Belgium

Belgium is a small country in northwestern Europe bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the North Sea. It became an independent nation in 1830 and is a federal constitutional monarchy. Brussels is the capital, while Antwerp is the largest city. Belgium has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—and its landscape ranges from coastal plains in the north to the wooded hills of the Ardennes in the southeast.

Belgium’s central location has given it an important place in European history. Its medieval cities became prosperous centers of trade and textile production, and during the nineteenth century Belgium became the first country in continental Europe to industrialize. The country was invaded during both world wars, and several major battles were fought on its soil. After the Second World War, Belgium helped establish organizations promoting European cooperation, and Brussels became home to principal institutions of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO.