Belgium: The Land of Chocolate

Written by: Natalie Yao

Geography and Nature

Located in Western Europe, Belgium is one of the tiniest countries in Europe with a land area of almost twelve thousand square miles. Some of the countries Belgium borders are France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany. It also sits next to the North Sea, with its coasts lined with many popular beaches. The country sits at a point close to sea level called Botrange, which is in the Ardennes plateau. The Ardennes plateau also covers parts of France and Luxembourg. The nation is divided into three regions, the Lower, Upper, and Middle parts. The Lower region is in the north and mostly flat, the Upper region in the south including highlands and forests, and the Middle region being the central part which is filled with many farms and plains. Some major cities include its capital Brussels, Antwerp, Liege, Bruges, and Ghent.

The country’s land was once covered in forests, but now the forests have been reduced significantly because of human activity. Some common trees in the forests that are still standing are the oak, beech, birch, and elm trees. There are also many animals that can be found in Belgian forests that include wild boars, wildcats, pheasants, and deer. Birds are also very common in the country like sandpipers, woodcocks, snipes, and lapwings.

People and Culture

Belgium is split into three communities that speak different languages. In the north, there are the Flemings that speak Flemish, also known as Dutch. In the south are the Walloons who speak French. In addition, the city of Liege has a small population that speaks German. Even though Belgian people are split by language, they are united through religion, in which most of the population are Roman Catholic. 

Belgian cuisine reflects its location next to France as it has French and Flemish influences. Ingredients such as leeks, potatoes, endives, and different beers are also commonly used in Belgian food. 

Some popular dishes include:

• Moules-Frites: Mussels steamed in wine and garlic, served with crispy fries

• Carbonnade Flamande: a Flemish beef stew that is cooked in beer

• Stoemp: mashed potatoes mixed in other vegetables, and is served with sausages or bacon

• Waterzooi: creamy chicken or fish stew made with vegetables and herbs

• Belgian Waffles: a crispy but airy dessert that is served with fruit, cream, and chocolate

National Symbols

• National Anthem: La Brabançonne

• National Animal: the Lion

• National Bird: the Common Kestrel 

• National Flower: the Red Poppy

• National Colors: Black, Yellow, and Red