Belgium is a technologically advanced country and a mature democracy. It is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now European Union) and of NATO, and hosts the headquarters of both.
Belgium is located in one of the world’s most industrialised regions. The northern part of the country is mainly Flemish (Dutch) speaking, while in the south, French is more common. The central region around the capital Brussels is bilingual with both French and Flemish as official languages. There is also a small region where German is spoken.
Belgium has a good reputation for fine chocolates and excellent beers. Belgian (of the region which today is Belgium) artistic trends have had a major influence on European art as a whole, and artists such as Van Dyck are well known.
Belgium Facts
• Population: 10,379,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s): Flemish, French, German
• Capital: Brussels
• Other major cities: Antwerp, Ghent
• Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain: .be
• International dialling code: +32
Major Industries
Metallurgy, steel, textiles, chemicals, glass, paper, and food processing are the dominant industries.
Popular Jobs
Careers in Belgium can be found in established industries like politics, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food and beverage processing, and transportation equipment manufacturing. For foreigners looking to find work in Belgium there are lots of positions available, including professional, travel and tourism, hospitality, teaching English and seasonal. If you are lacking experience you might like to view intern programs in Belgium.
Best Places to Find Work
Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Liège, Anderlecht, Schaarbeek, Bruges, Namur, Leuven and Mons.