Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | BE, BEL, 056 |
| Official Name | Kingdom of Belgium |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Brussels |
| Government Type | Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +32 |
| Member Of | United Nations, European Union, NATO, OECD, WTO, Benelux |
| Population | Approx. 11.5 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 30,689 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Signal de Botrange (694 meters or 2,277 feet) |
| Lowest Point | De Moeren (below sea level, approx. -3 meters or -10 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approx. $46,600 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 81 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .be |
Belgian National Anthem
The Brabançonne
O Belgium, O mother dear
To you we stretch our hearts and arms
With blood to spill for you, O fatherland!
We swear with one cry, You shall live!
You shall live, so great and beautiful
And your invincible unity
Shall have for device immortal
The King, and Law, and Liberty!
The King, and Law, and Liberty!
The King, and Law, and Liberty!
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Belgian Flag
The flag of Belgium, adopted on January 23, 1831, following the country’s independence from the Netherlands, is a significant national symbol. The flag features three vertical bands of black, yellow, and red, inspired by the colors of the Duchy of Brabant.
The design of the flag was influenced by the French Tricolore, as the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which led to the country’s independence, was partly inspired by the July Revolution in France. However, the colors black, yellow, and red were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, a historical region in the Low Countries, comprising what is now Belgium.
Initially, the stripes of the flag were horizontal, but were changed to vertical to distinguish the Belgian flag from the Dutch flag, which also uses a horizontal tricolor but in different colors. The black color represents the shield; yellow symbolizes the lion; and red stands for the lion’s claws and tongue, as depicted in the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant.
The Belgian flag has remained largely unchanged since its adoption. It has become a strong symbol of national unity and pride, especially significant given Belgium’s linguistic and cultural diversity. The flag is prominently displayed during national holidays and significant events, symbolizing the country’s independence, democratic values, and historical heritage.
Throughout its history, the Belgian flag has been a rallying symbol for the nation during times of both celebration and challenge. It represents not just the nation’s past, but also its present and aspirations for the future. The Belgian flag is a symbol of the country’s enduring spirit and commitment to unity in diversity.
