Belgium was part of larger territories or smaller states throughout history. Julius Caesar used "Belgium" to refer to northern France's Belgae tribes. Neanderthal fossils discovered in Belgium dating back to 100,000 BC. LBK culture reached eastern Belgium around 5000 BC
Belgium is divided into three regions: Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels Capital. Total area is 30,689 km², with 99.36% land and 0.64% water. Borders France (620 km), Netherlands (450 km), Germany (162/167 km), and Luxembourg (148 km)
Belgian numbers consist of 9-10 digits for landlines and 10 digits for mobile. All national calls require leading '0' trunk code. Special services use 3-4 digits without area or trunk codes
55.5 cm bronze statue depicting naked boy urinating in Brussels' fountain. Created by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619. Replaced original statue in 1965, with replica in Brussels City Museum. Survived 1695 French bombardment and multiple thefts throughout history
Burgundian rule (1363-1477) established Belgian territories as economic and artistic centers. Southern provinces remained under Spanish rule until 1579. William I led Protestant rebellion against Spanish rule in 1579
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken by 55% of the population as first language. French is spoken by 39% of the population, especially in Brussels. German is spoken by 1% of the population, mainly in eastern Belgium