The Kingdom of Belgium is a small country with a temperate and rather rainy climate in the northwest part of Europe. It borders France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. The capital, Brussels, hosts the headquarters of the European Union. Belgium has a rich and rather complicated history giving rise to a complex linguistic situation today. The name Belgium derives from a roman province called Gallia Belgica. From the end of the middle ages onward the area prospered with much commerce and culture. From the sixteenth century many European battles were fought in the area. This changed after the 1830 Belgian revolution giving Belgium a more unified and independent status. Belgium also took part in the industrial revolution which created a need for natural resources starting the era of the Belgian colonial empire. In the twentieth century Belgium once again became a battlefield, this time because of the world wars. It is no wonder that Belgium today also hosts the headquarters of NATO. Belgium is also known for beer and chocolate.

Inhabitants: 10.5 million
Area: 30,528 km2
Capital: Brussels (1,024,492)
Languages: Dutch, French, German
Religion: Mainly Roman Catholic
GBD per capita: $31.400
Government: Democracy
Climate: Maritime temperate