Time Difference:
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Airports:
26
Travel Climate:
Belgium's climate is characterized by moderate temperatures, prevailing westerly winds, cloudy skies, regular rainfall, and a little snow. The weather is variable. Summer temperatures average 60°F (16°C). Rare annual extremes are l0°F (-12°C) and 90°F (33°C).
Travel Currency:
0.9214
Language Spoken:
<p><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region> has two official languages: Flemish, which is a form of Dutch, and French. Flemish is spoken in the northern region known as <st1:place w:st="on">Flanders</st1:place>. French is spoken in the southern region known as <st1:place w:st="on">Wallonia</st1:place>. As a result of having two languages, many cities have two or three names, and some Belgians cannot speak with other Belgians. The language is also reflected in the media, which offers both French and Flemish versions of TV, news, and radio. Many Belgians speak more than one language and are therefore sought after as employees for international companies.</p>
Languages:
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Ethnic Groups:
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
National Holiday:
Belgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831)
Geographic Coordinates:
50 50 N, 4 00 E
Location:
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands