French Learning Community and Resources

Belgium, with its rich cultural heritage and historical significance stands as a country of unique charm and influence. Here are 15 interesting facts about Belgium that contribute to its global allure: 

Belgium has the largest number of castles per square meters in the word: Belgium is known for its medieval castles that evoke a sense of history and fantasy, such as the Gravensteen in Ghent and the Castle of Bouillon. 

Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is sometimes considered as The Capital of Europe: Brussels hosts major EU institutions headquarters, including the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.  

Belgium is a monarchy: Belgium is a constitutional monarchy which means that while there is a monarch as the head of state, the political system is governed by a constitution that outlines the powers and responsibilities of the monarch and other branches of the government.  

Belgium has three official languages: Belgium has a diverse linguistic landscape and has Dutch, French, and German as official languages, reflecting the cultural richness of the country. 

Belgium has seven parliaments: Belgium's political landscape is characterized by seven parliaments, including the Federal Parliament, three regional parliaments (Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels-Capital) and three community parliaments, (Flemish, French-speaking and German speaking) reflecting the nation's  linguistic and regional diversity. 

One of Belgian symbols is a peeing boy: Brussels is home to the famous Manneken Pis statue, depicting a little boy urinating into a fountain. The statue has numerous costumes, and its wardrobe is changed several times a week. 

Belgium is the birthplace of the saxophone: The saxophone, a versatile musical instrument, was invented by Adolphe Sax in Dinant, Belgium, in the early 1840s. 

French fries are from Belgium: Even though these thin strips of potato are called French Fries, they are from Belgium. Belgians usually eat them with mayonnaise.  

Belgium has the world's first printed newspaper: The world's first printed newspaper, Nieuwe Tijdinghen, was published in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1605, marking an early milestone in the history of journalism. 

Smurfs come from Belgium: Belgium has a strong tradition of comic strips, and it is the birthplace of iconic characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, and Asterix. 

Most of Belgian cities have two different names: Most Belgian cities have two different names due to the country's linguistic diversity, with each city having names in both Dutch and French, reflecting the coexistence of these two official languages. 

Belgium is famous for diamonds: Antwerp, known as the World Diamond Center, has been a historic hub for the diamond trade, boasting a renowned Diamond District and a legacy of expertise in diamond cutting and trading. 

The most translated French-speaking authors are Belgian: Comic book author Hergé and detective novel author George Simenon, both from Belgium, are the most translated French-speaking authors.  

Belgium has many medieval town squares: Belgium's cities, including Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, are known for their beautifully preserved medieval town squares, featuring stunning architecture and vibrant atmospheres. 

Belgium has the longest tram line in the world: Stretching along Belgium's coastline from La Panne to Knokke, the fully electrified Coastal Tram (Kusttram) spans 67 kilometers, has 68 stops, and completes its journey in 2 hours and 21 minutes. 

Belgium's rich and diverse tapestry, spanning from its medieval castles to culinary delights and linguistic harmony, positions it as a rich and captivating nation. 

Did you know about these 15 interesting facts? If you have more intriguing facts about Belgium or would like to share your experiences, feel free to drop them in the comments below. 

Lilas, OLS Community Manager — French