Which fascinating Belgium facts do you know? This little European country is renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, which includes beer, fries, and waffles. Here are 40 intriguing facts about Belgium that can help you come off as a seasoned traveler.
You’ll be prepared to dazzle them with your knowledge the next time someone asks about Brussels’ significance or the origins of Belgian chocolate!
Most people probably associate Belgium with its beers, chocolates, and waffles. Belgian culture, history, and athletic skills are all well-known, in addition to its delicious cuisine.
Even when we talk about it, Belgian food is more than simply beer, chocolate, and waffles. Keep on reading for more details on Belgium Facts.
1. worldwide’s the longest tram line

The Kusttram goes from Knokke-Heist to De Panne, which is close to France, along the Belgian coast, which is one of the most well-known Belgium Facts. (near the Netherlands).
The team has a 42-mile length (68 km). One of the 68 stations is located around every kilometer. The tram ride takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
2. Belgium’s French fries.
One of the most widely known Belgium Facts 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 Belgium Facts 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

The following are well-known Belgium Facts: Waffles come in a broad variety in Belgium.
There is also one filled with whipped cream and made with speculoos, a sort of 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 two other popular options. In Liège, it is a specialty.
The popular Brussels-style waffles are yeast-based puffier rounds with square divots that are offered with toppings. They are fantastic!
Galettes are spherical pancakes that are fried in a specific iron mold, and they are the final option. They are common in Belgium and frequently cooked using buckwheat flour.
5. Belgian chocolate is world-class

These are some well-known Belgium Facts: Fantastic beer, mouthwatering fries, mouthwatering waffles, and now world-class chocolate.
You’ve got to be joking, right? Not at all, no. Svet considers Belgian chocolate 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 Belgium Facts include: NATO and many other European Union (EU) agencies have their main offices in or close to Brussels, Belgium’s capital.
Additionally, the country is a member of the Benelux economic union, which was established by the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
7. Belgian beer

Common knowledge about Belgium facts 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 Belgium Facts is: These painters include Jan Van Eyck, Jame.s 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 Belgium Facts: Black, yellow, and red are the hues of the Belgian flag.
William I of the Netherlands is credited as being the source of the colors. With two vertical black stripes on either side and a wide white stripe in the middle, Germany’s flag resembles this one but has been somewhat changed.
10. Belgium’s official languages
Common knowledge holds the following Belgium 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 a few minor grammatical and writing modifications.
11. Big Bang Theory

The following are commonly acknowledged Belgium Facts: One of the most intriguing things to know about Belgium has to be that.
Georges Lemaître, a clergyman from Belgium, used Albert Einstein’s ground-breaking general relativity theory in cosmology.
Lemaître established the “Big Bang” theory in 1927 at the Catholic University of Louvain. In 1933, Einstein and Lemaître made a trip to California to hear several lectures.
Einstein supposedly sprang up, applauded, and said, “This is the most detailed and satisfying description of creation that 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, which are among the widely known Belgium 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. Belgians language
One of the well-acknowledged Belgium Facts 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 region in the southern part of Wallonia designated for German speakers, Belgium is a trilingual nation.
14. Belgium’s highways
The following Belgium Facts are generally acknowledged: The Belgian government enjoys indulging its citizens.
Scientists claim that at night, the highway system is so bright 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 Belgium Facts are as follows: However, around one-third of Belgians do not practice any religion.
Jews, Protestants, and Muslims make up 4%, 2%, and 1% of the overall population, respectively.
16. Belgian landscape
The following are commonly acknowledged Belgium Facts: Belgian terrain served as an important European battleground for a very long time.
The two World Wars and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 serve as contemporary examples. That illustrates why the nation’s steel industry saw success in the early decades of the 20th century.
17. Monasteries serving cheese

Okay, sir! 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 about Belgium Facts includes the following: Iraq’s absence of a government may have seemed to last far longer than Belgium’s (541 days), but in reality, Iraqis only “spent” 289 days without one.
Although the latter did leave the EU for 6 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, which is one of the most well-known Belgium 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 Millenium, several organizations have made an effort 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 Belgian 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 Belgium Facts: There are around 300 breweries operational and running in 2018, according to the majority of 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 World Wide Web was developed by the Belgian project CYCLADES, among other widely known Belgium Facts.
A Belgian contributed to the development of the World Wide Web. Two young computer scientists, Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau worked together on this ground-breaking novel concept in 1989.
23. Belgium’s royal family
Indisputable Belgium 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 main residence, the Royal Palace of Laeken, they also appear in other royal castles like the Castle of Balmoral (in Scotland) and the Royal Palace of Lopud (in Croatia).
The Royal Palace of Brussels, located near the Grand Place, is not where they live; rather, 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, which is one of the most well-known Belgium Facts. However, here is where the term “spa” first appeared.
Ancient Romans used to travel 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 Belgium 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 Belgium Facts is that there are no hills for hours if you go across 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 2,277 feet in Botrange (694 meters). Still not tall enough to topple the Burj Khalifa, the highest structure in the world at 2,716 feet (828 m).
27. Belgium’s national symbol
Common knowledge holds the following Belgium Facts: Manneken Pis is the name given to it. The little statue may be found in Brussels next to the Grand Place.
You’re likely to see the young man dressed oddly because he has hundreds of various 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 Belgium facts.
29. Brussel’s international presence
The following are well-known Belgium Facts: In terms of global influence, Brussels is second only to New York City.
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 70% divorce rate.
In most marriages in Belgium, first-time partners are involved. This could be explained by the rising divorce rate.
31. Belgium music festivals

The following are widely known Belgium Facts: Tomorrowland is by far the largest. It is the largest in the world. Some of the biggest music events in the world take place 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 Facts 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 both 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 Belgium 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 KBC Tower (also known as Torengebouw), was built by the Dutch before the Italians constructed Genoa’s Terrazza Martini Tower in terms of height.
34. It seldom snows here
Among the well-acknowledged Belgium Facts is the following: 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 small amount of snow falls. The majority of the year, traveling in Belgium is wonderful due to its temperate, maritime climate.
35. Most Belgians live in cities
The following Belgium Facts are generally acknowledged: 98 percent 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 Belgium Facts, including the fact that it produces more than 80% of the world’s supply. The world leader in exports of pool balls is Belgium.
A chemical plant that makes phenolic resin is located in Saluc AC, which 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 Belgium 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 Belgium Facts: It was in Belgium when the Industrial Revolution first began. extending from Britain over the English Channel on the continent, at least.
Particularly important centers for mining and metallurgical production were the Wallonian cities of Liege and Charleroi. 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, which was manifested in the form of a general decline in the textile industry in the nearby Flanders region.
39. Belgians recovered after WWII
The tendency started after WWII and increased in the late 20th century, according to commonly accepted Belgium Facts. In the second part of the 20th century, Flanders began to recover.
Particularly, 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. Similar to this, 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 Belgium 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 Belgium Facts. It began with the Napoleonic army’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Fries are consumed by a large number of 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.
Conclusion
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. But Germany would again acquire 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’ neighbors, 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.