Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Location:
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands (about the size of Maryland).
Background:
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Ethnic Groups:
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Language:
Dutch 58%, French 32%, German 10%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Currency:
BEF; EUR
Belgian franc (BEF); euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Belgium at a fixed rate of 40.3399 Belgian francs per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002
euros per US dollar - 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); Belgian francs per US dollar - 34.77 (January 1999), 36.229 (1998), 35.774 (1997), 30.962 (1996)
Climate:
Temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Population:
10,258,762 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Medical:
Medical facilities are widely available and the large university hospitals can handle almost every medical problem. Hospitals in Brussels and Flemish-speaking Flanders will probably have English-speaking staff; however, hospitals in French-speaking Wallonia may not have staff members who are fluent in English. The Embassy’s Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Americans living in or visiting Belgium are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and obtain updated information on travel and security within Belgium. The U.S. Embassy is located 27 Boulevard du Regent, 1000 Brussels. The Consular Section is located at 25 Boulevard du Regent. The telephone number from the U.S. is 011-32-2-508-2111. Within Belgium, the telephone number is 02-508-2111. The Embassy’s fax number is 02-511-2725. The Consular Section’s fax number is 02-513-0409. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section is open from 1:30 to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday, except for American and Belgian holidays. Further information can be obtained at the Embassy’s web site http://www.usinfo.be.
Safety:
Belgium remains largely free of terrorist incidents. Belgian law enforcement and security officials in close cooperation with neighboring countries maintain a solid anti-terrorism effort maintaining a peaceful environment for tourists and business. However, Belgium’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups to enter/exit the country with anonymity. Since October 1998, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) has conducted several arson attacks in the Antwerp area targeting fast food restaurants that serve meat products. The attacks have occurred after closing hours and have caused no injuries. Several ALF members were arrested in December 1999 in connection with these attacks.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Belgium is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Good
Belgian urban highways are generally well built and maintained with extensive lighting systems, but rain and fog often reduce visibility. Rural roads are less likely to be illuminated at night. Belgian rules for right-of-way differ from those in the U.S., and new drivers should thoroughly understand these rules before driving in Belgium. The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour, but it is posted only at Belgium’s borders and on roads leaving major airports. Claims of ignorance may not prevent a significant fine for speeding, which can also lead to the vehicle’s being impounded if the driver is unable to pay the fine on the spot in Belgian Francs. Belgian police also conduct breath analyzer checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during major holidays.
Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Assistance at tel: 070-344-777, which is a free call within Belgium. Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions at tel: 02-642-6666.
For specific information concerning Belgian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Belgian National Tourist Organization offices in New York at tel: 212-758-6130 or via the Internet at http://visitbelgium.com. For information about international driving permits, please contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
