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Belgium

 Flag of Belgium

Last reviewed: 15 April 2009

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HISTORY

Belgium suffered greatly during the First World War, despite its neutrality dating back to its creation in 1830, and from the international economic problems in the years immediately afterwards. It was invaded again by German forces in May 1940. King Leopold III ordered the armed forces to cease resistance after 18 days, causing tension between the monarchy and the government (the latter withdrew into exile in London). Following Belgium’s liberation, Leopold III, under intense pressure from public and political opinion, decided to abdicate in favour of his son Baudouin I, who remained on the throne until his death in July 1993. King Baudouin’s brother Albert II, the sixth King of the Belgians, succeeded him.

Belgium was one of the 6 founding members of the EU. Europe remains popular. Internally, 5 rounds of reforms since 1970 have transformed Belgium into a federal state, with significant power transferred to the regions and language communities.

More information: Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Longer Historical Perspective

Caesar called the Belgae the bravest of all the peoples of Gaul. But Belgium only became an independent country in 1830. Before that it was ruled by other powers, including the Austrians, the Spanish, the French and the Dutch. The roots of the linguistic boundary in Belgium, which runs east-west just to the south of Brussels, go back to the Germanic invasions of the third to fifth centuries.

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