Belgium
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Capital
Brussels
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Local time
8:58
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Population
11.4 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+32
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Currency
€ EUR (euro)
Belgium
-
Capital
Brussels
-
Local time
8:58
-
Population
11.4 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+32
-
Currency
€ EUR (euro)
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Average Salary
$ 3 963
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Petrol price
€ 1.90 pl
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Precipitation
847mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
30 510 km2
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Protected Area
23%
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Forest Area
23%
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Agricultural area
43%
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Railways
3607km
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Annual air passengers
12.55 m
Population
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Ethnicity
Fleming - 58 %
Walloon - 31 %
other - 11 %
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Religion
Roman Catholic - 75 %
Protestant or other - 25 %
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Languages
Dutch - 60 %
French - 40 %
German - 1 %
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Armed Forces
36 350
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Murders
2 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
10.8 l/person
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Smoking
26.5%
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Diabetes
5.1%
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Tuberculosis
9 per 100k
Economy
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Industries
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass
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Agriculture
sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco, beef, veal, pork, milk
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Natural Resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
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Energy Import
76%
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Natural Resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
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Renewable Energy
9%
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CO2 Emissions
93 351kt
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Ease of Business
52 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
93
What not to do when visiting Belgium
Belgium Don't snap your fingers to get someone's attention - it's taken as insult.
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Belgium Don't forget on a degree of formality when greeting. A brief handshake is typical among people who don't know each other. Once a relationship is developed, three kisses on the cheek may replace handshake - this is more kissing of the air near person's cheek, starting with left and alternating. Men never kiss other men, always shake hands.
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Belgium Don't hide your face largely or entirely - people wearing such clothing (e.g. the burka and nikab) risk a fine. There's no exemption for tourists.
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Did you know?
French fries are originally from Belgium.
Belgium Don't be late for the appointments - it demonstrates respect.
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Belgium Don't forget to wait for your host to tell you where to sit. Women take their seats before men.
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Belgium Don't leave food on the plate when finished - try to finish everything on the plate. Opposite may be seen as rude or wasteful.
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Belgium Don't be surprised by many cyclists in traffic - bicycling is very common and often use for transportation. Don't block the bike lanes.
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Belgium Don't arrive empty-handed when invited to someone's home - bring flowers or good quality chocolate for the hostess.
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Did you know?
Belgium’s most famous statue is called Manneken Pis, a sculpture of a little boy peeing into a fountain.
Belgium Don't give chrysanthemums (sign of death) and don't give even number of flowers or 13. Gifts are open when received.
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Western Europe Don't block the bike lanes and don't step into it.
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Europe Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
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Europe Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
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Europe Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
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Europe Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Europe Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
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