September 2021 Belgium

Belgium by Brianna O'Dwyer

Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Languages: Dutch, German and French

Population: 11.46 million as of 2019

When Belguim joined the EU: January 1st 1958

Currency: Euro

Leader: King Philippe; Prime Minister Alexander De Croo

Culture:

Food: Known for Moules Frites (mussels with fries), Waffles, Chocolate (considered a cultural institution), Chocolate is the main food export with Godiva and CÔte D’Or selling to most of Europe. Wallonian food (french speaking near the south) is more centred on fresh ingredients and sauces, while the Flemish cuisine is simpler and close to the food produced in the Netherlands.

Drinks: Beer- Belgium has several hundred breweries around the country. In many small villages in the early 1800s, the mayor was the local brewer. The most popular beer in Belgium is Tripel Karmeliet. The wide range of flavours, processes and ingredients is what makes Belgian beers so popular. Two-thirds of beer brewed is made for export.

Festivals: Rock Werchter festival was awarded the best music festival in 2015. This festival allows Belgian bands to show their appreciation for rock music.

The processions of Giants in Ath- this dates back to the 15th century which is dedicated to telling the stories of generations.

Art: Brussels cityscape has a contribution of the art style Art Nouveau e.g. the Stoclet House, by Josef Hoffmann was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. The artistic heritage of Belgium is embodied in the paintings of Pieter Bruegel, the Elder, Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling.

Music: Belgium holds many music festivals and competitions e.g. Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, Belgians played an significant role in creating techno music in the late 20th century.

Jazz (american) has adapted tot heir own version of Jazz. Antoine-Joseph Sax, a belgian invented the saxophone.

Literature: The comic strip is a serious and well-respected from of art and is apart of the cuntries hertitage. Tintin, was created by Hergé (Georges Rémi) and was featured in a comic strip in 1929. The Smurfs, created in 1958 by Peyo (Pierre Culliford),

Sports: Belgians love soccor and have the Royal Belgian Football Association that have hundreds of teams. Cyclists have won the Tour de France and ht eGiro d’I talia five times each. Olymipians like Hubert van Innis won six medals in archery at the 1920 games; Ulla Werbrouck and Robert van der Walle,women’s and men’s judo in the late 20th century; and swimmer Frederik Deburghgraeve, who set a world record and won a gold medal in 1996.