Belgium:
Belgium
is a small and prominent northwest European Nation situated off
the North Sea. It is bordered to its southwest by France and to
its north by the Netherlands. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy
currently under King Albert II and Guy Verhofstadt as Prime Minister
elected on the 12th of July 1999.
The present day Kingdom of Belgium
was formed in 1830 following the Belgian Revolution which resulted
in its independence from the Netherlands. Belgium is a member
of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
both
having their headquarters in the Country in the City of Brussels.
The country is highly multi-lingual and French, German and
Dutch are spoken here and used as official languages.
Administration:
Brussels is the Capital City of Belgium and the
unofficial capital of Europe. Other major Cities in the Country
are; Antwerp, Ghent, Brugge and Ostend. The Country is divided
into the three administrative regions of; Flemish, Walloon
and the Brussels Capital Region. Belgium has a federal Government
and each of these regions is semi-autonomous.
Economy:
Belgium has a thriving economy and has adopted
the Euro as its monetary currency. Prominent industries in
the Country are; metal works, automobiles, engineering, food
processing, petroleum refining and chemicals.
Religion:
The Roman Catholic faith is the dominant religion
in the Country practiced by a majority of the population.
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