Belgium which part of europe

The country also has a narrow coastline along the North Sea. Belgium primarily lies close to sea level, though the country does reach 2, feet metres at a point known as Botrange, which lies within the Ardennes plateau.

Belgium is one of the most heavily populated countries in Europe and most people live in urban areas. Different communities in Belgium have different customs.

The typical Flemish greeting involves a quick handshake, whereas Walloons greet with a light kiss on the cheek. Walloons also tend to eat their dinner later in the evening than the Flemish. However, talking while chewing gum or while keeping hands in one's pockets are considered rude across communities.

Art, music, and architecture play a big role in Belgian life and history. The comic strip is highly regarded, with "Tintin" and "The Smurfs" both originating in the country. Sports are also popular in Belgium, with soccer being the most-played sport.

Waffles, moules frites mussles served with french fries , and chocolate are three of the most popular Belgian foods. While most of Belgium was covered by deciduous forest 2, years ago, human activity has reduced both plant and animal life in the region.

Today, the most common tree is oak and most animals can be found in the Ardennes, which consists of a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest. Animals commonly found in the Ardennes include wild boars, deer, wildcats, and pheasants. Elsewhere in Belgium, several bird species can be found, such as sandpipers and snipes, along with muskrats and hamsters. Finally, as the eastern border is met, the countryside begins to become more hilly.

This is where the highest point in the country can be found; the Botrange, measured at just shy of feet. As the geography increases in the amount and height of hills that are present, the flat plains slowly begin to give way into thickly wooded areas. The climate of Belgium is mild, both in winter and summer months.

Summer months are cool and frequently cloudy, and winters are cool to cold, with light rain common. As you move further inland into the more hilly region of the country, winters will begin to become colder. Because of the jet streams, Belgium, for the most part, avoids major weather events. The population of Belgium is extremely dense, with people per square mile.

The heritage mix of the population, however, is extremely rich and diverse. The country still holds an eclectic mix of other ethnic groups at much smaller percentage points. The Maltese comprise 0. Its capital is Valletta and the official language is Maltese. Malta holds 6 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in Malta is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, The Dutch comprise 3. Its capital is Amsterdam and the official language is Dutch.

The Netherlands holds 26 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between and The Netherlands is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, The Polish comprise 7. Its capital is Warsaw and the official language is Polish. Poland holds 51 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in Poland is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, Its capital is Lisbon and the official language is Portuguese.

Portugal holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 3 times between and Portugal is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, The Romanians comprise 3. Its capital is Bucharest and the official language is Romanian. Romania holds 32 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in Romania is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

Slovaks comprise 2. Its capital is Bratislava and the official language is Slovak. The political system in Slovakia is a parliamentary republic. Slovakia holds 13 seats in the European Parliament and is currently holding the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Slovakia is also a member state of the Schengen Area since March 26, The Slovenians comprise 0.

Its capital is Ljubljana and the official language is Slovenian. Slovenia holds 8 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in Slovenia is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, Spain is a member country of the EU since January 1, The Spanish comprise 9.

Its capital is Madrid. The official language in Spain is Spanish. Spain holds 54 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 4 times between and Spain is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, The Swedes comprise 1. Its capital is Stockholm and the official language is Swedish. Sweden holds 20 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU twice, in and Sweden is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 25, The continental territories of the member states of the European Union European Communities pre , animated in order of accession.

In , the European Coal and Steel Community began the uniting of European countries economically and politically to gain lasting peace.

This brought a good period for the economy, as the EU countries stopped charging customs duties when trading with each other. In , Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom formally decided to join the European Union, becoming nine member states altogether. The political divisions, during the s, between the east and west Europe finally healed and 10 more new countries joined the EU in , followed by Bulgaria and Romania which joined in In , a financial crisis hits the global economy.

Therefore, the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force in , providing the EU with modern institutions and more efficient working methods. In June , the United Kingdom held a referendum, letting the people decide whether they want to leave or remain in the European Union, after a few years of political debate on the topic.

Presently the increase of religious extremism in the Middle East, as well as in various other countries and regions around the world, has lead to wars and turmoil, which has pushed many people to flee their home countries and seek refuge in Europe.