Belgium enjoys a rich historical inheritance and a great spirit of friendliness. You will appreciate its large squares and cathedrals, its cobbled lanes, its typical taverns and then, of course, the great ever-present Belgian friendliness. Its Capital Brussels is also known as the Capital of Europe.

The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with a short coastline on the North Sea. Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region Flanders in the north, and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. The Brussels-Capital Region is an officially bilingual enclave within the Flemish and near the Walloon Region. Almost all of the Belgian population is urban. The most densely inhabited area is the Flemish Diamond, outlined by the Antwerp-Leuven-Brussels-Ghent agglomerations.

The climate is maritime temperate, with significant precipitation in all seasons. The average temperature is lowest in January at 3 °C (37 °F), and highest in July at 18 °C (64 °F).

Contributions to painting and architecture have been especially rich. Famous names in this classic tradition include Pieter Brueghel the Elder as well as Peter Paul Rubens. During the 19th and20th centuries many Belgian painters emerged, including Rene Magritte. Herge is the best known of Franco-Belgian comics with its famous character Tintin. In the 1980s, Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts produced important fashion trendsetters, known as the Antwerp Six. Belgium is also well known for its cuisine. Many highly ranked restaurants can be found in the high-impact gastronomic guides. Brands of Belgian chocolate are world renowned. Belgium produces over 500 varieties of beer. Belgians have a reputation for loving waffles and French fried potatoes; both originated in their country.

Belgium access has been eased since the opening of the Thalys fast train service which enables Parisians to reach Brussels', Antwerp or Bruges in less then 2 hours. For travellers who travel by plane Antwerp international airport is just 2km from the city centre and Brussels airport is just 12km from the city centre.