Belgium is a member state of the European Union in Western Europe. It was one of the founding members and hosts the European Union headquarters as well as NATO. The country of Belgium covers a land area of 30,528 square kilometres or 11,787 sq miles with a population of about 11 million people.

The country is home to two main linguistic groups - one being Dutch-speakers, and the other being French-speakers plus a small group of German-speakers. Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were referred to as the Low Countries, which used to cover a somewhat larger area than the current Benelux group of states.

From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, it was a prosperous centre of commerce and culture. From the 16th century until the Belgian Revolution in 1830, when Belgium seceded from the Netherlands, the numerous battles between different European powers were fought in the area of Belgium caused it to be called the battleground of Europe.

Belgium is world famous for its beer, chocolate, waffles and frites (french fries). In spite of their name, french fries originated in Belgium and not in France. Among the national dishes of Belgium are "steak and fries with salad", and "mussels with fries". The brands of Belgian chocolates and pralines, like Côte d'Or, Guylian, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Corné and Galler are famous, as well as independent producers such as Burie and Del Rey in Antwerp and Mary's in Brussels.

Belgium produces over 1100 varieties of beer and without doubt, many are the best in the world - the Trappist beer of the Abbey of Westvleteren repeatedly being rated the world's best beer. Others such as Chimay Beer which is brewed by the monks at the Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey in Chimay, Westmalle Beer from the trappist monks of the abbey of Westmalle, Duval Beer brewed at the Duval Moortgat Brewery in Puurs near Brusells and Leffe Beer brewed by the European operating arm of the global Anheuser-Busch InBev brewery - the largest brewer in the world by volume based in Leuven.

The Belgian people are laid back and friendly which makes the country a delight to visit. With these friendly laid back people, the best beers in the world, the tastiest frites and their outstanding chocolates, Belgium is an exceptional European travel destination...