Unusual facts and anecdotes about Belgium. What is Belgium famous for? Report about Belgium interesting facts
1. Brussels South Charleroi Airportis is the most punctual airport in Europe. In the list of the most punctual airports in the world, it took second place after the Japanese Osaka International.
2. The Law Courts of Brussels is the largest in the world. Its area is 26,000 m2, which is 5,000 m2 larger than St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Express information on the country
Belgium (Kingdom of Belgium)- a state in Western Europe.
Capital– Brussels
Largest cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, Charleroi, Bruges
Form of government– A federal state that is a constitutional monarchy
Territory– 30,528 km 2 (139th in the world)
Population– 11.2 million people. (77th in the world)
official languages– Dutch, French, German
Religion– Catholicism
HDI– 0.890 (21st in the world)
GDP– $531.5 billion (25th in the world)
Currency– euro
Borders with: Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France
3. Tax rates in Belgium are among the highest in Europe. For people with high incomes, taxes are about 57.8%. Tax revenues account for 48% of the country's GDP.
4. The first skyscraper in Europe was built in Belgium. It was Torengebouw, built in 1928 in Antwerp. It is still the tallest building in Antwerp – 96 m (26 floors). Another Art Deco building, now known as Boerentoren or KBC Tower, was the tallest on the continent until 1940, when Terazza Martini appeared in Genoa, Italy. Belgium is also home to Europe's oldest shopping arcade, The Galeries St Hubert, which opened in Brussels in 1847.
5. Belgium's divorce rate is the highest in Western Europe – about 70%. Only Latvia and Lithuania are ahead.
6. The longest tram line in the world, the Kusttram (shore tram), is located in Belgium. The 68 km route runs along the Belgian coast between the borders with France and Holland. Between the terminal stations Knokke-Heist and De Panne the tram makes 68 stops. In summer it runs every 10 minutes.
7. Brussels is second in the world in terms of international presence after New York. Brussels is home to approximately 120 international government organizations, 1,400 non-governmental organizations and 181 embassies with 3,000 diplomats. Brussels is home to the European headquarters of 2,000 international organizations, as well as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.
8. Belgian architect Victor Horta was one of the ideologists of the Art Nouveau style (Art Nouveau) . Four of the houses he designed are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of them today houses a museum, the other three are hotels. The architect also contributed to the development of the Art Deco movement.
Building designed by Victor Horta
9. Belgium has the highest urbanization rate in Europe. 98% of citizens live in urban areas and cities, this is also one of the highest levels in the world.
10. Belgian highways can be seen from the Moon. All the country's highways are perfectly lit and are one of the few human creations that are visible over vast distances at night. Belgium is one of the ten countries with the most extensive network of roads and railways. But! TomTom ranked Brussels seventh in the list of the busiest cities in Europe.
11. The Belgians have won the Tour de France more often than others. Only the French won more victories. The most famous Belgian champion cyclists are Eddy Merckx and Philippe Thys.
12. Belgium is the world leader in the number of castles.
13. ShOkolads have been made in Belgium for almost 400 years. The first evidence of this dates back to 1635. Today Belgium produces more than 173 thousand tons of chocolate per year, and there are 2 thousand chocolate shops in the country.
14. Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world. Experts estimate that the market's annual turnover is more than 20 billion euros, which is three times more than the next player, the United States. Diamonds have been sold in Antwerp since 1447. Today, the city accounts for 80% of the world market for rough diamonds and more than 50% of cut diamonds. The Flemish jeweler Lodewyk van Bercken is believed to have invented the pear cut and the polishing wheel (scaif). In memory of his services, a statue was erected to him near the diamond quarter of Antwerp.
15. Belgium is the world's leading exporter of billiard balls. Almost 80% of all billiard balls are made in Belgium. Established in 1923, Saluc AC has its own chemical plant where it produces the phenolic resin that gives Aramith balls their glossy finish and rigidity.
They were called Belgi here. Popular inexpensive cigarettes are also called BELGA.
Everyone here smokes decently. WE WILL SMOKE, BUT WE WILL NOT QUIT DRINKING!
Then the Romans came.
They conquered the Celts, sawed down stone houses, bridges, roads, water supply, writing, theater and other culture and civilization.
Since then, there has been a tradition of a network of good roads.
They are still free and well-lit, which the Belgians are proud of.
What about: Belgian highway system visible from the Moon.
The Aborigines began to slowly mingle with the Romans and speak Latin.
Because speaking Celtic will break your language.
But then the good life ended.
The Germanic tribe of Franks bent down the local population.
Then he was bent over for a long time by various Spaniards, Dutch, and French.
In 1555, Belgium became... a gift. It was given to Philip II by his generous father, Charles the Bold.
And this is the pole-field of Waterloo
On it, Napoleon's French army suffered a massacre in 1815.
124 cities around the world have been named Waterloo.
Another interesting fact is that this is where I live. .
The town of Waterloo is located just 20 km from Brussels.
Tourists come here to take pictures with the background
The main attraction is Lion Hill.
From the guns abandoned by Napoleon's army, they smelted a formidable lion, hoisted it to the top of the mountain, turned its face towards the French neighbor, with a hint - "don't bother"!
In the summer, real-size staged battles are staged here.
Garrisons from abroad are arriving with uniforms, sabers, and cockades.
And from Russia with love too.
This is a real kingdom. With a crowned surname - for beauty and chic.
Belgians joke that there are only two Belgians left in the country - the King and racer Eddy Merckx.
National holiday and non-working day on July 21.
No one really knows what they are celebrating.
But the flags hang on the balconies. This is what they like here - hanging flags.
Belgium was a former colonial power.
Aborigines are passionately nostalgic for bygone luxury -
They also feel bad for their country.
Antwerp is considered the world capital of diamonds.
The Port of Antwerp is considered the fourth largest seaport in the world.
It is also one of the most famous cities of the arts.
Oil paints were invented in Belgium.
For the first time in the world, printed newspapers were published in Antwerp.
Already in 1605.
The symbol of Brussels does not need advertising.
Two inches from the pot, a bronze boy - Manneken Pis - puts out a fire by peeing.
There is also a girl peeing - Janneke Pies.
She sat down in front of the Delirium Café, the White Hot Cafe.
People here love urban sculptures on the theme “life as it is.”
We didn’t forget about the pissing mongrel - Zinneke.
In terms of the number of various national holidays and festivals, Brussels is ahead of many European cities. Residents are ready to have fun, sing and dance in city squares from dawn to late evening.
The Belgians are said to have a brick in their stomach. Nosebleed, but build your own house.
And the Belgians are also passionate cat-dog.
Every fourth family has a dog or cat.
Located in Brussels The world's largest Palace of Justice- just a giant cake.
But this does not affect the quality of justice in any way.
The first pawnshop in Europe was opened in Brussels.
Belgium was the first country in continental Europe to build a railway.
Belgium has more ministers than the former USSR.
The prime minister here is the first in the world - blue, and this is absolutely purple for the Belgians.
Belgium is one of the countries in the world where the law allows:
homosexual marriages
euthanasia
have up to 3 grams of marijuana on you
Voting here is mandatory, and even forced.
The smallest salary of a government member is about 230 thousand euros per year.
The Belgian Parliament has the largest number of female ministers in the world. Belgians consider themselves lucky: The average life expectancy in Belgium is 78.29.
They live on the 2011 average salary of 2,837 euros “dirty”.
Income taxes here are among the highest in the world.
The climate here is pleasant: it is not hot in winter, and not too hot in summer.
Almost half of all days in the year are rainy.
Snow falls high in the Ardennes, where there are plenty of slopes for dummies.
For those who do not speak French or, especially, Dutch, please do not bother:
English is widely spoken in Brussels - the regulations oblige:
Brussels is also the capital of the European Union (EU).
In addition, NATO headquarters is located in Brussels.
(note):
on its territory, former permanent representative of the Russian Federation RogozinI thought of planting a poplar.
With a hint of the Russian Topol-M missile system. But the alliance did not give the go-ahead.
Brussels people are sociable and friendly, but it is best to avoid talking about:
government, royal family and inter-ethnic relations.
The indigenous people should in no way be compared with the inhabitants of France.
Also, don't copy their accent, it's taboo.
At the beginning of July, Brussels hosts the colorful folk festival Ommegang.
On the day of the celebration, local residents dress in beautiful medieval costumes.
The main action of the holiday takes place on Sablon Square.
We go to the Rollebeek28 gallery and get acquainted.
There are about 50,000 Russians in Belgium.
These are different waves of emigration: descendants of white officers,
The Union of Nobles, illegal immigrants and those who arrived stayed and strive to be legalized after the fact.
The latter are called “people without papers.”
Brussels, by virtue of its status, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
In principle, it is possible to live here without knowing French.
It is customary here to solve all problems independently. Northern people do not care about matches and salt.
In the northern part of the country, “Integration Courses” are mandatory for all foreigners,
arriving for permanent residence in Flanders. This wise law does not apply to Brussels.
Famous Belgians
At the entrance to the Brussels restaurant BELGA QUEEN there is a plaque of honor for the country's children. 
Van Eyck, Rubens, Van Dyck,
both Brugels, James Ensor,
René Magritte and Cesar Frank
We won’t remember it in vain.
- Who doesn't know Salvatore Adamo
- with his "tombelanezh",
- Jacques Brel,
- Georges Simenon,
- Jean-Claude van Damme?
jazzman Toots Tielemans-
author of the jazz standard “Bluesette”,
django reinhardt, Jacqui X-
multiple Formula 1 champion,
cyclist Eddy Merckx,
football player Enzo Scifo and tennis champions
- Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, writers Amelie Nothomb and Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt -
- they all come from Belgium. .
- Let's not forget that the Saxophone was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Sax.
It is served at the Cannes Film Festival and presidential talks.
Belgium produces a hell of a lot of chocolate a year - about 220,000 tons.
And the Belgians eat it 6 kg per year per person! IN Bruges has a Chocolate Museum.
The first pralines (sweets filled with caramelized grated almonds, which were adored by Louis XVIII's ambassador to Belgium, Duke Du Plessis-Pralins) were invented by the Belgian Jean Neuhaus
He also came up with the so-called Ballotins, typical boxes for packaging pralines.
The Atomium structure is in 1st place in the top 10 most unusual buildings in the world.
Inside there is a restaurant with panoramic views of Brussels.
Brussels Opera La Monnaie is recognized " Opera de l "année"- the best Opera House of the year.
The heart of all European comics beats here in Brussels.
Hergé, author of Tintin, is from Belgium.
The very first book was called “Tintin in the Land of the Soviets” and was very anti-Soviet in nature. The original Tintin comic in America was sold at auction days ago for $1.6 million.
You can see comics everywhere, even on the walls of houses in the city center.
The Belgians are great jokers.
Brussels hasunusual museum. The museum's exhibits include celebrity underwear and panties.
The main condition is that the owner must wear them for at least a day.
And each pair comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Among world celebrities, visitors will recognize from a new perspective King Albert II of Belgium, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher and Nicolas Sarkozy.
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Bruges is the most famous city in Belgium, after the capital. The second name of the city is “Venice of the North”. It is definitely worth taking a ride along the many cozy canals. And to see the city in all its glory from above, you need to climb the Belfort Tower (Belfry of Bruges). All seekers of medieval romance will be interested in strolling along the streets of Stanina. The city is simply created for peaceful walks around the sights of Bruges. City residents always treat tourists kindly and help them learn the history of the city.
3. "Mini-Europe"
If you want to see the most famous sights of all of Europe in one place, then it is worth visiting Mini-Europe park, which is located in Brussels. The feeling simply cannot be expressed in words. The park was opened in 1989. More than 350 1/25 scale replicas of landmarks are located next to each other on an area of 24,000 m².
The Eiffel and Leaning Towers of Pisa, Big Ben, the Doge's Palace and Chenosseau Castle, the Grand Place, the eruption of Vesuvius and the fall of the Berlin Wall, bullfighting in Seville Square and many other memorable places from 80 European cities will not leave any visitor indifferent. Every year the mini-park is visited by more than 300,000 tourists.
They spent 200 thousand euros on design alone. The entire budget at the time of opening was about 10 million euros.
Dwarf trees and shrubs grow around each attraction, and there is a lawn.
Visiting hours 9:30-18:30. For adults, a ticket costs 13 euros, for children - 10 euros.
4. Carnivals
Every spring, in the ancient park of Annevoie, which is located between the two small towns of Namur and Dinan, you can visit a carnival in Venetian costumes. A real holiday for all visitors.
In addition to the carnival, the park is famous for its fountains and waterfalls, decorative ponds, a palace with an impenetrable moat, and gardens in English, Italian and French styles.
Entrance to the park is paid. For adults - 6 euros, for children - 3 euros.
On which days the carnival will be held can be found on the city’s official website www.annevoie.be/?page=event/venise.
A real Belgian carnival can be seen in the city of Binche. At the end of February, a few days before the start of the great Catholic fast, they organize a big holiday with dressing up in a variety of costumes. The carnival has been held since the 14th century, and every year it attracts thousands of Belgians and tourists from many countries. On the last two Sundays before the carnival, a dress rehearsal of the holiday takes place on the city streets, but only in last year's costumes.
One of the main natural attractions of the country is the caves of An-sur-Lesse. The excursion begins in the villages, then a red tram takes tourists to the caves. Inside, the tour continues on a boat through the cave lakes. The air temperature in the caves does not rise above 13 °C.
The main cave with stalactites is 5 meters high. A light show awaits tourists in one of the caves. All the stones shimmer with multi-colored lights and fairy-tale characters, exotic plants and animals come to life on the walls. In the last cave, all visitors can hear the powerful underground echo of a shot from the Maria cannon.
The cost of a tour ticket for an adult is 25 euros, for children - 13 euros. You can visit the caves from 10 am to 5 pm.
Almost everything in the village is aimed at tourists: hotels, cafes, car rentals, souvenir shops.
Every year, about half a million tourists come to visit the famous caves.
6. Unusual monuments
Belgium is one of the first places in Europe in terms of the number of unusual monuments. The most famous monuments of the capital are a boy, a girl and a dog peeing.
Huge model of an iron molecule - Atomimum. The monument is 102 meters high. Inside you can see nuclear energy exhibits, visit a café, and even spend the night.
There are many monuments in the pop art style in the country. A striking example is a cat on a bicycle in Brussels.
On one of the embankments of Bruges there is a bronze bouquet in a marble vase. This is a symbolic meeting place for lovers of the city.
Another interesting group of sculptures are four naked girls with large crows perched on their heads.
The funniest sculptures are “A Joke on a Policeman”, “Zeus, Leda, Prometheus and Pegasus Visit Bruges”, “The Dog of Flanders” in Hoboken, “Man Measuring Clouds” in Ghent, “The Head of Salvador Dali on a Silver Platter”.
7. Small towns
Don't limit your trip to Belgium to just the big cities. The country is full of small towns that will undoubtedly be of interest to tourists.
For example, the city of Durbuy was considered the smallest town on the planet until 1977. The landscapes here are amazingly beautiful. Natural diversity attracts a large number of tourists here.
For lovers of mountainous terrain, the city of Dinan is worth a visit. And to admire the beautiful embankments, go to Antwerp. The city of Leuven is the “heart” of the Stella Artois beer empire. The most famous Belgian beer was born in local breweries. The city of Spa is considered the ancestor of all water resorts in the world. The town of Bouillon attracts with its medieval castle. The most fashionable town in the country is Knokke. Beach, sea and shopping are the main attractions of the city. Only the capital can boast such a large number of boutiques.
To have fun, you can take a ride on the beer car. This is a mobile beer bar. All passengers turn the pedals of the vehicle, which is why it begins to move. For this, everyone receives a reward - a glass of beer.
This will be an interesting activity for all beer lovers. You can kill two birds with one stone - see the city and drink your favorite drink.
9. Tasty symbols of Belgium
Since ancient times, chocolate has been considered a symbol of Belgium. The wide variety of flavors will make anyone who tastes the local chocolate have a sweet tooth. Many shops offer a variety of chocolate options. Also, famous sweets from Belgium - Brussels And Liege waffles. Very often they are sold with additives: hot chocolate, cream, strawberries, nuts.
If you decide to have a snack on the street, be sure to try Frites. Before serving potatoes, add vegetables, pieces of meat and ketchup.
In the restaurant you should try the famous Flemish carbonade (Carbonnade a la Flamande) - this is beef cooked in beer.
Cheese gourmets should try such Belgian varieties as Limburger, Orval and Remudu.
More than 600 types of beer are produced in Belgium. Traditionally, beer sets are brought as souvenirs.
10. Shopping
In Belgium you can buy exquisite jewelry, luxury perfumes, high-quality clothes and shoes, stylish accessories, and antiques. There are two main trading groups in the country - Delhaize and GB. They offer their customers a compromise between range, price and quality.
Most often people go shopping in July and January. During these months, most stores have solden sales. During this period, you can purchase luxury items (Louis Vuitton, Versace, Christian Dior, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Chanel, Armani) at affordable prices.
To buy antiques you should visit Rue des Sablons in Brussels. There are a large number of antique shops on this street, and fairs are held on weekends.
Outlet villages, popular in Europe, also exist in Belgium. The most famous is Maasmechelen Village outlet. About 100 boutiques offer items from famous Belgian and world brands at reasonable prices. Discounts often reach 60%. The outlet is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
The slow pace of life, the openness of the local population, and colorful landscapes turn every day in Belgium into a holiday. Tourists will always find something to see. To feel the flavor of the country, you need to travel around it, and then you will definitely find your favorite place.
Although such a small country, Belgium nevertheless makes a strong impression. Firstly, one of the things that Belgium is famous for is the city of Brussels. It is the capital of the European Union, NATO and numerous other organizations.
Belgium is also quite a diverse place. It consists of three linguistic regions: the more economically developed Flanders in the north of the country, where Dutch is spoken; Wallonia in the south, where French is spoken and, although the region is larger, only half of Belgium's population lives there; and a very small German-speaking region in the east of the country. These three regions together make up one of the most populous developed countries.
Thanks to this, Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. In fact, its road network is also quite dense. NASA astronauts even nicknamed it the “Belgian Window” because when you look at Belgium from space, it lights up like a torch.
Whether you come here to experience history, engage in politics or work in a modern city, Belgium has everything you need for everyone. Here are 25 incredible things that Belgium is famous for besides delicious waffles!
25. Belgium has more castles per square kilometer than any other country in the world.
24. Almost 80% of all billiard balls in the world are produced in Belgium.
23. Antwerp has been the diamond capital of the world since the 1400s. The vast majority of all diamonds pass through this city.
22. The Big Bang theory was actually born in Belgium. Georges Lemaitre, who proposed the theory in 1927, was a Belgian priest, astronomer and mathematician.
21. Voting is compulsory in Belgium.
20. Only New York surpasses Brussels in international presence. The city is home to the headquarters of 120 international governmental and 140 non-governmental organizations.
19. Brussels is the capital of the European Union and NATO.
18. Despite its small size, Belgium is the 13th largest exporter in the world.
17. However, not everything in Belgium is so rosy. The country has one of the highest divorce rates in Europe. It is second only to Lithuania and Latvia.
16. Most Belgians live in cities and urban areas. Along with the Netherlands, Belgium is one of the most densely populated regions in Europe.
15. The highest point in Belgium is a place called “Signal de Botrange”, located at an altitude of 694 meters. This is lower than the tallest building in the world (the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai).
14. The Belgian border with the Netherlands is very difficult. In the commune of Baarle-Hertog, some buildings are even located right on the border line between the two states.
13. Belgium has the densest railway network in the world.
12. Another not very attractive feature of Belgium is its taxes. According to some estimates, you could be taxed up to 64% of your income. This is more than in any other country in the world.
11. Belgium has three official languages - one in each region. In Flanders they speak Flemish (Dutch), in Wallonia they speak French, and in the German region they speak... you guessed it, German.
10. In March 2003, Belgium became the first European country to introduce electronic ID cards.
9. Brussels Airport is known as the world's largest chocolate sales point.
8. At night, Belgium is illuminated much brighter than any other country due to the dense automobile network, which is illuminated almost 100%. NASA astronauts even called it the "Belgian Window" because of the way it is visible from space.
7. The Belgian coastal tram line is the longest in the world. Its length is 68 kilometers.
6. The saxophone was invented in Belgium in 1840 by the famous Belgian inventor of musical instruments Adolphe Sax.
5. Another Belgian named Adolphe - mathematician, sociologist and statistician Adolphe Quetelet - developed the Body Mass Index.
4. In terms of citizenship grants per capita, Belgium ranks first in the world.
3. Belgium is the third country in the world (after the Netherlands and Japan) with the largest number of cars per square kilometer.
2. Belgium claims that chips (french fries) were first prepared there.
1. Belgium has a compulsory education system until the age of 18 (the longest in the world).
Belgium is an amazing foaming cocktail of delicious chocolate, light beer, mossy bureaucracy, bright oil paint and magical lace. In the old days, French-speaking Walloons and Flemings took root in this land and gave this amazing country its identity. Our review of what Belgium can boast of, besides world-famous travel brands.
1. Belgium - the country of castles
Belgium ranks one of the first in the world in terms of the number of surviving castles.
2. Production of billiard balls
About 80% of billiard tables around the world are equipped with Belgian balls.
3. Antwerp - the diamond capital of the world
Here is the largest diamond exchange, as well as one of the most famous cutting centers in the world.
4. The Big Bang Theory
Belgian priest and physicist Georges Lemaitre, the first person to propose the Big Bang.
6. International organizations in Brussels
Every person included in the voter list is invited and must appear at the polling station.
7. Capital of the European Union and NATO
Brussels is in the center of Europe, so EU officials decided that this would be where their capital would be.
8. Largest exporter
Despite its small size, Belgium is among the TOP 20 largest exporting countries in the world, ranking 13th.
9. Country of divorces
Belgium has one of the highest divorce rates in the world.
10. Densely populated region of Europe
The high level and openness of the Belgian economy attracts qualified labor.
11. Signal de botrange
The highest point in Belgium, 694 meters.
12. Belgium's borders with the Netherlands
The borders of these countries are so intertwined that even one building can be divided between two states.
The rapidly developing mining and processing industries gave impetus to the development of railway transport.
14. Belgian taxes
One could envy the income of the Belgians, if not for the high taxes.
15. Official languages of Belgium
Flemish, German and French are common in Belgium, and all three are official.
16. Electronic ID cards
In 2003, Belgium became the first country to introduce electronic ID cards.
17. The largest chocolate selling point
Brussels National Airport is the largest chocolate distribution point in the world.
At night, Belgium is illuminated more brightly, thanks to a dense network of highways that is almost 100% illuminated.
19. Shore tram
The suburban tram in Belgium is the longest tram route in the world and is 68 kilometers long.
20. Invention of the saxophone
The famous Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone in 1840.
