Belgium on the map of Europe, the capital, the sights of the kingdom, visa, citizenship, language, currency, time, map with the cities. Work and life in Belgium for Russians and Ukrainians, higher education, average salary

Want to find out where the first spa-resort, French fries and comics appeared, in which country is Brussels - the capital of the European bureaucracy and NATO headquarters? All this you will find - in the article about Belgium.

Brussels General information about Belgium

In popular youth comic « Axis Powers Hetalia and country Axis » each character represents specific country with inherent her ( on opinion authors ) with the appearance of and features character . Belgium in Hetalia - is character second plan , nice blond girl , which loves tasty food , cheerful , good to other very diligent.

Perhaps , is most best collective image of Belgians , for except secondary role Belgium on European arena . Belgium plays here one of the main roles, so how is one of the main cultural , administrative and military - political centers Europe .

The character of Belgium in the series Hetalia

Where is Belgium on the map of Europe?

Belgium is a small state in the north-west of continental Europe, on the border with the English Channel. Belgium is a place with the Netherlands and Luxembourg is a member of Benelux - the union of three small neighboring states, united on economic, customs and political issues.

Belgium is divided into three parts. The Flemish region is the former medieval principality of Flanders, or rather its central part. The Walloon region is the former territory of France. The third region of Belgium is the capital region of Brussels.

Belgium on the map of Europe

The capital of Belgium, the map of Belgium with the cities

The capital of Belgium is Brussels. It is the capital of the entire European Union. The name is translated as "settlement on a swamp".The city was founded in the 10th century, however it became the capital of Belgium only in 1830.

The symbol of Brussels is the famous sculpture of a pissing boy( "pencil dummy"), installed in the center of the city in the XIV century. There is no single version of the one in honor of whom this small statue is erected: whether in honor of the boy who thus saved the city from a fire, or in honor of the royal baby who once described the Belgian guardsmen. But the sculpture is very revered, several times it was even abducted, but to the delight of the Belgians found and returned to the place.

Manneken Pis - the famous sculpture of a pissing boy in Brussels

In addition to a pissing boy in Brussels, there are many other attractions. An interactive map of Brussels with the indication of all the museums, palaces, entertainment venues and concert halls you can find here.

Detailed maps of Belgium in Russian can be viewed and downloaded here.

Which countries Belgium borders on

On land Belgium borders the Netherlands( in the north), Germany( northeast and east), a very small stretch of the border with Luxembourg( southeast), Belgium's longest land border with France( south andsouthwest).
By sea, Belgium borders the UK( across the English Channel)

Brugge in Belgium

What is the language in Belgium, which is spoken?

In Belgium, two official languages: Flemish( also Dutch) - is common in the Flemish region, and the French - in Wallonia. German is the main language of communication in the east of Belgium, in the places of residence of ethnic Germans.

In addition to these three languages, local isolated dialects are common in Belgium. The English language is known and understood by most of the inhabitants of Belgium.

Gent, Belgium

Belgium Telephone codes of Belgium, code of Belgium with mobile

The international dialing code of Belgium is "+32".
Domestic phone codes of major cities in Belgium:

Antwerp	3
Gent	92
Charleroi	71
Liege	4
Brussels	2
Bruges	50
Namur	81
Mons	65
Leven	16

Leven, Belgium

For a complete list of Belgium telephone codes, click here.

For calls from fixed( urban) phones in Russia, two additional codes are additionally used: "8" for intercity and "10" for connection to an international line.

Examples of dialing when calling from Russia to city numbers in Belgium:

• To call from a fixed line from Russia to number 612-81-30 in Brussels, dial the following order of numbers "8-10-32-2-6128130"
• To call frommobile phone to the same number, you need to dial "+ 7-32-2-6128130"

Liege, Belgium

Examples of dialing when calling from Russia to mobile number 486-112233 in Belgium:

• From the city number in Russia we dial "8-10-32-486-112233"
• From the mobile number in Russia we dial "+ 32-486-112233"

Emergency telephones in Belgium:

• Police 101
• Firefighters 100
• Emergency medical assistance100
• Emergency Services 112

Ardennes, Belgium

Time in Belgium

Belgium time zone: GMT + 2, the difference with Moscow is -1 hour: when in Moscow 09:00 in the morning, in Belgium for an hour less.

Belgium: currency

Belgium is a member of the European Union, the official currency of the country is the euro.

Wallonia, Belgium

How to get to Belgium?

Visa to Belgium: documents

For a trip to Belgium with a short tourist or guest visit, you need to get a standard tourist Schengen visa.

Belgian visa applications are handled by Belgium visa centers in Russia. The filing of applications takes place on a territorial basis, that is, in the nearest city at the place of your registration.

Visa centers are available in the following cities: Ekaterinburg, Kazan, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, St. Petersburg.

Mons, Belgium

You can find detailed information on obtaining a visa to Belgium on the official website of the visa centers of the Kingdom of Belgium in Russia: http://www.belgiumvac-ru.com /russian/

Airports of Belgium

There are five airports in Belgium. Almost all of them accept regular flights and charters, including from Russia and CIS countries, on a permanent or seasonal basis.

• Brussels is the largest airport in the country, most of the flights arrive here. Official website of the airport: www.brusselsairport.be

Charleroi, Belgium

• Charleroi is the 2nd most important passenger airport in Belgium, for more information visit the official website: www.charleroi-airport.com
• Liege is the largest cargo air port thatalso serves a part of passenger flights, website: www.liegeairport.com
• Antwerp is the average airport in which charters and scheduled flights arrive, the official information is here: www.antwerp-airport.be
• Bruges is a small port that acceptscharters andprivate jets. The airport of Bruges airport: www.ost.aero
• Kortrijk is the smallest air port in Belgium, intended only for private planes and business aviation. The airport site: www.kortrijkairport.be

, Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium: the population of

The vast majority of the population of Belgium live in cities. The share of non-indigenous residents is only 11%( although recently this figure is increasing due to the influx of refugees from the Middle East and Africa).The largest groups of national minorities are Germans, Italians, French and Moroccans.

Street in Belgium

Living standard in Belgium, average salary

Belgium is one of the most developed countries in Europe in terms of living standards. It is considered. That here is the most loyal legislation for migrants, good conditions for learning and buying real estate, good benefits and relatively short terms of obtaining citizenship.

The average salary in Belgium is very high. Prices for the payment of unskilled labor start from 1200-1500 euros per month. An employee with a higher education and secondary qualification can receive 4-5 thousand euros a month. The income of highly qualified specialists and entrepreneurs starts from 7-8 thousand euros.

Football supporters of Belgium

It is worth noting that the level of expenditure in Belgium is also not small. First, there are a lot of taxes here, which consume an appreciable part of the income. Secondly, the costs of medicine, utilities, vehicles and other mandatory items are also quite high.

Nationality of Belgium: how to get?

Persons who the Kingdom of Belgium is ready to recognize as nationals of their country:

Belgium in winter

• Refugees( 2 years after arrival)
• Persons born in the Kingdom of Belgium, regardless of the nationality of their parents
• Persons born to a Belgian citizen,place of birth
• Persons who are the next of kin or a suprug / driver of a Belgian citizen
• Persons conducting business in Belgium( owners of commercial enterprises registered here) and paying onlogs to the local treasury( according to this article, you can obtain citizenship only if you have a certain income and statutory capital of at least 12.5 thousand euros)

New Year in Brussels, Belgium

Russians in Belgium: life, pros and cons

In general, the attitude of the local populationto Russian in Belgium is not bad. Unlike people from other countries, Russians do not want to live on welfare, they work hard for conscience, try to join the local culture and do not create big problems for the indigenous people.

The advantages of living in Belgium for Russians include a very high quality of life, relatively simple ways of obtaining citizenship, a good level of education and medicine, a relatively inexpensive housing( the rental price of a decent apartment is about 1/3 of the income, and your own housing can be bought after severalyears of residence in Belgium), low crime rates. For wealthy people, the big advantage is the simplicity of doing business.

Building of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

Of the minuses the most significant is the high level of taxes. Also, more often than not, Russians have to put up with the fact that the career of a hired employee in Belgium has to start "from scratch"( diplomas and previous qualifications in Russia are not recognized here).Often the problem becomes the need to know several languages ​​(French, Flemish, German, English).Back in Belgium, a very short maternity leave: only 12 weeks.

Some features of the Belgian mentality, which will have to get used to a native of Russia:

• Belgians are friendly, but close relationships are rare, more friendly. Representation of friendship they have a much more restrained than that of Russian

In Belgium, the annual stages of the Formula 1 Grand Prix are held

• If a Belgian has given you some serious help or paid for you in a cafe, next time you have to repayThe women in Belgium are trying to emphasize their independence. Local ladies do not take too much time to do household chores, use cosmetics or wear dresses as casual clothes.
• In the family, the husband and wife often have a separate budget. Parents are usually given to nursing homes. In general, family ties are not very close, you will not see big family feasts here

Rural landscapes of Belgium

• It is not customary to talk about such topics as income, political preferences, intimate life, health, personal relationships in conversations. Belgians prefer to speak on neutral topics even with close friends.
• It is customary to agree on gifts in advance. Usually the originator of the celebration makes a list of items he would like to receive as a gift. Guests can pay the whole gift or a part of it. Even in the family, it is more often agreed in advance about who will present what gift, surprises are not accepted

Castle of the counties of Flanders, Belgium

Work in Belgium for Ukrainians

In order to get even the simplest work in Belgium, a foreigner must have at least one of the locallanguages: French, Flemish or German. In some establishments they are accepted with knowledge of English. Without a language, finding a job is almost impossible.

The unemployment rate in Belgium is rather large, therefore, even if there is a language and the required qualifications, one must bear in mind that there are many people wishing to settle for this place. It is important to show your best qualities in an interview so that the employer chooses you.

Manufacture of chocolate in Belgium

What specialties are in demand in Belgium most:

• Builders( masons, welders, plasterers, installers)
• Trade workers( cashiers, sales representatives)
• Service workers( manicure, massage therapist, hairdresser)
• IT specialists: programmers

Education received at home is likely to be taken into accountwill not be accepted, since there is no single system of education between Belgium and Ukraine. Regardless of higher education, you will have to begin with an ordinary lower post.

Street Cafés in Belgium

Higher Education in Belgium

Students enter Belgium's higher education institutions from the age of 18( before this age, schooling lasts).There are no entrance exams( except for medicine), but there is a system for dropping out students during examination sessions, assigning the least weak ones.

The cost of training varies from 1 to 10 thousand euros per year, the price depends on the specialty and prestige of the institution. The most inexpensive universities are located in the Flemish region, in the Welsh part of Belgium, training is considered more prestigious and qualitative.

Catholic University of Leven, Belgium

What is Belgium famous for?

Some interesting facts about Belgium

• Belgium takes the first place in Europe by the number of preserved medieval palaces and castles
• Belgium leads the European Union in terms of living standards
• The Flemish School of Painting( the most prominent representatives of Van Dyke and Rubens) originated in the Belgian city of Antwerp
• In Belgiumbred the most strange breed of cows that give a lot of meat, but outwardly resemble the athletes fed with steroids

Bull of the breed "Blue Belgian"

• Belgian horse breed(braabanson) is very popular all over the world
• The world's largest diamond exchange is located exactly in Belgium
• Belgium has the largest number of government offices and representative offices of international organizations, as Brussels is the capital of NATO and the European Union
• According to population density per squarekilometer Belgium occupies one of the first places in the world

The house located on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands( marked with crosses)

• Belgium has a rather conventional borderwith the neighboring Netherlands. Sometimes the border passes through buildings, so one half of the house can be in Belgium and the other in Nidenrland.
• Belgium is the most electrified country in Europe. Even the most insignificant country roads are illuminated at night, bright enough, not to mention the streets of
• . In Belgium, trams are a means of transportation not only in the city, but also beyond. The longest tram line reaches 68 km in length
• Tiny Belgium produces so many goods that are among the world's 20 largest exporters
• In Belgium, the suffrage prohibits a citizen from ignoring popular voting. Everyone who received the agenda must come to the
• election 4/5 of all billiard balls in the world is made in Belgium
• Of course, many know the Belgian beer and the Belgian chocolate

Belgium from space is the brightest region on the map of the night Europe

Traditions and holidaysBelgium

Belgium is a country in which three different national cultures coexist: Flemish( Dutch), Walloon( French) and German. Each of them has its own traditions and holidays, therefore it is problematic to talk about common customs for the whole country.

The national holidays of Belgium include:

• Christian church dates: Christmas, Easter, Holy Trinity Day
• July 21 - Independence Day
• May 1 - Labor Day
• November 15 - Day of the Royal Dynasty

Christmas in Belgium

What to bring from Belgium?

• Belgian beer, especially exotic for our edges fruit varieties: raspberry, cherry, citrus
• Belgian chocolate, handmade candies
• are especially appreciated Belgian lace and products made of it: tablecloths, paintings, towels, stoles and much more
• Belgian tapestry:carpets, cushions, bags
• Copies of high quality Swiss watches from Belgium

Fruit beer "Kriek" from Belgium

Ruling couple of the Kingdom of Belgium

King of Belgium Philip

King of Belgium FThe was the first monarch of Belgium to attend general education schools( school and academy).Prior to him, the royal offspring were exclusively at home school.

For a while, Philip studied at the US universities, where he received a degree in political science. He is the honorary chairman of several public organizations in Belgium and a member of various aristocratic clubs in Europe.

The King of Belgium Philip

The Queen of Belgium Matilda

The wife of Philippe Matilda is a hereditary aristocrat, the daughter of a Belgian count and a Polish countess. By education Matilda is a speech therapist and a child psychologist. She met her future husband during tennis lessons.

Matilda, as befits the representatives of the best royal houses in Europe, devotes much time to charity. The four are growing up four heirs.

The King and Queen of Belgium with children

The most beautiful cities and sights of the Kingdom of Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is literally a city of officials( with a total of 300,000 officials, including all NATO offices, the EU and various non-governmental organizations).In addition, it is famous for its architecture, nightlife and the cleanest ecology in Europe.

• The Grand Place is the main square of the city. The Grand Place is interesting for its architecture, as all buildings here have a unique history of construction and use. The main building of the square is the city hall of Brussels
• Atomium is a structure in the form of an iron molecule, magnified hundreds of billions of times. The building-sculpture was installed at the opening of the World Trade Exhibition in 1958

Atomium, Belgium

• Mini Europe - a miniature park in which you can see small copies of all the most famous buildings of Europe
• The Brussels Cathedral is a medieval structure, the main Catholic temple of Brussels, whichThe Royal Museum of Belgium is a complex of 6 museums united under one roof. The exposition is considered one of the richest and most interesting in Europe
• The Museum of Medicine in Brussels is a very interesting collection that tells the history of medicine development in different epochs( including prehistoric) and in different parts of the world( Asia, Africa, East, South America)
• Galleries Saint Hubert - covered shopping pavilions, which, in addition to the magnificent shopping will also provide aesthetic pleasure, since the building has a serious historical value
• Comics - famous paintings on thethe shades of houses in Brussels, which are fragments from comics( it is believed that comics as a printed genre originated in Belgium)

Comics on the walls of Brussels, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is rightfully considered the most beautiful city in Belgium. By the number of attractions and museums, he also holds the palm of primacy. The most noteworthy of them:

• The chocolate museum is the most famous chocolate museum in the world. Bruges is considered the birthplace of bitter chocolate. The product was obtained thanks to the error of an apothecary who tried to just improve the cough medicine
• Beginok Monastery - a medieval shelter for orphaned girls and widows, in which the unfortunate received a roof over their heads and the opportunity to earn a living. Unlike nuns, the beginhs were not bound by the celibacy and could leave the monastery at any time.
• Belfort - the city's watchtower, the most recognizable building in the city, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bruges, Belgium

• The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is an active temple,in which one of the few surviving sculptures of Michelangelo's work "Mary with the Child" is kept.
• The Museum of Fine Arts is an exhibition of the works of the Flemish school of painting, which originated in Belgium and presentedthe world of Rembrandt and Van Eyck
• The Diamond Museum is a unique museum about the history of jewelry development, all stages of diamond mining and processing, as well as the priceless collection of jewelry
• The Bruges Brewery Museum is a history of the development of the brewing business, unique recipes, but the main thing is tasting of the best varieties, which is included in the price of the excursion

Brugge, Belgium

Liège, Belgium

Liège is a city of contrasts that combines medieval palaces and industrial giants pipes. The city is considered the most rebellious and capricious region in Belgium.

• The Palace of Bishop Princes is a unique building that has been built for 900 years and bears the prints of all possible historical architectural styles.

Liège, Belgium

• Weapons Museum - exposition of all possible weapons from the early Middle Ages to our days, some exhibits are priceless
• The mountain de Buren is a famous street that consists of one staircase steps, as it is steeply uphill
• Churches and cathedrals of Liège are many, the most notable of them are: bright as gamesSt Basil's Cathedral, St. Paul's Cathedral( Masonic Gothic)
• Beer Lieutenant - almost at every step you will find beer restaurants that have their history for many centuries and offer beer brewed according to their secret recipes.
• The castle of Zhehe is an interesting structure in the middlecentury former orphanage. Currently, the castle recreates the interiors of the time

Castle Jéché, Liège, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is the diamond capital of Belgium, as well as the design center of all of Europe. It is here that they set the tone for fashionable trends in clothing, jewelry and interior items.

• The Rubens Museum is the home of the famous painter, founder of the Flemish school
• Stan Castle - a medieval fortification, the first stone building of Antwerp
• The Antwerp Fashion Museum is a historical collection of dresses, shoes and ornaments, the oldest exhibit of which dates back to the 16th century
• Antwerp Museums - numerous galleries and art collections, in which you will find many masterpieces of world-class, as Antwerp is considered one of the main artisticEuropean capitals

Steen Castle, Antwerp, Belgium

Leuven, Belgium

Leuven is a medieval city, a former shopping and educational center of medieval Europe. Leven can please tourists with its beautiful old center, quality nightlife and excellent shopping.

• Big Beguinage - the historical quarter in the old part of Leuven, the most interesting from the point of view of architecture and safety of buildings
• The Leven Catholic University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, the main direction of training in which remains to this day medicine
• Levena nightclubs - modernin terms of technical equipment and repertoire of the dance floor, the most famous and visited of which is the club Silo
• Museum of Religious Art of Leven - a collection of fine artswhich is located in the building of the oldest Catholic church in the city - the church of St. Peter

Quarter "Big Beguinage" in Leuven, Belgium

Charleroi, Belgium

Charleroi is an industrial city, the center of coal mining among the Belgian cities is considered the most criminaland dysfunctional( of course, by the standards of super sleepy Belgium)

• photography museum is the most detailed and extensive exposition in the world about the history and development of photography, as well as the collection of unishots
• Glass Museum - collection of household samples and art objects from glass from ancient times to our days. Presented are all epochs, styles and directions, from the first glass plates to the masterpieces of Bohemia and Venice
• The Charleroi Fine Arts Museum is a gallery of paintings in which all the main styles and European schools are represented.

Charleroi, Belgium

Ardennes, Belgium

Ardennes is notcity, and a mountain massif on the territory of Belgium, where several villages and small towns are located. The Ardennes are the most sparsely populated part of Belgium.

For urbanized Belgium, the majority of whose population lives in cities, the Ardennes region is a veritable green oasis where you can enjoy the views of endless pastures, green hills and untouched nature.

Belgians are very fond of spending the weekend in the Ardennes, as there are plenty of opportunities for active leisure and communication with nature: rafting on mountain rivers, mountain trails, rural landscapes and a soothing atmosphere.

Ardennes, Belgium

Castle of the Counts of Flanders, Belgium

The castle of the counts of Flanders is located in the Belgian city of Ghent and is famous primarily for its security. This is the only fortress in all of Europe, where you can see the medieval defensive system in the form in which it existed many centuries ago.

In addition to its defensive function, the castle, throughout its long history, served as the residence of the rulers of Flanders, the mint, the venue of the trials, the prison and even the textile factory.

Inside the castle collections of authentic medieval objects of different purposes are collected. The most impressive of them is a collection of instruments of medieval torture.

Walls of the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, Belgium

Holidays in Belgium at sea: resorts, beaches

It would seem, what beach rest can there be if Belgium is located almost in the north of the European continent? It turns out, maybe. The coast of Belgium is 70 km of sandy beaches, which are equipped with everything necessary for a full rest at sea.

The most famous beach resorts in Belgium: Ostend, De Haan, De Pann and Westend .All of them are located on the coast of the North Sea, but do not be afraid of the name - the beach season here lasts all summer, and from the end of June to the beginning of September you can catch a lot of sunny hot days, reminding nothing of the northern latitudes.

Oostende, Belgium

Belgian resorts are considered to be among the most prestigious in Europe. There is an excellent hotel service, many options for accommodation, excellent infrastructure and transport links.

A whole tram line runs along the whole coast, connecting all the large and small resort villages in one line.

Beach in Belgium

Cultural and entertainment life in the resorts of Belgium is full of various activities all summer - from classical music festivals to the most fashionable youth movements.

By the way, despite the reputation of a prestigious place, the beach towns of Belgium can offer a lot of economical options: hostels, private hostels and camping.

Video. Medieval Fair in Brussels

Video. Curiosities of Brussels