You can fit the entire area of Belgium (11,849sq mi) 7 times within the state of Kansas (82,278 sq mi).
The population of Belgium is 11.5 million compared to 3 million in Kansas.
Belgium is among the most densely populated countries.
Because the population is 97% urban, the country still has beautiful rural scenery.
Belgium has three official languages: French, Flemish, and German.
The EU headquarters is located in Brussels along with NATO.
Belgium is known for practical, easygoing people along with its incredible beer and chocolate.
Fun facts
Despite being mentioned in Caesar’s writings, Belgium has only been a country since 1830.
Karl Marx, the Bronte sisters, and Victor Hugo all lived and wrote at the Grand Place.
Charlemagne was born in Belgium.
The Dukes of Burgundy and Brabant and the Counts of Flanders were the most powerful rulers of their time.
Belgium has over 650 varieties of beer and 408 breweries. The French fries were invented by Belgians, and the French people are said to have borrowed the idea (Belgians are still jokingly upset about that).
Belgium was the colonial power of the Congo.
Belgium hosted the 1958 World’s Fair – the 11th held there.
Belgium has three official languages.
Modern asphalt and BMI were invented by Belgians.
Belgium has one of the fewest numbers of McDonalds per capita in the developed world.
Belgium has more castles per square mile than any other country.
Belgium had the first railroad in Europe.
Both the Smurfs and Tintin were conceived by Belgian artists.
Belgium has the record for going the longest without a government (249 days in 2011).
Belgium has compulsory voting starting at age 18.
Famous Belgians
Adolphus Sax : The inventor of the saxophone
Simon Stevin: mathematician; was the first to use the decimal system in math and inspired its use in the U.S. currency developed by Thomas Jefferson.
Rene Magritte: modern artist
Rubens, van Dyck, Bruegel and Rysback: classic painters
Toots Thieleman: Jazz musician
Stromae: Global pop star
Victor Horta: architect and pioneer of Art nouveau
Audrey Hepburn: actress
Jean-Claude Van Damme: actor
Peter Piot: scientist who discovered Ebola
Robert Cailliau: systems engineer who co-invented the WWW
Gerardus Mercator: geographer and cartographer developed the Mercator map projection
Robert Danis: surgeon who developed many principles of the bone screw and AO fixation
Max Vertappen: Formula One champion (claims the Netherlands, but was born in Belgium)
