Belgium's history began more than 2000 years ago, during the Roman period.
Belgium was the first country in Continental Europe to build its own railway, proof of an entrepreneurial spirit and industrial power. Brussels has become is a region where emphasis is put to the services and high technologies industrial sectors.
Belgium is a is a country of culture. For centuries, Belgian artists have been renowned throughout the world. Painters, musicians, dancers and directors have enjoyed enormous success. Brussels is also a capital of culture, arts and entertainment.
Nowadays, the Capital city of Belgium is also the Heart of Europe. Within 400 kms, the city is close to major European cities (Paris, London...)
Brussels will be your right gateway to Europe.
Belgians entered into history two thousand years ago when Julius Caesar occupied their territories, bringing cultural assimilation (called as romanization). At that time, Belgium was already an international crossroads.
With the Germanic invasions in the 5th century, times of wars were more difficult for local people.
With the breakup of Charlemagne's Empire, a new era (about 10 centuries) began and Brussels grew up and flourished, between the French and German spheres of influence.
Countrymen were tireless travelers and very often explorers. It was Belgian pioneers, for example, who discovered the sources of the Mississipi.
At one time or another, from the 15th to the 18th century, Belgium belonged to most of the great powers of the day : Dukes of Burgundy, Kings of Spain and German Emperors. Belgium was also briefly annexed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands until the National Revolution triggered in July 1830.
From that time on, Belgium has been free and independent, with Brussels as capital. Along with its freedom, the 19th century brought Belgium the dawn of the modern industrial age of coal and steel, where the Belgians quickly emerged as leaders.
In the 20th century, countrymen often played major roles in developing a free and united Europe. As early as 1944, they opened discussions with Netherlands and Luxembourg which led to the Benelux, the forerunner of the European Union (EU).
Brussels has become an international center of great importance. Along with such organizations as NATO and the institutions of the European Union, numerous multinationals have offices in Brussels.
More than 1000 international non governmental associations are headquartered in Brussels; It is the country's largest center for the service industries and most types of manufacturing are represented: chemicals, construction, food industry, clothing, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications... On a per capita basis, Belgium exports more than any country in the world, with Brussels clearly ahead of the national average.
Belgian labor is famous for its high level of skill. Brussels also has an outstanding educational infrastructure. There are 3 universities and dozens of post secondary schools.
Every type of manufacturing is represented, though some are particularly in evidence: chemicals, construction, metal fabrication, food industry, clothing, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications... On a per capita basis, Belgium exports more than any other country in the world, with Brussels clearly ahead of the national average.
Brussels, Capital city of Belgium, is also the Heart of Europe. Within 400 kms, the city is close to major European cities (Paris, London...)
|
|
Avenue de Saturne 21 a B 1180 Brussels - Belgium
|
Last Update: November 30th 2003
