Belgium is a part of Western Europe, bordered by Germany, France, Netherlands, Slovenia and the North Sea. The Ardennes region, in the southeast of the country, is widely forested and hilly. Along the coastal plains, the North Sea region is widely flat. The climate is cool and rainy. During winter the temperature average is about 44 degrees Fahrenheit and during summer the temperature may reach as high as 76 degrees Fahrenheit on a 'hot' day.

This European nation is highly developed and literally at the cross roads of Western Europe. It has the second highest population density in Europe next to the Netherlands. This country is truly the number one melting pot in Europe with Celtic, Spanish, Dutch, Germanic, French and Austrian heritage. It is divided ethnically into three regions: the French speaking northern Walloons region, the Dutch speaking Flemish region in the south and the Brussels-Capital region, which is bilingual in the languages spoken.

Officially known as a Kingdom, this country is a founding member of the European Union and its capital, Brussels, also known as the 'essence of Europe' has one of the world's highest qualities of life, as witnessed by the excellence of education, housing, high productivity and low poverty.

Belgium is the world's largest seller of chocolate and one of the largest diamond centers in the world. Their favorite dish is French-fries, which is a Belgian invention. They are famous for different flavors of beers and they produce thousands of beers for sale all over the world.

The country's rich history is impressive. The many works of art, castles, churches and town halls date back to the middle ages. Belgium is the first country to ban cluster bombs and to legalize gay rights and authorize euthanasia. In addition, education is mandatory for all citizens up to the age of eighteen.