Life in Belgium

Belgium is a European country with a constitutional monarchy that became independent in 1830. Divided into three regions - Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia - Belgium has a unique cultural mix. Flanders predominantly speaks Dutch, Wallonia French, while Brussels, the bilingual capital, officially recognises both languages. Additionally, a small German-speaking community resides in East Wallonia. With 10 provinces and a population of ca. 11.5 million, Belgium celebrates its national holiday on July 21st, marked by a military parade and various events in the city centre of Brussels. 

Belgium boasts notable figures in various fields, including musicians such as Jacques Brel and Stromae, athletes like Kevin De Bruyne, Remco Evenepoel, and Nafi Thiam, and artists like René Magritte, and George Rémi. Belgian cuisine is renowned, featuring moules-frites (mussels and chips) as its national dish, along with world-famous chocolate, waffles and beer.   

Belgium also has several cultural attractions, from the futuristic Atomium in Brussels to the charming canals of Bruges. Medieval wonders like Ghent's Gravensteen Castle and architectural gems like the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels offer diverse experiences. Nature lovers can explore forests in the Ardennes, while foodies indulge in Belgian cuisine. With a rich tapestry of heritage and culture, Belgium's attractions promise an unforgettable journey.  

Belgium is a laic state which means it has no state religion. The constitution (1830) prescribes a strict separation between state and religion but also guarantees the freedom of worship. Belgium has six recognised religions: Roman-Catholic, Islam, Protestant, Orthodox, Judaism and Anglican. This doesn’t imply other religions are not allowed but that only these six are entitled to government subsidies.   

Brussels is a vibrant capital known for its diversity, hosting the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. While French and Dutch are the main languages, the city is home to people from many different backgrounds. With a lively atmosphere, Brussels offers a wide range of cultural activities, including concerts, theatres, cinemas, exhibitions, museums, and monuments. The city is also surrounded by parks and forests, providing plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Getting around is easy, thanks to well-designed public transport and road networks. Plus, Brussels offers fast and reliable connections to other major cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt through high-speed rail networks and good infrastructure.   

With more than 86,000 students – that is almost a quarter of all the students in our country – Brussels is the largest student city in Belgium. Brussels is also a world city, where you can blend into the crowd. In brief: you get all the benefits of a university city, plus those of a bustling metropolis.