Last Updated on 15 December 2025 by Johan

Belgium lies in Western Europe bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Its western edge meets the North Sea with a coastline of sandy beaches and dunes stretching for about 67 kilometres. The country is compact yet diverse with fertile plains in Flanders, rolling hills in Wallonia and the forested Ardennes uplands. Brussels, the capital, sits at the heart of Europe and hosts major international organisations including the European Union and NATO.

Explanation of the name: Belgium

The name Belgium comes from the Latin word Belgica, used by the Romans to describe the northern part of Gaul inhabited by the Belgae tribes. Over centuries the name evolved through French and Dutch usage until it became the official designation of the Kingdom of Belgium in 1830. Today the name reflects unity across three main language communities: Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia and the small German-speaking region in the east.

History: Belgium

Belgium gained independence in 1830 from the Netherlands and adopted a constitutional monarchy. King Philippe is the current monarch. The country has long been a crossroads of European history with medieval trade centres such as Bruges and Ghent, Renaissance art from masters like Rubens, and modern contributions from surrealist painter René Magritte. Belgium endured two world wars and rebuilt as a federal state with strong regional autonomy. Its Parliament consists of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate. Coalition governments are common due to the diverse political landscape.

Tourist information: Belgium

Belgium offers a wide range of attractions sorted here by distance from Brussels. The Grand Place in Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ornate guildhalls. It is the historic heart of the capital and hosts seasonal events including the Flower Carpet in August. Close by is Manneken Pis, a 17th-century bronze fountain statue of a boy. It is often dressed in costumes during festivals and symbolises the city’s humour. The Atomium at Atomiumplein 1, Brussels, is only 7 km from the city centre. Built for Expo 58, this futuristic structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visitors can explore exhibitions inside its spheres and enjoy panoramic views from 92 metres high. Nearby stands Mini-Europe at Voetballaan 1, Brussels, about 8 km from the centre. This miniature park displays replicas of Europe’s landmarks at a scale of 1:25, making it a favourite for families.

Travelling 55 km northwest brings you to Ghent where the Gravensteen castle dominates Sint-Veerleplein. This 10th-century fortress includes an armoury museum and offers panoramic views of the city. At 100 km from Brussels lies Bruges. The Belfort tower rises above Markt square with 366 steps leading to a carillon of 47 bells. The nearby Burg square is surrounded by Gothic buildings including the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Dinant’s Citadel, about 90 km southeast of Brussels, overlooks the Meuse valley and can be reached by cable car or steep stairs. Antwerp, 45 km north of Brussels, is home to the Cathedral of Our Lady which houses works by Rubens and dominates the skyline with its 123-metre spire.

Museums in Belgium

Brussels hosts many of Belgium’s leading museums. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium at Regentschapsstraat 3 house masterpieces from the 15th to 21st centuries. The Old Masters Museum, part of the same complex, displays works by Bruegel and Rubens. The Magritte Museum at Koningsplein 1 celebrates the surrealist painter with over 200 works. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre at Zandstraat 20 showcases Belgium’s comic heritage including Tintin. The Royal Museums of Art and History at Parc du Cinquantenaire 10 present artefacts from prehistory to Egypt. Autoworld at Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 exhibits over 250 classic cars. The Illusion Museum Brussels at Kaasmarkt 22 offers interactive optical illusions for all ages. Bruges’ Groeningemuseum displays Flemish Primitives and Renaissance works. Ypres’ In Flanders Fields Museum tells the story of the First World War in the Cloth Hall. The Horta Museum in Brussels preserves Art Nouveau treasures.

Fun things for children

Families will find Belgium welcoming for children. The Atomium fascinates with its giant spheres and panoramic views. Mini-Europe allows children to explore miniature versions of Europe’s landmarks. Train World in Schaerbeek delights young visitors with locomotives and interactive exhibits. Parks such as the Zoniën Forest near Brussels offer safe spaces for cycling and walking. Seasonal events like Christmas markets in Bruges and Brussels add festive fun. The Plopsaland theme park in De Panne near the coast provides rides and shows based on Belgian children’s television characters.

Practical information

Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels-Capital. Each region has provinces and municipalities with local governance. The country covers 30,510 square kilometres and has a population of about 11.7 million. Dutch, French and German are official languages, while English is widely spoken. Roman Catholicism remains the largest religion though secularism is growing. Belgium’s cuisine is world-famous with pralines, waffles, mussels with fries and over 1,500 varieties of beer. Cycling is popular with extensive routes across Flanders and the Ardennes. Walking trails in the Ardennes offer scenic views. Local events in 2026 include the Ommegang festival in Brussels and the Gentse Feesten in Ghent.

More information:

Sources

• Belgium.be – Tourism: https://www.belgium.be/en/about_belgium/tourism. Used for general tourism highlights and UNESCO heritage sites Belgium.be.