￭ Brussels also introduced in 1987 a
female counterpart to Manneken Pis:
Jeanekke Pis, a squatting girl with an
urinating fountain.
￭ Belgium has 3 official languages. The
North (Flanders) speaks Dutch, the
South (Wallonia) speaks French and a
little region in the East speaks German.
Many Belgians are bilingual or trilingual
as a consequence.
￭ Antwerp is world's main diamond
centre, 90% of the world's raw
diamonds are procured and distributed
here.
￭ There are about 3000 castles, farm-
castles, citadels, manors or palaces in
Belgium. Belgium has one of the highest
densities of castles per square km in
the world.
￭ The country produces 220.000 tonnes
of chocolate per year! This is about 22
kg of chocolate per person annually.
Belgium is one of Europe’s most underrated
travel destinations with a population of about
10 million inhabitants. The country is mostly
known for its beers with a range of 800
different types, delicious Belgian chocolates,
traditional "mussels with fries" and the
European capital Brussels, also the main
capital of Belgium.
The country is full of history from medieval
castles and abbeys where the monks run their
own breweries, famous World War I and II
battlegrounds for remembrance, to a beautiful
country side with forested hills and small rivers
and streams. The forested hills in Eastern
regions are a true escape for relaxation,
canoeing in the rivers and numerous biking
and hiking trails through stunning nature and
traditional villages enclosed by green
mountains and valleys.
Brussels, Antwerp, Gent and Bruges are most
visited by tourists. Brussels has an old
charming city centre with trendy bars and
restaurants, fabulous food, great shopping,
museums, historical buildings and modern
architectures to see such as the European
Union building. It is a rising city for arts, style
and design, interesting exhibitions and
numerous festivals are organised here every
year.
Brugges and Gent both are charming ancient
towns where historic sites have been well
preserved. If you are looking for a medieval
atmosphere this is the place to be. Little
picturesque streets and bridges, many
medieval churches, cathedrals, old buildings
and monuments create the charm of the
town. You will find some good restaurants
and the Belgium culture attracts many
visitors. Each year large Christmas markets
take place in Bruges and Gent, creating a
fairytale like decor and ambiance.
If you plan on visiting Belgium it is advisable to
stay a few days in one or two towns and
consider the great advantages of day
excursions around the country. The travel
distances between two towns are relatively
short and can be reached by train or bus.
Belgium is bordering The Netherlands and can
be easily reached by train in 2-3 hours giving
you options for a day visit to Amsterdam,
Antwerp or Brussels. The Belgium cities are
best explored at a leisurely pace.
Discover Belgium
DID YOU KNOW?
FACTS ABOUT BELGIUM
