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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Belgium

Canals of Bruges

Welcome to Belgium Belgium is a small country in northwestern Europe with coastline along the North Sea. It is divided into two sections: Flanders (north) and Wallonia (south). Let’s learn about Belgium from kids like you. Elisa lives in Ghent, in the northwest part of the country. She is 12 years old. Her name means “my God is an oath.”

Elisa enjoys riding her bicycle. When the weather is nice, she rides to school with her friends.

Elisa wears tennis shoes when riding her bike. She also wears a helmet and kneepads to protect her in case she falls.

Vince is Elisa’s brother. His name is short for Vincent, which means “to conquer.” Vince is in secondary school. Vince likes riding anything with wheels, especially his skateboard. He rides on streets, sidewalks, and at the skatepark.

Skateboarding is popular in Vince’s country. Throughout Belgium there are many skateparks available for riders of all skill levels. Elisa and Vince love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Belgium.

Where in the World? Belgium is a low-lying country. It has coastal plains with sand dunes to the northwest, hills and valleys in its center, and a rocky, wooded area called Ardennes Forest in the southeast. The highest point is Signal de Botrange, at 694 meters (2,277 feet) tall, located in the Ardennes plateau. Two main rivers, the Meuse and Scheldt, flow through the country and 52 canals and other waterways link these and other rivers throughout the country.

Lucas lives in Bruges. It is located along the banks of the river Reie. Canals connect the city to the deeper branch of the North Sea, the Zwin River.

BELGIUM

Mia lives in Mechelen, located along the Dijle River between Brussels and Antwerp in the Flemish region of northern Belgium.

Can You Find It? Brussels

Liège

Antwerp

Namur

Ghent

Bruges

Mons

Arlon 5

Belgium has a maritime temperate climate with generally mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation is random, due to the country’s location on the North Sea and westerly winds that bring moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. Irina lives in Liège, in Belgium’s Wallonia region. Winters are cold, windy, and cloudy, while summers are warm and sunny.

Common plants include beech, elm, oak, and pine, with hyacinth, periwinkle, and lily of the valley also widespread. Deer and wild boar call the country home, as well as fox, pheasant, wildcats, and martens.

Birds range from sandpipers and snipes to woodcocks and lapwings. Peat bogs are found in the country’s eastern Hautes Fagnes Nature Park, Belgium’s oldest nature reserve that includes grazing meadows for dairy cows. 6

Grottes de Hotton (Caves of Hotton) This system of caverns near Hotton was discovered in 1958. It is about 5–6 kilometers (3–4 miles) long and 70 meters (230 feet) deep, with Syphon stream running along the bottom.

Grottes de Hotton Eau d’Heure Lakes

Eau d’Heure Lakes A chain of five artificial lakes created by dams along Eau d’Heure River is located in southwest Belgium. It includes the country’s largest lake, Lac de la Plate Taille.

Signal de Botrange

Signal de Botrange Within High Fens Nature Reserve is Belgium’s highest point, rising to 694 meters (2,277 feet). Baltia Tower, built in 1923, and another stone tower offer panoramic views.

History 1100–1200 CE The French and Holy Roman Empire lose control of the region, which dissolves into independent feudal states. Flanders becomes an important trading region.

1477 When Mary of Burgundy marries Maximilian I, the Low Countries come under Habsburg control. Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp become centers for industry, art, and commerce.

1549 Emperor Charles V issues the Pragmatic Sanction of 1549, dividing the region into the Seventeen Provinces.

1794–1795 Catholics impose French as the language, introduce heavy taxes, and conscript large numbers of Belgian men into their armies. 8

1830 Nationalist revolutionaries declare Belgian independence from the Netherlands, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

1944 Allied troops liberate Belgium from Nazi rule. Léopold III, king of Belgium, is released from Nazi captivity; however, he does not resume power.

1948 Belgium signs the Treaty of Brussels with the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom, creating a defensive alliance.

2010 The government dissolves after a dispute over the rights of French-speaking people to vote in Dutch-speaking Flemish areas. The country assumes a caretaker government. 9

People Belgium is a bicultural country. Dutch-speaking Flemings, who comprise over half the population, live principally in Flanders in the north.

Hugo has French ancestry. His lessons at school are taught in Dutch, but he speaks French with his family at home. The next largest group are the French-speaking Walloons of Wallonia in the south. Other ethnic groups are mostly found in the eastern German cantons and Brussels.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German.

Many citizens are bilingual, while some can speak all three languages. English is widely spoken, sometimes serving as a common language.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, with the majority of the population claiming the faith. The remainder of the country includes Protestants, Jews, and Muslims, as well as Greek and Russian Orthodox Christians. Clara’s family practices Roman Catholicism. She is named for Saint Clare of Assisi who left her family to start an order of nuns.

Names Marcel Jacqueline

Jacqueline comes from a French word that means “supplanter.”

Marcel is a French name that means “little warrior.”

Jozef Patricia

Patricia is a Latin name that means “noble.”

Jozef is a Hebrew name that means “God increases.”

e (Male) Nam

Andre

Origin

M e aning

French

manly

Latin

lame

Frank

English

from France

Georges

Greek

farmer

Louis

French

famous warrior

Philippe

Greek

horse lover

Pierre Robert Roger

French German German

rock bright fame famous spear

Willy

German

resolute protector

Claude

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Brigitte

Irish

power, strength

Chantal

French

stone

Christiane Isabelle

Latin Spanish

follower of Christ pledged to God

Jeannine

French

“God is gracious”

Katrien

Greek

pure

Marie Nathalie

French French

star of the sea birthday of the Lord

Nicole

Greek

victory of the people

Sandra

Greek

man’s defender 13

Learn Dutch Belgium is legally divided into three communities—Flemish, French, and German. By law, public education and government communications must be provided in the language of the community in which they occur. Politicians may use any of the three languages. Hallo

HAH low (Hello)

Goedemorgen

KHOO duh MORE khen (Good morning)

Ik heet

Meyhn NAHM is ____ (My name is ___)

Hoe gaat het met je

Ho GHOT et? (How are you?)

Ik heb honger

Ick heb HOONGER (I’m hungry) Ik heb dorst

Ick heb DORST (I’m thirsty)

Dank je

Dank ya (Thank you) Alstublieft

AHL-stu-BLEEFT (Please)

Yah (Yes)

Nee

Nay (No)

Vaarwel

VAR well (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Belgium has a rich and dynamic culture, and Belgians celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Here are a few:

Ghent Festival This 10-day festival celebrating Ghent culture takes place in July. Known locally as the Gentse Feesten, it is a mix of colorful Belgian culture, delicacies, music, and traditional dances. It features a parade, performances, theater premieres, puppetry, and fireworks. Competitions include jousting, horse racing, and hot air ballooning.

Ommegang Festival Commemorating the tribute to Emperor Charles V in 1549, this medieval festival takes place for one day in June or July at Brussels’ Grand Palace. The main event is the Ommegang Royal Pageant. Once the peasant dancers and performers have led the way, the emperor’s carriage follows. 16

Armistice Day Celebrating the anniversary of the official end of World War I, Armistice Day takes place on November 11. Two minutes of silence take place at 11 a.m. in memory of those who died. Bonfire celebrations and processions coincide with special programs.

Independence Day Taking place on July 21, this holiday commemorates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831. In Brussels, the military performs a parade, and the king delivers a speech in the evening followed by fireworks at midnight.

Carnival de Binche A three-day pre-Lenten carnival, this folkloric event takes place in the Walloon city of Binche. Clowns and harlequins march the streets while dancing to the beat of drums as a band plays. 17

Food Belgian cuisine shares many of the same ingredients and cooking techniques as French, but with its own flare. Seafood is common, as are other meats including poultry of all kinds. Vegetables such as endive, leeks, carrots, and celery are common in soups, salads, and stews. Seasoning is often subtle. Belgium is a relatively cold country, so many dishes are quite rich and made with bacon, cream, or egg yolk.

Tomate aux Crevettes Tomatoes stuffed with shrimp salad are a common appetizer in Belgium.

Salade du Pêcheur (Fisherman’s Salad) This hearty Flemish salad is made with smoked fish and root vegetables.

Stoemp A Belgian staple, stoemp is made of potatoes mashed with other vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or leeks. It is often served with sausage.

Belgian Waffles These yeasted waffles should be crisp outside and very fluffy inside. In Belgium, waffles are commonly served for dessert and for snacks throughout the day.

Speculoos A typical Christmas cookie, speculoos are made with dark brown sugar and usually spiced with cinnamon, clove, and sometimes ginger.

Flamiche aux Chicons (Endive Quiche) This is a Flemish savory flan or quiche made with cheese and chicory.

Chocolate Ganache Tart Belgian chocolate has an excellent reputation and is often used to make rich desserts, particularly ganache tart in a pâté brisée crust.

Salade Liégeoise This string bean, potato, and bacon salad is commonly served as an appetizer or light meal. 20

Frites Fried julienned potatoes, or frites, are the definitive Belgian side dish, served with almost everything. They also are a popular street food, sold in paper cones. Total Time

Ingredients Oil, as needed for frying 1¾ lbs (800 g) potatoes, peeled and finely julienned Salt, to taste.

30 min

Directions Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) in a pot or deep fryer. Add the potatoes to the hot oil, in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the oil, and sprinkle them with salt. Increase the heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C). 6 Fry the potatoes for another minute, or until crisp and golden. 7 Transfer the potatoes from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. 8 Serve immediately.

National Symbols National Bird Common Kestrel (common name) Falco tinnunculus (scientific name)

National Day Independence Day July 21

National Flower Red Poppy (common name) Papaver rhoeas (scientific name)

National Animal Belgian Lion (common name) Leo Belgicus (scientific name)

National Flag First used – January 23, 1831

National Currency Belgium’s official currency is the European Union euro and cent. 1 euro = 100 cents

National Anthem “La Brabançonne” (Song of Brabant)

Lyrics by: Charles Rogier

French Lyrics

English Translation

Ô Belgique, ô mère chérie, À toi nos coeurs, à toi nos bras, À toi notre sang, ô Patrie ! Nous le jurons tous, tu vivras ! Tu vivras toujours grande et belle Et ton invincible unité Aura pour devise immortelle : Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté ! Aura pour devise immortelle : Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté ! Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté ! Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté !

Noble Belgium— for ever a dear land We give you our hearts and our arms. By the pure blood split for you, our Fatherland, We swear with one cry— You will live! You will live, always great and beautiful, And your invincible unity Will have as your invincible unity Will have as your immortal emblem

Things to See and Do Grote Markt (Grand Place) Showcasing architecture from the eras of Baroque, Gothic, and Louis XIV, Grand Place is Brussels’ main square, situated amidst guild houses, the Town Hall, and Breadhouse. It served as a market until 1959.

De Ruien Beneath the streets of Antwerp, a network of streams, sewers, and fortifications have crisscrossed the city since the Middle Ages. Underground boat tours explore the passageways, vaults, canals, and bridges found under the city center.

St. Anna Pedestrian Tunnel Passing under Antwerp’s Scheldt River, St. Anna Pedestrian Tunnel is known by locals as The Underpass. It remains a major connection for city residents to this day after opening in 1933.

Atomium Atomium, built in 1958 for the World’s Fair in Brussels, is a landmark building on the Heysel Plateau. Now a museum, its 102-metertall (335-foot-tall) cubic configuration is made of steel covered with aluminum and features nine spheres.

Royal Palace of Brussels The King of Belgium’s residence, the Royal Palace faces the Parliament building. Dating to the late 18th century, the neoclassical building was designed by no less than eight architects and features a grand marble staircase.

Beersel Castle Step back in time at Beersel Castle, a redbrick Flemish bastion characteristic of Belgian fortresses, unique in their use of bricks rather than stone. Featuring a moat, high walls, and massive watchtowers, the 12th-century Beersel is one of Flanders’ finest medieval castles. 25

Antwerp Zoo Founded in 1843, this is Belgium’s oldest zoo. Together with its sister park Planckendael, it is home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 150 species including mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Botanic Garden Meise One of the world’s largest botanical gardens is in Meise.

Ardennes A region of dense forest valleys, Ardennes stretches through southeastern Belgium.

Antwerp-Centraal Finished in 1905, Antwerp’s Centraal Station is an ornate, eclectic Victorian masterpiece. Made of glass, steel, and stone, its glass roof floods the venue with sunlight. 26

Grote Markt (Grand Place) De Ruien St. Anna Pedestrian Tunnel Atomium Royal Palace of Brussels Beersel Castle Antwerp Zoo Botanic Garden Meise Ardennes Antwerp-Centraal

Location Guid e

Fun Facts Sinter, Not Santa Sinterklaas brings Belgian children presents during the Christmas season, and he travels on a white horse. After putting their shoes near the fireplace on the evening of December 5—and leaving carrots and sugar for the horse—good children awaken to presents on December 6.

Peculiar Pis

It may be silly, yet Brussels’ iconic symbol is Manneken Pis, a small peeing boy. The city’s original bronze statue is 50 centimeters (19.6 inches), designed in 1388 and depicting a little boy peeing into a fountain. The name “Manneken Pis” literally means “little man pee.”

Sax Fact The saxophone is named for its Belgian inventor, Adolphe Sax. He patented the instrument in 1846, and despite its shiny brass appearance, saxophones are a woodwind instrument.

Gemstone City Antwerp, Belgium is the Diamond Capital of the World, and 85 percent of the world’s rough diamonds pass through the city, where they are shaped and polished into the shiny gems.

Quantity and Quality Belgium is one of the top chocolate-producing countries in the world, and has over 2,000 chocolate shops called chocolatiers. Many people regard Belgian chocolate as the best in the world. 29

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Belgium Durbuy

Brussels

Bruges

Ghent

Antwerp