Belgium is located in Western Europe. Belgium also has beaches in the North Sea and is an important economic and political center due to its central location in Europe.
Belgium is bordered by four countries, the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south.
With a population of about 11.5 million people and an area of about 30,528 square kilometers, Belgium is one of the most populous countries in Europe.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Other languages such as English, Arabic, and Spanish are also spoken in some cities.
The official currency of Belgium is the euro.
Cultural identity
Belgian culture is rich and diverse, influenced by the country’s history, languages, and different regions. The most prominent aspects of Belgian culture are language and literature, food, festivals, art, architecture, sports, and hospitality.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Belgium, and the country’s national team is known for its good performance in international competitions.
Belgium is known for its delicious and varied cuisine. Belgian waffles, french fries, fried shrimp, casseroles, and Antwerp Noirse are the most popular dishes in Belgium.
In Belgium, it is very important to spend time socializing and drinking coffee or beer with friends and family, hence Belgium is one of the famous countries in the field of beer production, and different types of beers can be found in the country.
Belgium is one of the most famous chocolate producers in the world, and its chocolates are known for their high quality and varied flavors.
Major cities in Belgium
The capital of Belgium is Brussels. Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but is also known as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Also, as one of the cultural centers of Europe, Brussels hosts a variety of art festivals, exhibitions, and events.
Famous cities for tourism in Belgium are Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Liège, Namur, and Malin, each with its own attractions .
Tourist Attractions
The famous attractions of Belgium are the Grand Plaza de Brussels, the Mannequin Pace Statue, St. Nicholas Church, the Towers Canals, Grevenstein Castle, St. Cathedral, the chocolate museums in Brussels, the Namur Castle, the Hesse Gardens, festivals, and cultural events.
Transportation System
Intra-city transportation in Belgium is very efficient. Tourists can take the subway, tram, bus, bicycle, and taxi. Many tourist spots in major cities are accessible on foot, and walking through the historic streets is a delightful experience.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium is usually spring and autumn. During these seasons, the temperature is mild and the weather is often sunny, which is very suitable for tourism. The summer season can also be a good time, but prices may increase due to the holidays and the crowds of tourists. In winter, too, although the weather is cold, the Christmas markets and celebrations related to this season have their own attractions.
Visa
Iranians can travel to Belgium and other European countries by obtaining a Schengen visa. Documents required for obtaining a Schengen visa are a passport with a validity of 7 months, copies of all pages of the birth certificate, visa application form, photo 3/5 x 4/5, travel insurance and documents related to the purpose of travel (hotel reservation, plane ticket, etc.), financial means, invitation letter (if required), no criminal record, original and translation of the title deed, and original and translation of employment documents.
Some practical tips for travelers planning to travel to Belgium:
Be sure to bring the right clothes with you and be prepared for the rain, even in the spring and summer.
In general, the country is safe, but be mindful of your belongings and avoid pickpocketing in crowded places.
Tap water in Belgium is generally of very high quality, and in most parts of the country, tap water is recognized as safe and safe drinking water.