We learn more on countries across the world - Belgium - Information for kids

Who would not like to visit a country famous for their waffles, chocolate and beer and even the 'inventors' of french fries.  That just sounds great, so jump aboard the travel machine, we are going to Belgium.

The full name of this country is 'The Kingdom of Belgium' and has a population of more than 10.5 million people and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.  It shares a border with other countries, namely France, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.

The largest city and capital of Belgium is Brussels. The city has a population of 1.2 million and serves as the capital of the European Union and is home to the NATO headquarters.

Belgium has three official languages, but most of the population speaks Dutch, a certain area speaks French and then a very few speak German.

There is a town in Belgium that is called 'Spa'.  People from all over the world and as far back as the Roman times, would come here to bathe in the cold springs to heal and stay healthy.  This is also where the word 'spa' comes from as used in modern times when you go for a pamper session.

There are  few 'products' that Belgium are famous for and which most people like to eat or drink

• there are more than 1100 varieties of beer made here and they have won many prizes for it
• they are famous for their waffles - Belgian waffles and there are different ways how it is made and eaten

There are 3 main types of Belgian waffles, the most common is Liege waffles which are eaten like a cookie, Brussels waffles are larger and lighter in color and eaten with toppings such as strawberries or ice cream, while galettes are thin, soft and usually eaten for breakfast with jam. 

• they are famous for their chocolate and they are the world's biggest exporter of chocolate.  More than 220 000 chocolate is made each year.  Jean Neuhaus invented Praline chocolates in 1912.  It is determined that the shops in the airport of Brussels, sells the most chocolates in the world
• brussels sprouts is a popular vegetable eaten here and it is said that it was first grown in Brussels, now modern Belgian

French fries are believed to have been invented in Belgium not France.  In 1846, Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone.

The currency used in Belgium, like many other countries in Europe, is the Euro.  The name and the symbol was thought out by the Belgians.

Football, cycling, tennis and judo are all very popular sports practiced here.

Belgium has more comic makers per square km than any other country in the world. Famous comic book series to come out of Belgium include, The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs and Asterix (originally a French creation for French-Belgian audiences).