Top 10 essential facts about Belgium

Belgium is a country with a rich history and culture. From its capital of Brussels to its countryside castles, there’s tons of interesting info for you to uncover.

You can also find all of these and more on our map.

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1) Country of castles

Belgium has the most castles per square meter compared to any other country across the globe.

2) What an icon

The national symbol of Belgium is Manneken Pis. In Brussels, this figure of a peeing boy causes a lot of amusement and confusion.

3) Chocolate!

Belgium makes over 220,000+ tons of chocolate every single year. We’re drooling. Try out the free samples on a tour of the Chocolate Museum.

4) Bountiful Beer

Each Belgian beer has its own special glass. There are over 1,000+ unique Belgian beers. Plus, there’s more than 300 breweries in Belgium. Check the unique Trappist brewery of Westmalle.

5) One word: WiFi. You’re welcome.

The internet wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Belgians. Robert Cailliau, a Belgian computer scientist, made a hypertext system alongside the Brit Berners-Lee.

6) Can’t forget waffles

America discovered the Belgian waffle at the Seattle World Fair in 1962 thanks to Maurice Vermersch from Brussels. Ever since, waffles have taken the world by storm. Try 'em out at local approved Désiré de Lille.

7) Comic origins

Belgium invented the comic strip. Yep, Tintin and smurfs all come from here. You can learn all about it in the Comics Art Museum in Brussels.

8) Diamonds are a Belgian’s best friend

Over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds are produced in Antwerp.

9) Fantastic fries

Fries are from Belgium - whatever the debate is - Belgian fast food is the fryshack. Belgian fries (aka frites) are special.

10) Steam me up

You can thank Belgium for those spa days. Spas was first created in the 17th century in the healing waters of a town called (yup, you guessed it) Spa in Belgium.

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You can find all of these activities and more on our map.

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