Background information: Belgium

Belgium is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.

Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometres and it has a population of about 11 million people. Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Dutch-speakers, mostly Flemish (about 60%), and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons (about 40%), plus a small group of German-speakers. 

Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. The Brussels-Capital Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region. A German-speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. 

 

Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.

Funny video laughing at Belgians :-)

I’ve read somewhere that Belgians think of themselves as Europeans first, Walloons or Flemings second, and Belgians third.

So although Flemings and Wallons share many values and practices and highlight some of the uniqe qualities ot the belgians, they also bring out some of the dilemmas resulting from Belgian dualism tend to be sensitive to their cultural and language differences.

That’s why  It is essential to be aware of and respect these differences and never  ever confuse the groups or imply that they are similar ;)


sites worth visiting:
http://www.opt.be/
http://www.visitbelgium.com/