Study, work and live in Belgium

Belgium is a technologically advanced country and a mature democracy. It is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now European Union) and of NATO, and hosts the headquarters of both. Belgium is located in one of the world’s most industrialised regions. The northern part of the country is mainly Flemish (Dutch) speaking, while in the south, French is more common. The central region around the capital Brussels is bilingual with both French and Flemish as official languages. There is also a small region where German is spoken.

Belgium has a good reputation for fine chocolates and excellent beers. Belgian (of the region which today is Belgium) artistic trends have had a major influence on European art as a whole, and artists such as Van Dyck are well known.

Quick facts:

• Population- 10,379,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s)- Flemish, French, German
• Capital- Brussels
• Other major cities- Antwerp, Ghent
• Monetary unit- 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain- .be
• International dialling code- +32