Facts

Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Community. It's capital, Brussels, is also the capital of the European Union. The Independent State of Belgium was established on Oct. 4, 1830, and consists of two distinct regions: Flanders in the north, where the dominant language is Dutch or Flemish and Wallonia in the south where the dominant language is French. Brussels, which is centrally located is bilingual - officially speaking Dutch and French - you will also find a high percentage of residents who speak English as well as German.

Did You Know...

Belgium is a younger country than the United States.

Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, invented the saxophone in 1846.

Antwertp, Belgium's second largest city, is also the diamond capital of the world.

It was in Waterloo, a suburb of Brussels that Napoleon surrendered in 1815.

The national dish of Belgium is mussels and Belgian fried potatoes.

Belgium is the size of the state of Maryland with a population of 10 million people.

Belgium's road system is so well lighted at night that it can be seen by the astronauts.

Points of Interest

Climate

The climate in the Benelux is usually temperate, influenced by the North Sea Gulf Stream. Extreme temperatures are very rare. The proximity to the sea reduces the harshness of winter, but also makes for cooler summer temperatures. Belgium is located in the path of the atmospheric depression which crosses the Atlantic from West to East, almost exactly where the masses of cold air coming from the North and the masses of warm air coming from the South meet. This produces regular but moderate rainfall.Medium-weight clothing is worn all year round, however, do not forget to bring warm sweaters and winter-wear for those days when the temperature drops lower than the norm. Umbrellas and raincoats will come in handy.

Time Zone

The Benelux is one hour ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight savings begins from the end of March and lasts until the end of September. Durng this time, Belgium is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Local time zone is Central European.

Cultural Attractions

In the four-border region of Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands and the Grand-Duche of Luxembourg, there exists a multitude of opportunities for cultural exchange. Belgium offers a tourist information bureau, "Office du Tourisme", which is located in every main city of the country. These offices provide information on sights, events, concerts, festivals and more. Newcomers should visit the Mons Tourism Office early in their tour.

People with an interest in the Arts will be quite surprised by the treasures they will find in the Benelux. The wealth in which these countries has to offer is completely out of proportion with its small size. Eight centuries of intense activity in the Arts has filled the Benelux region with treasures.

The Benelux offers a perpetual spectacle of folklore and merriment. Carnivals, ancient customs and commemorations of historic and legendary happenings bring celebrations throughout the year to the towns and villages. We recommend that you pick up a calendar of tourist events from the tourism office on the Grand Place of Mons.