Looking for some fun facts about Belgium? You’ve come to the right place!
There’s much more to Belgium than beer, chocolate, and waffles. This treasure trove of Belgium facts is proof of that.
Note: this list only contains facts. I created a separate list with famous Belgians. So no worries, I didn’t forget about Adolphe Sax.
Listed below are the top fun facts about Belgium.
- Belgium independent in 1830. Belgium’s independency was declared in 1830. It’s located in Western Europe and consists of three federal regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussel.
- Belgium has another official name and a king. The official name is “Kingdom of Belgium” and King Philippe of the Belgians is the monarch.
- Belgium has 3 official languages. These are Dutch, French, and German.
- Spa came from Belgian city. The city of Spa, Belgium is located in the province of Liège.
- Napoleon defeated at Waterloo. Waterloo is a city in south of Brussels,
- Brussels hosts diplomats. Brussels and Washington D.C., hosts the most of diplomats and press correspondents of all the countries in the world.
1. Belgium independent in 1830
Belgium became an independent country in 1830. It’s located in Western Europe and consists of three federal regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and Brussels in the center.
2. Belgium has another official name and a king
Its official name is the “Kingdom of Belgium” and King Philippe of the Belgians is the current monarch.
3. Belgium has 3 official languages
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Contrary to what many people think, Flemish is not a language. It’s a dialect cluster or simply the way people from the Northern part of Belgium – Flanders – speak Dutch.
4. Spa came from Belgian city
One fun fact about Belgium many people don’t know about is that the word “spa” comes from the Belgian city of Spa, located in the province of Liège. Spa is world-famous for its many natural mineral springs, and over time the name of the city became synonymous with any health resort with therapeutic baths, hot springs, or wellness treatments.
5. Napoleon defeated at Waterloo
Napoleon was defeated in Waterloo, a city south of Brussels.
6. Brussels hosts diplomats
Looking for some interesting facts about Belgium? Brussels, together with Washington D.C., has the highest number of diplomats and foreign press correspondents in the world.
7. Big agricultural fair held in Belgium
The largest agricultural, forestry and agri-food fair in Europe, the Foire de Libramont, is held in Belgium.
8. Belgium has many castles
Belgium is the country with the most castles per square kilometer in the world. A famous example is the Gravensteen in Ghent.
9. Belgium’s high income taxes
Belgium has some of the highest income and social contribution tax rates in the world. For single people without children, it has the highest income tax rates.
10. Famous Belgian comics
Three famous Belgian comics are Tintin, The Smurfs and Lucky Luke.
11. The Snorks are Belgian
The Snorks are also Belgian.
12. First international football in Belgium
The very first international football game was played in Brussels in 1904.
13. Football still popular in Belgium
Football is still one of the most popular sports in Belgium.
14. Belgian king briefly dethroned
In 1990, the Belgian king Baudouin was dethroned for 36 hours. He was against the abortion law that the government wanted to pass, so they dethroned him, signed the law, and made him king again.
15. Belgium’s long government formation
Little weird Belgium holds the world record for the longest government formation in history. The country was without a government for 541 days and then it took another 200 days to divide the highest 65 administrative jobs.
16. Belgium has the most translated books
The most translated books in the world, after the Bible, are those about Inspector Maigret by author Georges Simenon from Liège.
17. Belgium got a TV in 1953
Television was introduced in Belgium in 1953 with two channels, one in Dutch and one in French.
18. Education compulsory until 18 in Belgium
Another interesting fact about Belgium is that it’s one of the rare countries where education is compulsory until you’re 18 years old.
19. Belgium has two living kings
Aside from Spain, Belgium is the only country in the world to have two living kings. Current King Philippe’s father Albert continues carrying the title “king” after his abdication.
20. Antwerp is diamond capital
Antwerp is the world’s diamond capital, as over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through there. There are lots of diamond stores outside Antwerp’s central train station.
21. Brussels airport big on chocolate
Brussels International Airport is the world’s largest chocolate selling point.
22. Belgium’s early newspapers
There are a lot of interesting things about Belgium when you look at its history and culture. For example, the country can claim to be the place where the world’s two first printed newspapers were printed – both in 1605. One was printed in Strasbourg, and the other (the Nieuwe Tijdingen) was printed by Abraham Verhoeven in Antwerp in northern Flanders.
23. First Belgian car made
The first Belgian car, called the Vincke, was built in 1894. Automobiles Vincke produced a handful of models until it stopped production in 1905.
24. Belgium’s highest point
Signal de Botrange (694 m) is the highest point in Belgium.
25. Belgium’s lowest point
The North Sea is the lowest point in Belgium.
26. Belgium has long tram line
The Belgian coastal tram, which stretches for 68 km, is the longest tram line in the world. It opened in 1885 and operates between De Panne and Knokke-Heist, which is from the French border to the Dutch border.
27. Belgium’s first railroad
The first railroad on the European mainland opened in Belgium in 1835. It connected Brussels and Mechelen.
28. Belgium’s first gay PM
Belgium had the first openly gay Prime Minister in Europe. His name is Elio Di Rupo.
29. Ghent hosts big festival
Ghent hosts the biggest cultural festival in Europe, the Gentse Feesten. It’s a great event if you don’t mind the crowds.
30. Belgium has equal pay
Belgium has the lowest salary gap between men and women in the EU.
31. Belgium’s translated authors
The two French-speaking authors who have been the most translated are both Belgian: the comic book author Hergé and George Simenon, an author mostly known for his detective novels. The Hergé Museum is located in Belgium as well.
32. Famous billiard balls from Belgium
80% of billiard players use the Aramith pool balls made in Belgium.
33. Belgians invented fries
Belgians invented fries (and a ton of other delicious things). That’s that. Why everyone insists on calling them French fries is beyond me ;-)
34. Leuven is oldest university city in Belgium
Leuven has the oldest university city in the Low Lands.
35. Belgium’s tallest building
The tallest building in Belgium is the Zuidertoren (“South Tower”) in Brussels.
36. First stock exchange in Belgium
The first stock exchange building was built in Bruges.
37. Belgium has big fruit region
Haspengouw is the largest fruit region in Western Europe and the second largest one in all of Europe after South Tyrol.
38. Music tape invented in Belgium
The music tape was invented by the Belgian department of Philips in Hasselt in 1963.
39. Peter Pan inspiration buried in Belgium
George Llewelyn Davies, the adopted son of the Scottish “Peter Pan” author James Barrie and the direct inspiration for the character of Peter Pan, was buried in Belgium.
40. Belgium hosts sand sculpture festival
Belgium hosts the world’s largest sand sculpture festival.
41. Big music festival in Belgium
Tomorrowland is the world’s largest Electronic Dance Music festival and festivals in Belgium are a really big deal.
42. Belgian founded New York
New York City was founded by the Belgian Pierre Minuit (1589-1638). He bought the island of Manhattan in 1626 from its original inhabitants.
43. Belgium’s uranium for US bomb
Belgium supplied the Americans with the uranium that was used for the atom bomb they dropped on Hiroshima. It came from Congo, at that time a colony of Belgium.
44. Origin of “Belgium” is Roman
The name “Belgium” dates back to the Romans. They called their province in the north of Gaul Gallia Belgica after its previous inhabitants, the Celtic and German Belgae.
45. Belgium imports lots of coffee
Small Belgium is the sixth largest importer of coffee with 4.3 million bags/year.
46. Belgium has 800 kinds of beers
Over 800 kinds of beer are made in Belgium. Some claim it’s over 1,000 kinds
47. Belgium’s first beer academy
The world’s first beer academy opened in Herk-de-Stad, in the province of Limburg, in 1999.
48. Belgium famous for chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most famous Belgian things and pralines are a typical Belgian specialty. They were invented by Jean Neuhaus in Brussels in 1912, and they’re still one of the most famous chocolate brands around.
49. Lots of chocolate from Belgium
Belgium produces over 220,000 tonnes of chocolate each year.
50. Belgium banned cluster bombs
The Kingdom of Belgium was the first country in the world to ban cluster bombs.
51. Belgium pioneered digital IDs
Belgium was the first country in the world to issue electronic passports complying with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and, along with Italy, was the first to issue electronic ID cards in March 2003.
52. Voting is compulsory in Belgium
Belgium is one of the few countries in the world with compulsory voting.
53. Belgium has world’s largest ship lift
The world’s largest ship lift is the counterweight lift of Strepy-Thieu (73.15 m high) in the Belgian province of Hainaut.
54. Belgium’s first skyscraper
Europe’s first skyscraper was built in Antwerp between 1928 and 1932. It’s called “De Boerentoren” (“Farmer’s Tower”) and is still the second-tallest structure in the city, after the Cathedral of Our Lady.
55. Brussels sprouts from Belgium
Brussels sprouts have been grown in Belgium for over 400 years. Brussels sprouts is considered one of the most popular Belgian food.
56. Belgium grants many citizenships
Belgium grants the largest number of new citizenships per capita in the world.
57. Belgium’s oldest shopping arcades
The Galeries St Hubert in Brussels opened in 1847, which makes them Europe’s oldest shopping arcades. They’re located just one street away from the famous Grand Place.
58. Belgium has large court
The Law Courts of Brussels is the largest court of justice in the world. It has a built land area of 26,000 m2 at ground level, which makes it bigger than the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome (21,000 m2).
59. Belgium produces many bricks
Belgium produces the greatest variety of bricks in the world.
60. Belgium’s large Masonic temple
The largest Freemason temple on the European continent is the Great Temple in the capital of Brussels (at 79, Rue de Laeken).
61. Large brewer located in Belgium
Anheuser-Busch, the largest beer brewer in the world, is located in Belgium. Belgium is famous for its beer and has hundreds of different kinds of beer.
62. Belgium’s influential scientists
Belgium produced some of the world’s most influential scientists in the 16th century, including Gerardus Mercator, the famous cartographer, and the anatomist Andreas Vesalius.
63. Belgium’s many comic artists
Belgium has more comic bookmakers per square kilometer than any other country in the world (even Japan).
64. Belgium’s smallest city claim
Durbuy dubs itself the smallest city in the world. Although it now has less than 500 inhabitants, it was granted the rank of city in medieval times, which it hasn’t lost since then.
65. Belgium has high art collector density
The Kingdom of Belgium has the highest density of art collectors of any country.
66. Neanderthal skulls found in Belgium
Neanderthal skulls were first discovered in the Belgian village of Engis (a suburb of Liege), in 1829, although the name comes from the Neander Valley in Germany (the site of a later find in 1856).
67. Belgium’s first city charter
In 1066, Huy became the first European city to receive a charter of city rights, making it the oldest free city on the continent.
68. Oil painting invented in Belgium
Belgian painters are credited to have invented oil painting in the 15th century. It’s unsure who exactly the inventor was, but scientists presume it was Jan van Eyck.
69. Brussels founded in Belgium
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, was founded in the 13th century.
70. Charles V born in Belgium
Charles V of Habsburg, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain (and colonies), Naples and Sicily, and ruler of the Burgundian territories, was born and raised in Ghent, with French as his first language.
71. Belgium’s bigger royal palace
The royal palace of Brussels is 50% longer than Buckingham Palace.
72. Many festivals in Belgium
There is no other country in Europe with as many street and music festivals all year round as Belgium.
73. First casino in Belgium
The Belgian city of Spa had the first casino in Europe.
74. Belgium has dense rail network
Belgium has the densest rail network in the world with 4,078 kilometers of track.
75. Most cable TV in Belgium
Belgian households have the highest percentage of cable TV in the world, at 97%.
76. First lottery held in Belgium
The world’s first recorded lottery took place in Belgium. It was held to raise money for the poor.
77. Belgium’s fast car
The only Belgian race car, the Vertigo, once held the Guinness World Record for fastest acceleration from 0-100km/h in 3.266 seconds.
78. Belgian company helped build Burj Khalifa
Besix, a Belgian construction company, was one of four contracted to construct the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
79. Famous racetrack in Belgium
The Belgian Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is the longest and the second oldest F1 Grand Prix Circuit still in use.
80. Belgium has tallest horse
The tallest living horse is a Belgian Gelding Horse. His name is Big Jake and he’s 210.19 cm tall (6 feet and 2,75 inches).
81. Early National Geographic photo from Belgium
The first natural-color picture in National Geographic Magazine was of a flower garden in Ghent. This was in July 1914. The photo was printed on page 49.
82. Only lunar art is Belgian
Fallen Astronaut by the Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck is the only piece of art on the Moon.
83. Belgium’s long “bar”
The longest “bar” in the world is Leuven’s Oude Markt. It has around 40 cafés on one square.
84. First aerial bombing in Belgium
Luik/Liège was the first city in the world to get bombed from the sky by a German zeppelin.
85. Many heritage sites in Belgium
Belgium has 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
86. Belgium proposed Euro name
The name for the Euro currency was proposed by Belgium, as was the design for the € symbol.
87. Brussels hosts NATO and EU
The capital of Brussels is home both to NATO and the European Union.
I’ve done some thorough research compiling these fun facts about Belgium, but it’s always possible that I missed something. Are there other facts about Belgium that you think I should’ve mentioned? Let me know in the comments below!
What are the most historical facts about Belgium?
Listed below are the most historical facts about Belgium.
- Kingdom of Belgium. Kingdom of Belgium is the official name of Belgium.
- Belgium has 3 official languages. Belgium’s official languages are Dutch, French, and German.
- Waterloo was defeated in Napoleon. Waterloo, was the Belgian city that Napoleon was finally defeated.
- The word “Spa”. The word “Spa” comes from the city of Spa in Belgium.
- Belgium banned cluster bombs. The Kingdom of Belgium was the first country in the world to ban cluster bombs.
How did Belgium got it’s name?
Belgium got its name from the Belgae, one of the early Celtic tribes that settled in the region. The Belgae lived in the northern part of Gaul, which the Romans conquered around 100 BC. When the Romans organized the region as the province of Gallia Belgica, they derived the name from the Belgae people. Centuries later, the territory that became Belgium was still called the Low Countries or the Netherlands. But after the Southern Netherlands seceded from the Northern Netherlands in 1830, the new nation was called Belgium, reviving the old Roman name.
What language do they speak in Belgium?
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch has a dialect known as Flemish, is spoken by about 60% of Belgians, mostly in northern Flanders. French is spoken by about 40% of the population, mainly in southern Wallonia. Only about 1% of Belgians speak German, in a small community bordering Germany. The capital Brussels is officially bilingual, with both Dutch and French spoken. Most people in Brussels now speak French as their first language. But Belgium’s language communities often overlap, with bilingualism common in border regions.
What is the symbol of Belgium?
The national symbol of Belgium is the Belgian lion. It appears on the Belgian coat of arms and on the flag, where it is shown in profile view facing the hoist. The black lion on a yellow field has been associated with Belgium for centuries, originally used by rulers of Flanders. It represents strength, courage, and nobility. The lion is depicted on Belgian coins and stamps, and at monuments and public buildings around the country. For Belgians, it is a powerful symbol of nationhood and independence.
Why should you visit Belgium?
Belgium is a country with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. It offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for visitors. Belgium has something for everyone, plenty of historic sites and marvelous architecture to delicious cuisine and small pretty cities. Belgium is a destination worth visiting, whether you’re interested in exploring medieval castles, tasting world-famous chocolates or experiencing the lively atmosphere of Brussels. So, if you’re looking for a unique and memorable travel experience, Belgium should definitely be on your list.
What are some things to do in Belgium?
Listed below are some things to do in Belgium.
- Have a waffle: Indulge in the delightful experience of tasting Belgian waffles, such as the Liège and Brussels waffles.
- Visit a castle: Explore the abundance of castles in Belgium, with more per square kilometer than any other nation. A visit to the renowned Gravensteen in Ghent is a must.
- Have a beer and visit a brewery: Immerse yourself in Belgium’s extensive beer culture by trying unique brews and visiting breweries like the Halve Maan in Bruges.
- Visit a beguinage: Discover the tranquil beguinages, historical communities of women, which offer a glimpse into Belgium’s rich cultural heritage.
- Commemorate the World Wars: Pay tribute to the history and sacrifices of the World Wars by visiting significant sites and memorials.
What are the best Belgian food to try?
Listed below are some of the must-try Belgian food to try.
- Mussels: Moules-frites is a classic Belgian dish of mussels and fries. The mussels are commonly steamed in white wine with ingredients like shallots and parsley, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Fries: Belgian fries, a point of national pride, are uniquely double-fried for a soft inside and crispy exterior. The best place to enjoy them is at genuine “friteries” or “frietkots”.
- Meatballs: Belgian meatballs, known as “boulettes”, are often made with a mixture of beef and pork. They are typically served with a rich tomato sauce and accompanied by fries.
- Flemish Stew: Also known as “carbonade flamande”, this hearty stew features tender beef cooked in beer, along with onions and spices. It’s a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a Belgian beer.
What are the best Christmas markets in Belgium?
Belgium hosts some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, with cities across the country offering festive markets that attract millions of visitors each year. The best Christmas markets in Belgium include:
- Brussels Christmas Market. The huge Winter Wonders market transforms the Grand Place into a sparkling winter wonderland from late November to December. Over 200 chalets sell gifts and decorations, plus there are fairground rides, an ice rink, and light shows on the beautiful historic buildings.
- Bruges Christmas Market. Bruges Christmas Market makes the most of the city’s medieval charm. Located in the main Markt square beside the Belfry, it offers traditional crafts, food, and ice skating. Bruges’ “Winter Glow” illuminates landmarks and canals, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Ghent Christmas Market. Ghent Christmas Market is an authentic, lively Christmas market has over 150 stalls showcasing international food and gifts. It features a ferris wheel and skating rink overlooking the picturesque old town.
- Antwerp Christmas Market. Antwerp Christmas Market is a 100-stall market that stretches across central squares and has a skating rink, rides, and music performances.
- Leuven Christmas Market. This compact market hosts 140 stands selling crafts and food, plus concerts and a candlelight parade. It has a cozier student vibe.
The Christmas markets in Belgium are quite popular and offer a festive atmosphere. There are plenty of options to explore and enjoy the holiday spirit in Belgium. Abundant lights, festive vibes, traditional eats like waffles and glühwein, plus activities for all ages.
What are the most popular cities in Belgium?
Listed below are the most popular cities in Belgium.
- Brussels. Brussels is the capital and largest city in Belgium. It is a major center for international politics, culture, media, and cuisine. Brussels has ornate medieval and baroque architecture and hosts the headquarters for the European Union and NATO. Brussels has lively Christmas markets starting in late November.
- Bruges. Bruges is a picturesque, well-preserved medieval city crisscrossed with canals. It is sometimes called the “Venice of the North.” Bruges is renowned for its belfry tower, medieval architecture, and churches. Bruges hosts magical Christmas markets throughout December.
- Antwerp. Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city and a major port city. It has an impressive Gothic cathedral, ancient streets, and is a center for fashion and diamond trade. Antwerp has popular Christmas markets starting in late November.
- Ghent. Ghent is filled with medieval towers, buildings, bridges, and cathedrals. It has famous Christmas markets in mid-November through December.
- Leuven. Leuven is a vibrant university city with a historic town center and Gothic-style buildings. Leuven has Christmas markets starting late November.
What are the most famous Belgian people?
there are quite a few notable Belgians who have made their mark in various fields. Listed below are the most famous Belgians:
- René Magritte: A renowned surrealist artist known for his thought-provoking paintings, such as “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images.”
- Audrey Hepburn: Although born in Belgium, Audrey Hepburn became an iconic actress and fashion icon, starring in classic films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday.”
- Eddy Merckx: Considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time, Eddy Merckx has won numerous prestigious races, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
- Hergé: The creator of the beloved comic series “The Adventures of Tintin,” Hergé’s work has captivated readers of all ages with its engaging storytelling and distinctive art style.
- Jacques Brel: A highly influential singer-songwriter, Jacques Brel’s emotionally charged songs, such as “Ne me quitte pas” and “Amsterdam,” have left a lasting impact on the music world.
These are just a few examples of the many famous Belgians who have achieved international recognition in their respective fields.
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Roger kumps says
Beste Sofie,
Ik heb net ” Belgium facts that’ll blow your mind” gelezen. een prachtige verzameling van feiten. Maar wat is nr 1 ?
In punt 46 ben jij waarschijnlijk even vergeten dat jij in het Engels aan het schrijven was :
46. The world’s first beer academy opened in Herk-de-Stad, in de province of Limburg, in 1999. (In de province…
Maar verder niets dan lof,
Mvg,
Roger Kumps
Sofie says
Hey Roger,
Ik zat met wat websiteproblemen vandaag en blijkbaar is hier iets misgelopen: de hoofding en het eerste feit waren verdwenen, waardoor alles er blauw ging uitzien. Opgelost nu!
Met die provincie was ik inderdaad even de kluts kwijt. Dat bloggen in twee talen, het is soms toch wat :-)
Bedankt om het op te merken! Zonder je comment had ik het waarschijnlijk niet zo gauw gezien.
Ik heb je telefoonnummer uit je comment gehaald. Dat zet je best niet publiek op het internet.
Karel says
Ik las onlangs dat alle europeanen afkomstig zijn van belgen. Dat blijkt uit dna analyse. Dat lijkt mij toch een belangerijk feit die niet in de lijst staat, evenals de uitvinding van bakeliet, e.a.
Sofie says
Hey Karel!
Bedankt voor je comment. Dat artikel las ik ook, maar deze post dateert van voor het verscheen. Het lijkt me ook nogal straf, dus ik denk dat ik nog even afwacht tot ik dat toevoeg :-)
Ik ben zeker dat er nog een heleboel andere dingen niet in staan. Voor zo’n jong landje hebben we best al wel wat op ons palmares staan. Altijd fijn dus als lezers zoals jij iets kunnen toevoegen. Dankje daarvoor!
Mart says
Zalig, ook: de pil (dr janssen), saxofoon. Rolschaatsen, de deurbel, doen het altijd goed in het buitenland ;-) Top!
Sofie says
Die komen in mijn lijstje over bekende Belgen dat al half klaar staat ;-)
Alice Austin says
Hallo Sofie,
Heb je eraan gedacht om Raf Simons bij jou lijstje te zetten van bekende Belgen? In 2012 bekwam hij creative director bij Dior, France. Hij heeft al verschillende heel succesvolle shows gedaan in Parijs en andere landen. Er is ook een documentary gemaakt over hem: Dior and I.
Je kan meer over hem lezen op google.
Beste groetjes,
Alice
Sofie says
Dat is een geweldige toevoeging! Bedankt, Alice :)
Roger kumps says
Hallo Sofie,
Bedankt voor de snelle aanpassing.
Ik doe dit alleen om je te helpen,
Misschien kon er het Groot Begijnhof van Leuven aan toegevoegd worden.
Toch wel uniek en het best bewaarde begijnhof van België.
Ik heb heel wat informatie over het Groot Begijnhof. Naar welk emailadres kan ik het sturen.
Mvg,
Roger
Sofie says
Hey Roger,
Deze comment heb ik precies gemist. Het Groot Begijnhof is inderdaad uniek, maar het is geen grootste, oudste, … in iets, waardoor het niet echt op deze lijst thuis hoort. Ik ben wel van plan er een aparte post aan te wijden. Ik woon namelijk op een kwartiertje fietsen van dat begijnhof:)
Je kan me altijd mailen via het contactformulier hier op de website, of via sofie [at] wonderfulwanderings [dot] com
Veerle Isabelle says
Dag Sofie en Roger,
Belgie heeft de begijnhoven uitgevonden, waarvan die van Kortrijk (1242) de eerste is. Dus in dit opzicht zou die van Leuven misschien genoemd kunnen worden denk ik, als de mooist en best bewaarde van Belgie. De meeste begijnhoven, zo niet alle, zijn bovendien elk UNESCO* – “for a reason” dus ;). Ook het concept achter de begijnhoven (evenals die van de godshuizen en die bijv. ook naast de belforten uniek zijn aan Belgie), is zeer mooi en een van de redenen waarom Belgie een diep-humanistische natie is. (Samen met F en in tegenstelling tot Nederland.)
Durbuy is inderdaad niet de kleinste town, maar kleinste city ter wereld, zoals de expat hierbeneden of hierboven (?) zegt (ik weet niet waar mijn post zal komen). Anders heeft het geen enkele betekenis en is het zogezegd maximaal “cute”. Vergeet niet dat Belgie even klein is als Nederland en vergelijkbaar met Zwitserland (Zwitserland zelfs ook met vergelijkbaar aantal inwoners). Belgie is overigens in alle andere opzichten dan geografische, groter dan Nederland. Er ziin ook veel andere landen in EU die kleiner zijn dan Belgie. Dat continu zogezegde faire zelf-kritisch erkennen dat je klein “bent”, wat ik Belgen overal zie doen, is slecht voor de reputatie van Belgie, m.i., en leidt tot tal van misverstanden, overal op het internet, en waarschijnlijk ook ver daarbuiten…
Met vriendelijke salut,
Veerle Isabelle
* Dat de UNESCO organisatie direct alle begijnhoven of alle belforten tot UNESCO heeft benoemd, wil niet zeggen dat Belgie maar 11 UNESCO sites heeft. Dit zijn er veel en veel meer, in al die Belgische steden. Efficientie van UNESCO wil niet zeggen dat Belgie architectonisch minder waard wordt ;) Belgie heeft een zeer, zeer rijk architectonisch patrimonium en historie en cultuur in het algemeen. :)
Sofie says
Hey Veerle,
Bedankt voor je uitgebreide comment! Ik plaatste eerder al een artikel over het begijnhof van Leuven, alsook over de UNESCO-sites van België, waarin meerdere van de punten die je aanhaalt genoemd worden:-)
En je hebt volledig gelijk: we moeten verdorie fier zijn op wat we wel hebben! :-)
JefI says
Mooie lijst – nuttig voor wanneer ik aan mede-expats wat over Belgie probeer te vertellen :)
Klein detail, voor fact 63 is het misschien niet slecht te vermelden dat het over stadsrechten gaat, anders heeft het niet echt veel betekenis. En fact 13, ik denk niet dat (officieel) Boudewijn tegen de wet was, maar dat hij de wet niet kon tekenen voor morele redenen. Maar ik wil geen polemiek opstarten hierover ;)
Veel succes nog!
Sofie says
Hey Jefl,
Bedankt voor de toevoegingen!
Hij kon inderdaad de wet niet tekenen wegens morele redenen… omdat hij er moreel tegen was ;-)
Dankjewel!
geert ooms says
Vergeet zeker volgende zaken niet :
Grootste brouwer ter wereld – Inbev
Kant productie ….. Zie je vandaag nog steeds aan de talloze lingeriewinkels overal in Belgie
Beiaards
Sofie says
Hey Geert, Supertoevoeging over InBev!
Kant en beiaarden op zich zijn geen feiten, maar ik zal er eens opzoekwerk naar verrichten!
Koen says
Ook golf is van oorsprong uit onze contreien en dus niet Schots zoals algemeen wordt aangenomen.
Sofie says
Och? Dat moet ik eens opzoeken! Dankje voor de toevoeging:)
Niels says
Leuke oplijsting! Wat ik nog zou toevoegen is dat de Saxofoon ook een Belgische uitvinding was door Adolf Sax.
Cheers,
Niels
Sofie says
Dankje, Niels! De saxofoon heb ik gehouden voor mijn lijstje met bekende Belgen, dat volgende week gepubliceerd wordt:-)
Guy says
The leader of the very first crusade was Godefroy de Bouillon, a Belgian town built around the Semois river in the province of Luxembourg.
Sofie says
True! I hadn’t thought of him. I remember visiting Bouillon as a kid and my dad would always say we were going to the city of “Godfried van Soep met Balletjes” (Godefroy of Soup with Meatballs). I guess the “Bouillon” made him think of soup:)
Diane says
Adolf Sax from Dinant invented the saxophone. The Dutch Revolt which ended with the independence of the Netherlands started in Ghent in 1577. Belgium was the second country in the world to industrialize after the UK. You may want to add something about the port of Antwerp’s importance over the years. Also, your fact about Bruges and the stock market isn’t correct. There was a hotel Beurs where the traders met in front of, the building wasn’t built for them. Also, I think Antwerp had the first market and then Bruges. You may need to look that up. Also, you forgot about the Ninja Turtles that were invented in Belgium. Oomegang festival in Brussels is one of the largest meidival shows in Euorpe. There are other folk festivals in Belgium that are worth listing. Antwerp was the port of departure for thousounds of emmigrants leaving Europe for America.
Sofie says
Hey Diane,
Thanks for all the additions! I included Sax in my list of famous Belgians, instead of here. Besides that, it’s, unfortunately, impossible to include everything and I focused on things that were the biggest/oldest/whatever-est and not just worth mentioning, because otherwise the list would have become endless:). I knew I’d miss quite a few facts as well, but that’s okay, because I love that now everyone is adding their own facts!
Sofie says
Hi Diane, Just wanted to let you know that I’ve checked and the Ninja Turtles are, unfortunately, not Belgian :-)
Sofie says
Mannequin comes from the French word mannequin, which had acquired the meaning “an artist’s jointed model”, which in turn came from the Flemish word manneken, meaning “little man, figurine”.
België is de bakermat van de
duivensport…https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duivensport
Wapens!… https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabrique_Nationale_de_Herstal
;)
Sofie says
Dankje! Mannequin is a nice addition:)
Nadechda says
This is such a wonderful list. I didn’t know half of the things on there!! I’ve had people say to me:”Belgium, what do you guys have besides chocolate and beer”. I always get very patriotic when someone says something like that so this list is going to be useful. Thank you so much. Sax and all the wonderful painters would have been nice on there too but then again your list is much more creative than anything I would have come up with. Nice job
Sofie says
Hey Nadechda,
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. I actually included the famous Belgians in a separate list, that you can find here :-)
Barcelence says
You can allways say Belgium enslaved the Congo territory and made a fortune out of it.
Sofie says
It was actually King Leopold who enslaved the Congo and claimed it has his private property. Only later did the Belgian government made him give it up and did it start exploiting the country and its people.
Fred Hartwell says
The worlds best and most famous bicycle racer is Belgian Eddie Mercx!
Sofie says
True!
I’ve made a list of Famous Belgians as well, but I haven’t included Eddy Mercx yet. It’s not that I hadn’t thought about him. It’s just that I’m not a big sports person and if I start adding cyclists and football players, where does it end ;-)
Yvan Verbesselt says
Hello Sofie,
Very nice compilation of belgian facts. I’m looking forward to read your compilation of famous Belgians. Just in case you didn’t list him, I’ d like to mention Leo Baekeland, the inventor of bakelite. Thank you for your initiative. Yvan
Sofie says
Hey Yvan,
Baekeland is on there! Have a look” :-)
Corinne says
I love your work !
Are we Belgians not famous for our weapon industry as well? And copper ?
Sofie says
Thanks Corinne!
We are, although I haven’t immediately found record numbers on those. I didn’t add anything to the list that wasn’t like a first or best, or oldest, as otherwise it would have become endless:)
Tim UrbanDuniya says
Can’t wait to come to Belgium myself next year!! :D
Sofie says
Yaaaaaaay! :D
Jonathan says
Nr 60 klopt niet, Nemo33 was het diepste zwembad tot 5 juni 2014, toen zijn we die titel kwijtgeraakt aan een zwembadje in Italië.
zie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemo_33
Sofie says
Verdorie seg :-) Ik pas het aan. Bedankt voor de correctie!
Bruno De Naegel says
Hey Sofie,
frieten werden niet uitgevonden door de Belgen ! het waren Franse vissers die bij hun vangst de kleine onverkoopbare visjes in olie bakten om zelf iets vers en voedzaam te kunnen eten. In bepaalde seizoenen werden zelfs de kleie vissen verkocht. Aardappelen bewaarden vrij lang en werden toen als alternatief meegenomen, in stukken versneden en in olie gebakken. Zo weet je meteen waarom frieten ‘french fries’ heten in het Engels. België is bekend om zijn frieten omdat wij ze lekkerder maken door ze twee maal te bakken in olie.
Sofie says
Hey Bruno, waar heb je dat gevonden? Ik las op meerdere plaatsen hetzelfde over de visjes, maar dan dat de techniek reeds in de 17e eeuw gebruikt werd door vissers in Dinant en Namen. De verschillende teksten die ik las spraken over het “ontstaan” van de friet in de 18e eeuw in Frankrijk, maar reeds in de 17e eeuw in “België.
Het zou me niet verbazen als ze gewoon twee maal “uitgevonden” werden. Tot het onweerlegbaar bewezen is, zijn ze voor mij Belgisch :D
Toon says
Fijne lijst! Ontbreekt (tenzij mijn geheugen me nu al in de steek laat): het justitiepaleis in Brussel was bij opening het grootste openbare gebouw ter wereld!
chau T
Sofie says
Hey Toon, dankjewel, en dankje voor de bijdrage:)
Renilde says
Dag Sofie, wat een leuke lijst, gefeliciteerd! Kan ik erg waarderen want ik woon al 23 jaar in het buitenland. Ik begrijp je nr. 33 niet goed (ben zelf afgestudeerd aan deze Alma Mater) Leuven bestond echter als stad al en kreeg dan van de paus het recht om een universiteit op te richten in 1425 (de hertog had verkozen om in Brussel te gaan wonen, de Leuvenaars wilden dit compenseren door een universiteit en dat is ook gelukt). Maar dit is ver van de oudste Europese universiteit… Dus hoe wil je dit punt maken?
Sofie says
Hey Renilde, Dankjewel!
Ik ben zelf ook afgestudeerd in Leuven:) En je hebt gelijk! Het is de oudste universiteit van de Lage Landen. Bij deze verbeterd!
Samantha says
TINTIN!! I didn’t know it came from Belgium, but I read the comics all the time as a kid. Good to know!
Sofie says
Yesssss! We’re a comic land:)
wendy says
Ook Spanje heeft 2 koningen op dit moment aangezien Juan Carlos de titel “koning”heeft behouden na zijn aftreden ten voordele van zijn zoon Felipe VI, analoog met wat er in België gebeurd is bij de troonsafstand van Koning Albert.
Sofie says
Je hebt gelijk! Ik pas het aan:)
Alexandra Delbaere says
1 klein ‘foutje’ in de lijst: Tomorrowland is geen techno festival maar een EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festival. Techno is een subcategorie van EDM en is een genre dat maar op een heel klein deel van het festival gespeeld wordt. Verder boeiend! Veel dingen die ik zelf niet wist over m’n eigen land ;)
Sofie says
Ik pas het aan! Zo’n kenner ben ik niet:)
Jurga says
What a great list! You must have had lots of work with it. I live in Belgium for 15 years now, but still learned some new facts…
Sofie says
It took quite some time to put together, indeed :D I’m glad you like it! Where are you from originally?
Jurga says
I’m from Lithuania, but, as mentioned, Belgium is my home now. Glad I found your blog, looks inspiring!
Sofie says
Thanks!
Rebecca says
Dag Sofie,
Super fijne lijst heb je hier seg! Ik heb een jaartje in Oostenrijk gewoond voor mijn studies, en dus vele internationale vrienden gemaakt. En zoals de meesten kenden zij enkel België van het bier, chocolade en de wafels.
Nu kan ik ze eindelijk een lijstje geven (in het Engels) met heel wat interessante feiten!
Groetjes
Sofie says
Dankjewel Rebecca, dat is fijn om te lezen!
Hahaha, deel dat lijstje maar rond… en geef ze een reep chocolade erbij. Kunnen ze die eten terwijl ze het doornemen :D
Kristen Sarah says
This is so interesting! It’s *the* perfect article for anyone who is about to visit and wants to know some inside information before going!
Sofie says
Thanks so much Kristen! Glad you like it:)
Sonja says
I read your list and loved it as a young girl I lived in Belgium and loved every minute. I lived in Antwerpen, Ghent and Leuven.. The were people amazing and the food I miss every day. I even spoke Dutch fluently but after 37 years I don’t speak it so well anymore. Thanks for a visit
“Home”.
Sofie says
Oh, how wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed it here!
Did you know: I live in Leuven and my mom’s name is Sonia, with an “i”, but still! :D
Sonia Reniers says
Hallo Sofie ,
Echt eine schöne, lehrreiche, arbeitsintensive Liste die Sie zusammengestellt haben! Ich heiße auch Sonia und wurde in Diest geboren und in Lummen (Nähe Hasselt) aufgewachsen. Vor 35 j dann mit der Familie nach Deutschland. Welchen Stellenwert hat Brüsseler spitze und die tolle Möbeln welche in näheren europäische Länder so beliebt sind? Außerdem der größte Hafen in Antwerpen? Nur so eine Idee, weiß nicht ob das zu größte, älteste etc.gehört.
Aber tut gut hier soviel noch über mein Land zu sehen und zu lesen! !!! Vielen Dank für Ihre Mühe! ! ! Freue mich auf weitere Beiträge! Ganz liebe grüße aus meckenheim bei Bonn
Sofie says
Thanks for your comment, Sonia! I’m sorry but I only understood half of it and Google translate didn’t really help :D
Sonia Reniers says
Wie könnte ich da helfen liebe Sofie? ?leider ist mein flämisch nicht mehr so perfekt. Finde es toll mit wieviel Herzblut Sie das hier machen! Danke schön dafür! Alles Gute und ich gebe mir mühe zu helfen. Ganz liebe grüße aus Deutschland.
Sofie says
Greetings back from Belgium! :)
Niels says
Dag Sofie! de Philips-fabriek in Hasselt lag in de jaren 80 aan de basis van de ontwikkeling van de CD-speler! Toch ook een weetje om een beetje trots op te zijn!
Sofie says
Absoluut! Bedankt voor je bijdrage :-)
DarthMikey8 says
These facts of Belgium are very helpful, thanks! I’m doing a writing and a research report on it. Hope you have a good day!
Sofie says
You’re welcome!
Liz says
Very interesting! The only thing I noticed is that Durbuy actually claims to be “la plus petite ville du monde” so it’s actually a city not town.
Sofie says
You’re right! Bad translation on my part :-)
Jules says
cool i wish i could eat waffles and chocolate there!
Sofie says
Hope you will someday! :)
Iolanda Barreira says
The saxophone was also invented in Belgium by Adolphe Sax
Sofie says
Yes, I listed that in my post about famous Belgians :)
Amber says
Hi
As an answer to your fact about “french fries”. They are indeed Belgian Fries. French doesn’t refer to the country of France but to a format to cut vegetables in. The term “french” is not used frequently anymore in traditional cuisine, that’s why people think french fries refer to France instead of Belgium. A more modern word for this cutting would be to cut your vegetables “julienne” altough this is thinner then the Regular fry.
Still I really enjoyed your facts!
Kind Regards
Amber
Sofie says
Oooh this is great info! Thanks so much for sharing this, Amber.