations, and we can see the movies and series coming up for these comic strips.
1.21. The Town of Spa
Yes, there is a town in Belgium with a spa, and it is said to have excellent health and healing purposes. The word ‘spa’ originates in Belgium from a health resort opened there long ago.
Since the 16th century, this prestigious thermal resort remains through the centuries as a popular destination for health and leisure.
This town cradles well-being and whispers tales of rejuvenation through its cobblestone streets, where every stone seems to hold the secrets of therapeutic bliss.
1.22. Belgium and the Sports
Belgium is famous for its interest in sports. They are really into their teams and players and support them like every die-hard fan. The most popular game for them is soccer, and then comes Hockey.
They helped find FIFA. The Belgium soccer team is exceptional, and it is incredible how supportive the country is of sports.
They also compete in hockey leagues and are a pretty strong team there.
1.23. The Kingdom Of Belgium
Did I say it right? Yes, I did. The official name is The Kingdom of Belgium, and this is not one of the common Belgian facts.
King Philippe is the present King of Belgium and has been reigning since 2013. There have been a total of 7 kings.
Romans named Belgium after the inhabitants before them, Celtic and German Belgae.
1.24. The Belgian Government
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with a king with specific ceremonial and constitutional roles. It also has the federal government, which is essential for the day-to-day governance of the country.
The smooth functioning of the country relies on both the monarchy and the federal government, each with its distinct roles.
The people have no problem with it and accept it the way it is. There is government, and there is the King and the royal family.
1.25. Leading Exporter of The Billiards Balls
Nearly eighty per cent of the world’s Billiards balls are exported and made in Belgium. The chemical plants and everything are already established and used extensively for production.
The company Saluc started to specialise in Billiard Balls in the sixties. Saluc is located in Callenelle, Peruwelz, in the Belgian province of Hainaut and was founded in 1923.
The characteristic high-gloss, rock-hard finish of Armith balls is derived from the phenolic resin formula made in Saluc’s chemical plant.
1.26. The Taxes
Belgium pays the highest tax compared to the rest of the OECD nations, and the place is expensive.
Because the taxes are collected at the local and state levels, the income tax received is the highest amount you can account for.
1.27. The Comic Strip Artists
Comic strip artists are more present per square kilometre in Belgium than in any other country. The amount of comic strip artists in Belgium is just oozing off the roofs.
With over 6000 original comics, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, a museum, pays tribute to the Belgian love of comic strips.
With famous series like Tintin and Smurfs getting all the attention, Belgium has some of the best comic artists in the world.
1.28. Sand Sculpture Festival
Like always being the centre of attention, Belgium hosts the Sand Sculpture Festival Middlekerke. People from around the globe visit Belgium to showcase their art and talent.
This festival takes place from the 1st of July to the 10th of September every year and attracts many people.
They test it on the sands of Ostend or another designated place. Unique sculptures are made, and they strike your heart.
1.29. The Compulsory Voting
The citizens of Belgium must vote. Very few countries have this enabled, and Belgium is one of them implementing it.
Some democratic countries consider voting a civic duty, made compulsory with regulations in the constitution and electoral laws.
All citizens of legal age are encouraged to do their part in the electoral process.
2. The End of the Road
There are many facts about Belgium. This country from Western Europe is full of surprises, and facts about Belgium will never be over with the new set of records.
This beautiful country sets daily from the capital city’s music to Tomorrowland and Belgian cities with unique foods, chocolates, and cafes.
Glasses of Beer clinking against one another are a paradise for anyone who plans on living in this beautiful and hard-working country in Northwestern Europe.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Do you need to learn another language in Belgium?
Not necessarily; people know English and are very fluent in it, but it would not go to waste if you knew your way around a little bit of French or Dutch.
Q. Where is Belgium Located?
It is in Northwestern Europe and shares its borders with the North Sea, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
Q. What is unique about Belgium?
Everything, from its deep culture to its history. Belgium is unique with its Belgian food, special beers, music, strong economy, and quality of living.
Q. What is the name of the national anthem of Belgium?
‘La Brabançonne’ is the name of the national anthem of Belgium and was written around 1830.
Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Arnab Nandi
Wow, these cool facts about Belgium surprised me! I didn’t know so much before. Learning about its history and culture makes me want to visit. The writer did a great job sharing interesting information about Belgium. I appreciate how they made it easy to understand and enjoy.