Language
Belgium's tangled tongues date back to when Christ was a toddler and
Franks were forcing Celts and Gauls into the land's southern regions,
making an early form of Dutch the norm in the north. And so it remains,
with French the accepted language in the south. Brussels, stuck in the
middle, is one of the world's few officially bilingual capitals.
Religion
The vast majority of Belgians are Roman Catholics, and despite a
decline in church attendances, religious traditions still flavour much of
Belgium's daily life.
Art
Early Belgian artists are credited with inventing oil painting, so it's
no wonder the place has produced more than its fair share of masterpieces.
The Flemish Primitive Jan van Eyck started it all in the 15th century,
Pieter Brueghel followed with his portrayals of peasant life in the 16th
century, and Pieter Paul Rubens dominated early 17th century art as the
leading light of the Baroque period. In Antwerp, Rubens set up a highly
productive studio of painters and turned out sensational religious
allegories such as his famous Descent from the Cross.
Architecture
At the turn of this century, the sinuous architecture of Art Nouveau
started in Brussels led by Henri van de Velde and Victor Horta. Horta was
famed for his interiors which avoided straight lines - ceilings simply
became curved continuations of walls. Stained glass and wrought iron were
much used to accentuate this whiplash of lines.
Comic
Comic strips are another Belgian forte and while there are many local
favourites, Herge, the creator of the quiffed reporter Tintin, is the most
widely known.
Food
Belgian food is highly regarded throughout Europe - some say it's
second only to French. Combining French and German styles, meat and
seafood are the main raw ingredients. The Belgians swear they invented
frites (chips, or fries), and judging by availability, it's a claim few
would contest. And though they didn't actually invent beer or chocolate,
they may as well have.
National Anthem
To listen the national anthem click
here.
UP