Royal Palace - Brussels | photo by: Kaihsu Tai
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The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe sharing borders with the neighboring countries of France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium's largest region is the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north, and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia comprises the majority of the remaining population.
Belgian cultural life is predominantly defined by each language community. Since the 1970's there have been no bilingual universities, save the Royal Military Academy, no universal media, and no representation by any large cultural or scientific organization incorporating both communities. Despite its political and linguistic divisions, Belgium has given birth and care to many of the major artistic movements that have inspired so much in European art and culture. Painting and architecture have been highly influential and especially rich in its contributions. The Mosan art, the Early Netherlandish,the Flemish Renaissance and Baroque painting, and major examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture are all of great notoriety in the history of art.
Belgium's cultural life has strong roots in it's folklore. The number of processions, cavalcades, 'ommegangs' and 'ducasses','kermesse', and other local festivals, frequently corresponding with an originally religious background, are comparatively high within it's geographical niche. Rock Werchter, a fine example, is voted nearly every year to be the best music festival in the world.
Belgium is well known for its cuisine. Belgian food is, much like the country, a blend of Germanic and Latin influences. Most people are aware of the stereotypical Belgian waffles and French fries, however, despite the designation of the latter, both originated in Belgium. Specific types of Belgian chocolate and pralines, like Callebaut, Côte d'Or, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Guylian and Godiva, are loved and sold worldwide. Over 500 varieties of beer come directly from Belgian breweries and the largest brewery in the world, by volume, is Inbev, located in Belgium.
Other claims to fame are scattered throughout the country's cities. The Battle of Waterloo, which occured June 18, 1815, between the First French Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Alliance of the Seventh Coalition (United Kingdom, Prussia, Austria, e.g.) took place on Belgian soil. There are many Waterloo's throughout the world, but all pay homage to Waterloo, Belgium, the original. In addition, Spa, a city close to Verviers and Liege, is very well known for its water. Its many water sources are solely responsible for the designated name of all "spas" in the world.
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Royal Palace - Brussels | photo by: Kaihsu Tai
St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral
