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| Independence Year : 1830 Population : 10239000 Life Expectancy : 77.8 Capital : 179 GNP : 249704.00 GNP Old : 243948.00 Local Name : België/Belgique Government Form :Constitutional Monarchy, Federation Location : Western Europe Terrain : flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Climate : Temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Ethnic Group : Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11% Religions : Predominantly Roman Catholic (although less than 20% practicing); Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, Anglican, Greek and Russian Orthodox recognized. Official Website :www.belgium.be/ | 
Genral Information - Belgium
Background
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. (Source: CIA - The World Factbook) |
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