This little European country is renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, which includes beer, fries, and waffles. Here are 41 intriguing facts about Belgium that can help you come off as a seasoned traveller.
You’ll be prepared to dazzle them with your knowledge the next time someone asks about the significance of Brussels or the origins of Belgian chocolate!
Most people probably associate Belgium with its beers, chocolates, and waffles. Besides its delicious cuisine, Belgian culture, history, and athletic skills are well-known.
Even when discussing it, Belgian food is more than beer, chocolate, and waffles. Keep on reading for more details on Belgium Facts.
1. World’s Longest Tram Line
The Kusttram goes from Knokke-Heist to De Panne, close to France, along the Belgian coast, and is one of the most well-known Belgian facts. (near the Netherlands).
The tram has an approximately 42-mile length (68 km). One of the 68 stations is located around every kilometre. The tram ride takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
2. Belgium’s French Fries
One of the most widely known facts about Belgium is that the country is where French fries were first created. These are unquestionably the best fries in the world.
Moreover, they are ubiquitous. Every town and village has at least one fritkot, a truck, or a kiosk that offers fresh fries.
Mayo is the most popular condiment that locals slather them with. Grab a Belgian beer and eat everything in sight.
3. Member of the European Union
One of the most well-known facts about Belgium is that it co-founded the European Union in 1957 alongside West Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
It is hardly surprising that Brussels, the nation’s capital, is home to several European institutions.
The nation is a founding member of the International Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Growth and Development, NATO, and the Eurozone.
4. Belgian Waffles
Waffles come in a wide variety in Belgium. There is also one filled with whipped cream and made with speculoos, a Greek cookie! These are some of the several types of waffles that can be found in Belgium, including the sweet and cakey gaufres from Brussels.
Crispy Liège-style waffles and caramelized waffles with tiny pearl sugar flecks are other popular options. In Liège, it is a specialty.
The famous Brussels-style waffles are yeast-based puffier rounds with square divots offered with toppings. They are fantastic!
Galettes are spherical pancakes fried in a specific iron mould and the final option. They are common in Belgium and frequently cooked using buckwheat flour.
5. Belgian Chocolate is World-Class
Fantastic beer, mouthwatering fries, waffles, and world-class chocolate.
You’ve got to be joking, right? Not at all, no. Belgian chocolate is considered to be the best in the world.
With almost 2,000 chocolatiers, Belgium is internationally recognized for its confections. Safe bets include Neuhaus, Guylian, Leonidas, and Côte d’Or.
6. Headquarters in Belgium
Some well-known facts include NATO and many other European Union (EU) agencies having their main offices in or close to Brussels, Belgium’s capital.
Additionally, the country is a member of the Benelux economic union, which the Netherlands and Luxembourg established.
7. Belgian Beer
Common knowledge includes that locals insist on serving Stella Artois, Duvel, and Chimay in their original glasses.
It is unimaginable in Belgium to serve Belgian beer in the incorrect glass.
Goblets, chalices, and other odd glassware forms are what you may anticipate receiving with your drink.
8. Belgium Painters
One of the most widely known facts is that Belgium is home to some of the most famous painters, including Jan Van Eyck, James Ensor, Paul Delvaux, René Magritte, Peter Paul Rubens, and many others.
One of the greatest artists of all time is considered to be Rubens.
9. The Belgian and German Flags
The following are generally acknowledged facts: Black, yellow, and red are the hues of the Belgian flag.
William I of the Netherlands is credited with the source of the colours. With two vertical black stripes on either side and a broad white stripe in the middle, Germany’s flag resembles this but has been somewhat changed.
10. Belgium’s Official Languages
Common knowledge holds the following Facts: The three official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, and German.
The latter two are used more often by locals in daily life. Even though there isn’t a formal “Belgian” language, many individuals utilize Dutch with minor grammatical and writing modifications.
11. Big Bang Theory
Georges Lemaître, a clergyman from Belgium, used Albert Einstein’s ground-breaking general relativity theory in cosmology.
Lemaître established the “Big Bang” theory 1927 at the Catholic University of Louvain. In 1933, Einstein and Lemaître travelled to California to hear several lectures.
Einstein supposedly sprang up, applauded, and said, “This is the most detailed and satisfying description of creation I’ve ever heard,” when Georges Lemaître explained his theory to the audience.
12. Belgium’s Geographical Characteristics
The North Sea coastal plain rises inland into the Central Plateau and the Ardennes Uplands, among the widely known facts.
In addition to these significant geological features, a piece of the Paris Basin also touches Belgian soil. This is in the southern region of Belgian Lorraine.
13. Belgian Language
One of the well-acknowledged facts about Belgium is that it is divided into two geographical regions: the French-speaking Wallonia in the south and the Flemish-speaking province of Flanders in the north.
Being sandwiched between these two regions, Brussels is multilingual, with people speaking both French and Dutch. Due to a small area in the southern part of Wallonia designated for German speakers, Belgium is a trilingual nation.
14. Belgium’s Highways
The following facts are generally acknowledged: The Belgian government enjoys indulging its citizens.
Scientists claim that the highway system is so bright at night that moonlight can be seen. We can’t back this up since we haven’t been to the moon yet. However, you are free to visit and have a look.
15. Belgians Roman Catholic
Some well-known facts are as follows: Around one-third of Belgians do not practice religion.
Jews, Protestants, and Muslims comprise nearly 4%, 2%, and 1% of the population, respectively.
16. Belgian Landscape
The following are commonly acknowledged facts: Belgian terrain was an essential European battleground for a long time.
The two World Wars and the Battle of Waterloo 1815 are contemporary examples. That illustrates why the nation’s steel industry saw success in the early decades of the 20th century.
17. Monasteries Serving Cheese
Locals initially started manufacturing cheese at abbeys and monasteries in the Middle Ages.
Many monasteries have given their names to both beers and cheeses (e.g., Chimay, Maredsous, and Westmalle). Get a cone of fries, some cheese, and a delicious beer for a powerful foodgasm.
18. Belgium’s World Record
Common knowledge includes the following: Iraq’s absence of a government may have lasted far longer than Belgium’s (541 days), but Iraqis spent at least 290 days without a government.
Although the latter did leave the EU for six months during the same year, 2010, this reality did not stop it.
19. Belgium’s Light Beer
It is evident from the initial two criteria that Belgians adore beer, one of the most well-known Belgian facts. But did you know that in the 1970s, drinking a little “table beer” in class was permitted?
Later, the authorities replaced sodas with something else. Since the millennium, several organizations have tried to resurrect this tradition. Kids drank light beer during school lunches in the 1970s.
They provided evidence for their assertion by claiming that beer is healthier than several carbonated beverages, such as juices, which are to blame for several illnesses, including diabetes. Undoubtedly, that is one of the most bizarre facts.
20. The World’s Diamond Capital is Antwerp
The second-largest city in Belgium, Antwerp, is delighted to be the world’s diamond capital and to have a rich historical past, even if it may not be as well known as Brussels.
Antwerp serves as the diamond industry’s hub. Presently, the city cuts and polishes 85% of the raw diamonds sold in retail outlets worldwide. Isn’t that crazy?
21. Belgium Beer
Common knowledge holds the following facts: There are around 300 breweries operational and running in 2018, according to most sources, and there are approximately 2,200 Belgian beers on the market.
You can consume beer in Belgium for six years and never have the same brew again. During his year of stay in Belgium, Svet had only the chance to try roughly fifty different beers.
22. Belgian World Wide Web
The Belgian project CYCLADES developed the World Wide Web, among other widely known facts.
A Belgian contributed to the development of the World Wide Web. Two young computer scientists, Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau, played a substantial role in creating this ground-breaking novel concept in 1989.
23. Belgium’s Royal Family
Indisputable facts include the following: Belgian monarchy dates back to 1165!
The Belgian king at the moment is Philippe, who was born in 1960. His wife, Mathilde, Duchess of Brabant, is the country’s queen consort.
In addition to their primary residence, the Royal Palace of Laeken, they appear in royal castles like the Castle of Balmoral (Scotland).
The Royal Palace of Brussels, located near the Grand Place, is not where they live; instead, it is where they have their administrative and guest offices.
Visitors aren’t allowed on the premises except during the summer when the Royal Palace welcomes guests for free.
24. The Belgian’s “Spa.”
The spa is a little town in Belgium, one of the most well-known facts. However, here is where the term “spa” first appeared.
Ancient Romans traveled to the hamlet to take baths in the well-known cold springs. That’s what they claimed, at least.
25. Does Anyone Want a Flower Carpet?
The following are some well-known facts: Both flowers and carpets are beloved in Belgium.
They decided to create a flowery carpet by combining their two interests. One of the most exquisite floral displays in the world may be found at Brussels’ Grand Place. Get ready for a terrifying adventure!
26. Belgium is Primarily Flat
One of the well-known facts about Belgium is that there are no hills for hours if you cross Flanders by car or rail. This region is referred to as the “Low Lands.”
In addition, the Netherlands is included. On the other side, the country’s southernmost region is home to the Ardennes hills.
The maximum elevation is around 2,277 feet in Botrange (694 meters). Still not tall enough to topple the Burj Khalifa, the highest structure in the world at about 2,716 feet (828 m).
27. Belgium’s National Symbol
Common knowledge holds the following facts: Manneken Pis is its name. The little statue may be found in Brussels next to the Grand Place.
You’ll likely see the young man dressed oddly because he has hundreds of outfits. He has his dresser, too.
28. Light Beer at School Meals
The two discussions before show how much Belgians love beer. But did you know that in the 1970s, drinking a little “table beer” at school was acceptable?
Authorities then made soft drinks an alternative. Numerous organizations have tried to revive this rite since the turn of the century.
They offered evidence to support their argument by asserting that beer is healthier than other carbonated beverages, such as juices, which are linked to several diseases, including diabetes. That has to be among the most peculiar facts.
29. Brussels’s International Presence
The following are well-known facts: Brussels is second only to New York City regarding global influence.
More than 1,400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 120 international governmental organizations, and more than 180 embassies with more than 3,000 diplomats on staff are located in the capital of Belgium.
30. Belgians Dislike Remaining Married
After the Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania, Belgium is first in Western Europe and third overall in Europe, with a high divorce rate.
In most marriages in Belgium, first-time partners are involved. The rising divorce rate could explain this.
31. Belgium Music Festivals
The following are widely known facts: Tomorrowland is the largest music festival in the world. Some of the world’s most significant music events occur in Belgium.
Now, in addition to Belgium, it is also held in the United States, Australia, Brazil, and France. The festival draws over 200,000 visitors annually.
Because they sell out so quickly, tickets are almost impossible to get. Some more well-known festivals are Rock Werchter, Brussels Summer Festival, Pukkelpop, and I Love Techno.
32. Belgium Comic Strips
Common knowledge about Belgium includes the following: The Smurfs hail from Belgium. What are Tintin’s adventures? Some of the most well-known comic strips ever created were first published in Belgium.
Belgian. What about Spirou, Fantasio, Lucky Luke, and Gaston? Belgians, Belgians, Belgians. France and Belgium had a significant impact on the development of European comics.
33. Belgium Skyscraper
The construction of the first skyscraper in Europe took place in Belgium, which is one of the most well-known facts.
The 315-foot-tall Boerentoren in Antwerp dominates the skyline (96 m). The building would not even be considered a high rise in modern terminology.
It continues to be the tallest building in Antwerp. The Dutch built the KBC Tower (also known as Torengebouw) before the Italians constructed Genoa’s Terrazza Martini Tower in height.
34. It Seldom Snows Here
Among the well-acknowledged facts is that Flanders typically gets less snow than 15 days per year, compared to the 30 to 35 days that the Ardennes area experiences snowfall.
On the coast, even a tiny amount of snow falls. Traveling in Belgium is lovely most of the year due to its temperate maritime climate.
35. Most Belgians Live in Cities
Facts generally acknowledged: 98% of Belgium’s 11.6 million inhabitants live in cities.
Svet used to board a train in Belgium and travel through Flanders for hours without ever noticing a vacant seat. That demonstrates how urbanized the nation has grown. It is the most urbanized nation in all of Europe.
36. Belgium Billiard Ball
There are several well-known statistics about the facts, including that it produces more than 80% of the world’s supply. The world leader in pool ball exports is Belgium.
A chemical plant making phenolic resin in Saluc AC was established in 1923. It’s what gives the billiard balls their ultra-high gloss, rock-hard shine.
37. Belgium’s Cycling Victories
The following are a few well-known facts: Belgian cyclists have won the most Tour de France races after French riders.
Eddy Merckx and Philippe Thys are two well-known cyclists from Belgium. Eddy was also one of a select few individuals to take the trip on his first attempt.
38. Belgium Industrial Revolution
The following are widely accepted facts: It was in Belgium when the Industrial Revolution first began—extending from Britain over the English Channel on the continent.
The Wallonian cities of Liege and Charleroi were significant mining and metallurgical production centres. Up to the middle of the 20th century, the Sambre and Meuse River Valleys were among the most important industrial areas in the world.
Industrialization, however, did not come without a price, manifested in a general decline in the textile industry in the nearby Flanders region.
39. Belgians Recovered After WWII
According to commonly accepted facts, the tendency started after WWII and increased in the late 20th century. In the second part of the 20th century, Flanders began to recover.
Remarkably, the growth of the chemical and oil sectors gave fresh wealth to the hitherto underappreciated area. The Flanders cities of Ghent and Antwerp gained the most from this boom, but the Oil Crisis of the 1970s brought about a severe downturn.
However, once it was over, Flanders’ economy grew more, whereas Wallonia’s economy tanked. Today, Flanders serves as Belgium’s economic hub.
40. Belgium Traffic Bottlenecks
Statistics show that the average commuter may be detained in traffic for 64 to 65 hours a year.
And not only on the ground, either. In Belgium, all flights must travel via Brussels Airport. Similarly, around 80% of marine trade in Belgium is handled by Antwerp and Bruges.
Statistics show that Antwerp transports more than 200 million tonnes of freight annually. Think about all the facts that are packed.
41. Belgium’s Most Popular Meals
Fries, or French fries as we know them today, were first produced in Belgium and are one of the country’s best-known facts. It began with the Napoleonic army’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Fries are consumed by many people worldwide, but the Belgian variety is distinct from, say, French fries. Unless they are served with steak, they are often cooked twice.
Mussels are another dish that’s popular in Belgium. Typically, they are accompanied by fries, mayonnaise, white wine, celery sticks, and a glass of lemon juice.
42. To Wrap Up
Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands in writing in 1830. Germany seized control of Belgium at the start of World War I.
After five years, Belgium’s freedom was restored by the Treaty of Versailles. However, Germany again acquired power in the region during World War II. Germany was forced out of Belgium with the aid of American and British forces.
The Benelux Economic Union was established in 1958 by Belgium, the Netherlands’ neighbours, and Luxembourg to promote open trade in the region.
When the Belgian constitution was updated in 1993, Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels were acknowledged as the three administrative regions of the country.
Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by paakhi
