Welcome to Belgium, a country small in size but overflowing with fascinating stories and facts! From pioneering comic strips to hosting the world’s biggest electronic music festival, Belgium offers a colorful palette of culture and history.

In this article, we’ll read some fun and surprising facts about Belgium that will make you see this country in a whole new light.

Belgium Facts

Explore the details of Belgium, a country rich in history and culture. Pay close attention, as a quiz awaits you at the end to test your knowledge!

1. Leuven houses the world’s longest bar, known as the “Old Market Square,” which stretches for over 300 meters.
2. Napoleon faced his final defeat at Waterloo, a small town near Brussels.
3. The country boasts the most castles per square kilometer in the world, with over 3,000 spread across its landscape.
4. Antwerp is home to the world’s largest diamond trading center, handling 84% of the world’s rough diamonds.
5. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, who was born in Dinant in 1814.
6. Ghent has more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city in Europe, earning it the nickname “Veggie Capital of Europe.”
7. The country has the highest density of art collectors in the world, reflecting its deep appreciation for the arts.
8. The atomium, a building in Brussels, represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and is one of the country’s most iconic structures.
9. Chocolate production in the country exceeds 220,000 tons annually, and Brussels Airport is the largest chocolate selling point in the world.
10. The Smurfs were created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo in 1958, and have since become a global phenomenon.
11. The world’s first recorded lottery took place in 1441 in Bruges.
12. Ypres hosts the Menin Gate Memorial, where the “Last Post” is played every evening to honor soldiers who died in WWI.
13. Beer culture here is so rich that it was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016.

14. Tomorrowland, one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, takes place annually in Boom.
15. The country was the first to introduce electronic identity cards for all citizens in 2003.
16. Bruges has the highest number of canals and bridges in the world after Venice, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.”
17. The world’s oldest shopping arcade, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, opened in Brussels in 1847.
18. Jean-Claude Van Damme, the famous action movie star, was born in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, a suburb of Brussels.
19. The Grand Place in Brussels is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, with its stunning gothic architecture.
20. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
21. The Brussels International Exposition of 1958 (Expo 58) was the first major world’s fair after WWII, showcasing post-war recovery.
22. Waterloo is not just famous for Napoleon’s defeat but also has a museum dedicated to the battle, complete with a panoramic painting.
23. The first printed newspaper in the world, “Nieuwe Tijdingen,” was published here in 1605.
24. Surrealist artist René Magritte, known for his thought-provoking paintings, hailed from Lessines.
25. The town of Spa gave its name to all spas and is the site of Europe’s first modern health resort.
26. Gent houses the world’s largest collection of books about the supernatural at the University of Ghent.
27. Comics are hugely popular, with over 700 professional comic authors, and the country is known as the “comic strip center of the world.”
28. The legal system recognizes the right of workers to take paid time off for their birthdays.

29. Manneken Pis, the famous statue of a urinating boy in Brussels, has over 1,000 different costumes and outfits.
30. Stella Artois, one of the world’s most famous beers, has been brewed in Leuven since 1926.
31. The world’s deepest indoor swimming pool, Nemo 33, is located in Brussels and descends to 34.5 meters.
32. Antwerp is not just a diamond hub but also the second-largest port in Europe, vital for international trade.
33. The country hosts the world’s largest garden, the National Botanic Garden of Belgium, with over 18,000 plant species.
34. The Ardennes forest is a significant historical site, having been the location of the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
35. The world’s oldest surviving bowling alley is located in Haspengouw and dates back to 1366.
36. The Rubenshuis in Antwerp was the home and studio of Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens and is now a museum.
37. The legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits, reflecting a relaxed approach to alcohol consumption.
38. Zeebrugge is one of the most important seaports in Europe, playing a critical role in maritime trade.

39. The Royal Palace of Brussels is larger than Buckingham Palace, although it is only used for official functions.
40. Waffle varieties are plentiful, with the Brussels and Liège waffles being the most famous types.
41. The headquarters of the European Union and NATO are located in Brussels, making it a crucial center for international politics.
42. Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, is celebrated with much fervor, especially in the Flemish region.
43. Leuven’s university library, which was destroyed during WWI and WWII, houses more than 4 million books and a carillon with 63 bells.
44. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is one of the largest churches in the world, with stunning Art Deco architecture.
45. Flemish giant rabbits, known for their large size, originated here and are popular as pets and show animals worldwide.
46. Orval Abbey produces one of the world’s most unique Trappist beers, renowned for its distinct taste.
47. Brussels sprouts originated in the region and were first cultivated in the 16th century.
48. The comic series Tintin, created by Hergé, is one of the most popular and influential comics globally, with a dedicated museum in Louvain-la-Neuve.
49. The country holds the world record for the longest period without a government, lasting 541 days between 2010 and 2011.
50. Rochefort, a small town in Wallonia, is known for its Trappist beers, which are brewed within the walls of the Rochefort Abbey.

Belgium Myths

With the facts fresh in our minds, it’s the perfect moment to address the myths.

• Belgium Is Only Famous for Chocolate and Beer
  While Belgium is renowned for its exquisite chocolates and wide variety of beers, it also boasts impressive architecture, rich history, and is the political heart of the European Union, hosting numerous international organizations in Brussels.
• Belgian Weather Is Always Rainy
  Belgium does experience a fair amount of rainfall, but it also enjoys distinct seasons. Spring and summer can be particularly beautiful, with pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes that challenge the rainy stereotype.
• Belgium Has One National Language
  Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is primarily spoken in the Flanders region, French in Wallonia, and German in a small eastern part near the German border.
• Belgian Cuisine Is Limited to Waffles and Fries
  Beyond waffles and fries, Belgian cuisine includes a rich array of dishes like Waterzooi, a creamy fish or chicken stew, and Stoofvlees, a traditional Flemish beef stew. Belgians take great pride in their diverse and hearty culinary offerings.
• Belgium Is a Small Country with Little Global Influence
  Despite its size, Belgium plays a significant role on the world stage. It is a founding member of the EU and NATO, and Belgian diplomats and peacekeepers are active in various international missions, reflecting its commitment to global cooperation.

Belgium Quotes

We continue to the next section, the quotes. Feel free to share more in the comments so I can add them to the list.

Karl Marx, the influential philosopher and economist, made this statement highlighting Belgium as a place where diverse cultures and languages diminish strong nationalist sentiments.

Émile Zola, a famous French novelist, commented on the high status of brewers in Belgium, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted beer culture.

This anonymous quote captures the charm of Brussels, suggesting that those who spend time in the Belgian capital inevitably fall in love with it.

Robert Hughes, an Australian-born art critic, described Antwerp as a small but culturally rich and vibrant city, showcasing its importance despite its size.

Hugo Claus, a celebrated Belgian author, praised Ghent for its ability to beautifully blend historical heritage with contemporary life.

Belgium FAQ

You’re almost at the quiz! But first, let’s read some frequently asked questions about Belgium. Read each carefully to maximize your quiz score.

• Are Belgian waffles from Belgium?
  Yes, Belgian waffles are indeed from Belgium. They originated there and are known for their larger size, deeper pockets, and lighter batter.
• What languages are spoken in Belgium?
  Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is primarily spoken in the Flemish Region, French in the Walloon Region, and German in a small eastern part.
• What is the capital of Belgium?
  The capital of Belgium is Brussels. It’s not only the national capital but also serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.
• Is Belgium a good destination for historical tourism?
  Absolutely! Belgium boasts a rich history with well-preserved medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, and countless museums and historical sites.
• What is the national sport of Belgium?
  While Belgium is keen on several sports, cycling is particularly prominent. The country has produced some of the world’s top cyclists and hosts events like the Tour of Flanders.

Belgium Trivia

Welcome to our Belgian quiz! If you can’t name at least one Belgian chocolate by the end, you might just turn into a Brussels sprout!

Conclusion

Reflecting on everything Belgium has to offer, it’s easy to see why it’s such a beloved destination. From its world-renowned festivals to its quiet, cobblestone streets, Belgium invites you to experience a slice of European life that is both enriching and enchanting.

It’s a country where every city has its own charm and every meal is a chance to taste a piece of Belgian culture. Till next time, stay curious and explore more. Cheers.