BelgiumBelgium is a unique country with a varied and interesting past. While it did not become a country until 1830 and suffered during World Wars I and II, it has persevered in hard times and has become a popular, respected country. Today Belgium is a fascinating place to visit and study, with its diverse population, detailed architecture, and many customs. This book details Belgium's history, explores its people, languages, and culture, and examines what makes Belgium the country it is today. All books of the critically-acclaimed Cultures of the World(R) series ensure an immersive experience by offering vibrant photographs with descriptive nonfiction narratives, and interactive activities such as creating an authentic traditional dish from an easy-to-follow recipe. Copious maps and detailed timelines present the past and present of the country, while exploration of the art and architecture help your readers to understand why diversity is the spice of Life. |
Contents
INTRODUCTION | 5 |
Fertile plains and undulating plateaus Climate Flora | 13 |
GOVERNMENT | 29 |
ECONOMY | 35 |
LIFESTYLE | 59 |
LANGUAGE | 81 |
ARTS | 89 |
LEISURE | 103 |
Getting outdoors Hobbies Vacations Television | 109 |
Christmas New Year National and community holidays | 115 |
Housing Jobs cars and clothes Social interactions Family | 117 |
FOOD | 121 |
Markets versus supermarkets Meat Seafood Special | 129 |
Virgin one of Peter Paul | 135 |
| 141 | |
Common terms and phrases
20th century accents and dialects Antwerp Ardennes Battle became beer Belgian children Belgian French Belgium Belgium's national Belgium's rich Binche Brabant Bruges Brussels Brussels's cafés Canal carnivals Catholic celebration César Franck Christian Christmas church clubs costumes cultural dance decorated drama Dutch economic English enjoy Europe European famous festival films Flanders Flemings Flemish Community Flemish literature Flemish speakers France Francophone French-speaking German Ghent Golden Spurs groups Hendrik Conscience holidays Hugo Claus important industry influence King lace language Liège linguistic literature live major Marsupilami medieval Meuse miles modern Netherlands North Sea novels official painters painting parade party percent pigeon racing popular population production recycling region religious rivers Roman Saint Schelde soccer social speak French sport strong style Suzanne Lilar tapestries television Tintin Today Tongeren town typically village Vlaams Belang Wallonia Walloon women



