Belgium

With an area of 30,689 square kilometers (11,849 square miles) Belgium, in Northwestern Europe, has a population of over 11.7 million. With a noteworthy density of 383 persons per square kilometer (990 per square mile), Belgium ranks as the 22nd most densely populated nation in the world and the sixth in Europe. The strategic location of the country at the junction of Western Europe has greatly affected its political complexity, historical evolution, and cultural diversity.

Officially known as Belgium, the Kingdom of Belgium broke off from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands following the Belgian Revolution of 1830, establishing a sovereign state. This important event in Belgian history started the development of a unique national identity that would be regularly impacted by linguistic, cultural, and regional differences. Originating from the Latin term “Belgium,” used by Julius Caesar in his “Gallic Wars” to describe a region in the vicinity roughly 55 BCE, the name of the nation has historical significance.

Geographic location of Belgium has always been a benefit as well as a drawback. To the north of the Netherlands, to the east of Germany, to the southeast of Luxembourg, to the south of France, and to the west of the North Sea Belgium lies. For European trade, culture, and conflict, it has historically acted as a focal point. Belgium’s central location has earned it the moniker “the Battlefield of Europe,” which became tragically pertinent in the 20th century as the country participated in both World Wars.

The nation’s political system mirrors its complex linguistic and cultural mix. Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy run under a parliamentary framework. Flanders to the north, Wallonia to the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region at the middle separate it into three autonomous areas. Three main linguistic communities—the Dutch-speaking Flemish community, which makes about 60 percent of the population; the French-speaking community, which makes about 40 percent; and a minor German-speaking community of roughly one percent found in the East Cantons complicate the federal structure even more.

Brussels, the capital and biggest city in Belgium, epitomizes linguistic variety in the country. Officially bilingual in French and Dutch, Brussels serves as the seat of Belgian federal authority as well as the de facto European Union capital. Apart from one of the two sites of the European Parliament, the city hosts the official headquarters of the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Council. Beyond the European Union, Brussels’s international importance stems from its headquarters for NATO, supporting Belgium’s role as a major actor in world diplomacy and international relations.

Belgium’s modern political and social scene has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the region’s central location enabled wealth via political and commercial links with its bigger neighbors. This historical advantage set the stage for Belgium’s notable 18th and 19th century Industrial Revolution involvement. Especially in Wallonia, Belgium’s quick industrialization established it as one of Europe’s first industrialized countries, promoting technological innovation and economic growth.

For Belgium, the 20th century brought unique difficulties and changes. The country’s involvement in both World Wars profoundly affected its landscape and shared consciousness. Belgium sought to restore its place on the world scene following these wars. Reflecting a commitment to international cooperation and economic integration, it was a founding member of several international organizations including the European Union, NATO, OECD, and WTO.

Belgium’s internal situation changed noticeably during the post-war years. Comprising its rule of the Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, the colonial era of the nation came to end between 1960 and 1962 with the independence of these areas. The period of decolonization coincided with growing internal conflicts between Belgian communities speaking French and Dutch.

Starting in the 1970s, the linguistic and cultural differences between Flanders and Wallonia spurred a sequence of state reforms driven by differences in economic development. Belgium was gradually turned from a unitary state to a federal state by the reforms; this change was mainly complete by 1993. Aiming to settle long-standing grievances and preserve national unity, the federal structure was set to give areas and linguistic communities great autonomy.

Though these initiatives have helped, tensions still exist. With language laws, especially those controlling municipalities with language facilities, still controversial, Flemish separatist attitude remains a major political influence. 2010–2011 saw Belgium set a world record for the longest period without a government, needing 589 days to build a coalition following federal elections, highlighting the complexities of her political system.

Belgium today is categorized as a developed country with a sophisticated high-income economy. As unemployment in Wallonia exceeds that of Flanders by more than two-fold, economic differences between areas persist. Belgium’s political debate and national identity are greatly shaped by the economic inequalities as well as by ongoing linguistic and cultural differences.