Belgium
Lying on the North Sea coast, the country of Belgium holds a strategic position in the crossroads of Europe with numerous capitals of west European countries situated within a 1,000 km radius of Brussels, the capital. An international Benelux community member, Belgium has France to its southwest, Luxembourg to its southeast, Germany to its east and the Netherlands to its north as neighbors. It is a densely populated nation that is endeavoring hard to attain some equilibrium in the contrasting pressures of fast urbanization, exhaustive transportation, growing industry, thriving commerce, and rigorous agriculture. It has a great range of languages that is intricately connected with its diverse politics and culture, all of which finds fruition in its civic history and a complicated government structure.
History
With its name originating from the Roman province of Gallia Belgica, in northern Gaul where the Belgae, a blend of Celtic and Germanic people, lived, Belgium, historically, was one of the Low countries that was a flourishing trade and traditions hub from the Middle Ages till the 17th century. The area around the country had been ravaged by numerous wars from the 16th century till the 1830 Belgian revolution. This led to it being christened as "the cockpit of Europe" and "the battlefield of Europe", and the two World Wars made this status only stronger. Post independence, Belgium was a keen Industrial Revolution contributor, acquiring numerous African colonies by the time the 19th century ended. Increasing communal clashes between the Flemings and the Francophones triggered by cultural disparity and a lopsided financial growth in Flanders and Wallonia was the main feature of late 20th century Belgium. These yet- dynamic contrasts have led to sweeping reorganization of Belgium into a federal status.
Culture and Sightseeing
From important painters, architects, musicians to cartoonists, modern acid rock bands and cinema, Belgium is home to great scenic beauties too. Trips can be planned to beautiful fishing towns of Markem, Volendam, Edam and Einkuizen or to take part in the hustle-bustle of the Alkmaar Cheese Market and diverse festivals that date back centuries and are intrinsic parts of Belgian folklore. Sightseeing and culture visits to medieval cities, old-world towns, gothic churches, forts, and carillons make Belgium a great place to visit, especially with all the varied traces of Austrian, Spanish, French, and Dutch influences that can still be found in its building fashions and living trends of the people. Birthplace of the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax, the country which has a busy jazz scene, had also been home to Hergé of the comic strip Tintin fame.
Eat & Drink
Starting with the renowned Belgian chocolates of excellent finesse, adored worldwide by connoisseurs, to the wonder of waffles, Belgium is sheer gastronomic paradise for the beer aficionado and gourmet lover. Famous for its superior cuisine, influenced by many tastes and flavors, the country is a veritable global delight ranging from traditional Belgian to American, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Thai, Moroccan, Arabic and many others. In the face of hundreds of varieties of beer and alcohol, some still produced traditionally in monasteries, mussels in the form of a snack called mosselen met friet and French Fries, claimed to be a Belgian invention despite the name, remain top favorites. The best part is that though the exclusive dishes might be pricey, the wider variety of choices is still available at more than reasonable prices.