Belgium form of government. Where is belgium
Where is it located - one of the first questions that arise among travelers who are going to buy high-quality diamonds, explore ancient castles, “attack” spa centers in. The high season, which lasts from April to September, is favorable for visiting Belgium. But you should also plan a trip here for the winter holidays to attend concerts and fairs, as well as skiing in the Ardennes.
Belgium: where is this country of chocolate and diamonds located?
Location of Belgium (capital -, area 30528 sq. km) - Western. On the east side, it borders on it, on the west and south -, on the southeast -, on the north -. As for the northwestern side of Belgium, it is washed by the North Sea there (the coastline stretches for 66.5 km).
If we talk about the relief of the country, then they distinguish Low (there are dunes here, the height of which does not exceed 30 m, as well as the Flanders lowland and the Campin lowland), Middle (this territory is occupied by plains) and High (the territory is occupied by the Ardennes mountains) Belgium, the highest point which is the 694-meter mountain Botrange.
Belgium is divided into regions (Brussels-Capital Region, Walloon and Flemish regions) and 10 provinces (Flemish Brabant, Limburg, Hainaut and others).
How to get to Belgium?
Passengers spend approximately 3 hours aboard Aeroflot and Brussel Airlines aircraft moving along the Brussels route.
Residents will be able to get to the Belgian capital by trains, buses or planes (International Airlines has direct flights, and LOT and KLM have connecting flights), by train or on board airliners owned by Belavia (Austrian Airlines will offer to stop in). As for the Moscow - flight, stops will be made on the way at airports (12.5 hours), and (10 hours), Rome and Vienna (8.5 hours).
Holidays in Belgium
Guests of Belgium are advised to visit Brussels (famous for the Royal Palace and Museum, Atomium, St. Michael's Cathedral, Manneken Pis, Charles of Lorraine Palace, Beer Museum, Mini-Europe Park), Liege (travelers should see the palace of the prince-bishops of the 11th century, the Church of Saint-Jean, the Town Hall, which is a reflection of the “French classicism” style, the exhibits of the Museum of Archeology and Art of Maasland; and on Saturday mornings it is recommended to stroll through the Marche de la Batte market in search of the necessary products and clothing; it will not be out of place to look at the flea market on Saint Gilles to acquire unique Belgian souvenirs), (tourists are attracted here by the Cartier castle, museums of photography, glass and fine arts, as well as the annual modern dance festival), (guests of Bruges should pay special attention to the 83-meter Belfort tower of the 13th century - climbed more than 360 steps will be able to take in the surroundings, Lake of Love, the Church of the Holy Blood of Christ, the Museum of Diamonds; amusement park Boudewijn).
Belgian beaches
- beaches: these wide beaches are covered with amber sand. From here you can go on a sea excursion, as well as ride a rented yacht or catamaran.
- beaches: they attract surfers, snorkellers, sailors and water skiers. As for the coastal area, there are sports shops.
Souvenirs from Belgium
It is not worth returning from Belgium to your native land without Belgian waffles and chocolate, fondue sets, lace tablecloths, napkins and linen, ceramics, tapestries, a small copy of Atomium, cherry beer.
The official name is the Kingdom of Belgium (Royaume de Belgique, Koninkrijk Belgie, Kingdom of Belgium). Located in Western Europe. Area - 30.51 thousand km2, population - 10.3 million people. (2002). The official languages are Dutch, French and German. The capital is Brussels (959 thousand people, 2000). Public Holiday- Independence Day July 21 (since 1831). Monetary unit - euro (since January 2002). Belgium has no possessions (previously owned the colony of the Belgian Congo, and also had a mandate for the territory of Ruanda-Urundi in Africa).
Member of 70 international organizations, incl. UN (since 1945), Benelux, EU, NATO, WTO, etc.
Landmarks of Belgium
Geography of Belgium
It is located between 4°00' east longitude and 50°50' north latitude. In the northwest it is washed by the North Sea, the length of the sea border is 66 km. The Belgian coast has almost rectilinear coastal outlines. The country borders in the southwest with France (620 km), in the north - with the Netherlands (450 km), in the east - with Germany (167 km) and Luxembourg (148 km). Belgium is basically a low-lying country, gradually rising from the northwest to the southeast. It is divided into three parts: a low flat plain (northwest), a hilly plain (center) and an ancient smoothed mountain range of the Ardennes (southeast). The highest mountain points: Botrange (694 m), Barak Michel (675 m).
The largest and most important rivers: Meuse (length within the country - 183 km) and Scheldt (200 km), which flows into a long narrow branch North Sea- Western Scheldt. The plains are located in the east (Kampin Plateau) and northwest - almost to the sea coast (fertile Frandska lowland). The soils on the northern slopes of the Ardennes are rocky and barren, those on the southern slopes are fertile in many wide valleys. The hilly and low-lying terrain that stretches north of the Meuse River is composed of tertiary clays and sands, often covered with loess-like clay (often called "Gebian clay"), which is very fertile.
The flora of the country is located in the zone of broad-leaved forests of the Atlantic botanical province - oak-birch groves with an admixture of hornbeam, beech and chestnut. Animal world preserved mainly in the mountainous regions of the Ardennes (black polecat, gray partridge, etc.).
Minerals: coal in the southern (Mons Liege) and northern (Campin) basins (reserves are almost depleted); quartz sand (Charleroi, Namur), development continues.
The climate in the country is temperate, mild, maritime, with an average annual temperature of +10°C. The rivers do not freeze in winter.
Population of Belgium
Population growth rate 0.15% (2002). Birth rate - 10.58‰, mortality - 10.08‰ Child mortality reaches 4.64 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). The average life expectancy is 78.13 years, incl. women - 81.62, and men - 74.8 (2002).
The structure of the population has a number of gender and age features. The number of the male population of the country as a whole is somewhat inferior to the female one (0.96). True, at birth it prevails (1.05), but then gradually loses its leadership. At the age of 15-64, this figure almost levels off (1.02), and St. At the age of 65, there is already a significant gap (0.69). Age structure of the population: up to 14 years old - 17.3%, 15 -64 years old - 65.6%, 65 years and older - 17.1%. The retirement age ranges from 56-58 years. The vast majority of the population lives in cities (80.5%).
Ethnic composition: Flemings (58%), Walloons (31%), others (11%). Over the past 10-20 years, the proportion of Flemings has steadily increased. Languages spoken: Dutch (60%), French (40%), German (less than 1%). Ethnic groups live predominantly in certain provinces. The northern part of the country (West and East Flanders, Vlaams-Brabant, Antwerp, Limburg) is inhabited by Flemings who speak special language West Germanic group, close to Dutch. The south is dominated by the Walloons (Brabant-Walloon, Hainaut, Liege, Namur), whose language is close to northern French (they represent the descendants of the Romanized Belgians). The same language is spoken by approx. 80% of Brussels residents. Finally, in the east of the country (around the cities of Eupen and Malmedy) mostly Germans live.
The educational level is high (98% of the country's inhabitants can read and write).
The religious composition reflects a pronounced predominance of Catholics (75%); Protestants and other faiths are less represented (25%).
History of Belgium
In ancient times, the Celtic tribe Belga lived on the territory of modern Belgium, which was conquered by the Roman emperor Caesar (in 57 BC). This region became part of two Roman provinces: Germania Inferior (with its center in Cologne) and Second Belgium (in Reims). During the period early medieval she became the nucleus Frankish state. Later (9th-10th centuries), as a result of the division of the Carolingian possessions, these lands were divided along the Scheldt River into the western part (Flanders), which went to France, and the eastern part, went to Lorraine, nominally subordinate to the German Empire. Already in the 12-13 centuries. Flanders and Brabant became the most economically developed regions of Europe. Almost all urban population was engaged in the production of woolen cloth and fabrics, which were supplied to world markets. The main center of crafts and trade in the 15th century. becomes Antwerp.
In the 16-18 centuries. Belgium (part of the Netherlands) became part of the Spanish monarchy. The constant opposition to foreign domination, which often took the form of an armed uprising, did not prevent, however, the gradual formation of a new capitalist image. New branches of production also arose: lace, silk, glass. In the valleys of the rivers Meuse and Sambre, where the development of coal deposits began, metallurgy and metalworking began to develop. It was during these years that Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire with its vast European and overseas possessions, turned Brussels into the unofficial capital of his vast state, which lasted until 1550.
As part of the War of the "Spanish Succession" (1701-14), Belgium (as part of the "Spanish Netherlands") was ceded to the Austrian Habsburg Empire. But the struggle against foreign domination did not stop. In the beginning. 1789 broke out armed uprising against Austrian rule (the so-called Brabant revolution). In January 1790, a national congress of nine provinces proclaimed the independence of the United States of Belgium. However, this period in the history of the country did not last long. After defeat Austrian Empire in the war with France, this territory came under French rule (1795-1814). The fall of the Napoleonic Empire did not, however, lead to the re-establishment of an independent Belgium. By the final act of the Congress of Vienna (June 1815), it was united with Holland to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, headed by the Dutch King William I.
The new alliance proved short-lived. The interests of the Belgian industrialists, who needed to be protected by protective duties, came into conflict with the aspirations of the Dutch merchants and farmers, who demanded "free trade". In the new state, the rights of the Belgians were infringed in every possible way. In August 1830, an armed uprising broke out in Brussels against Dutch rule. After a week of fighting in the streets of the city, the Dutch troops were forced to retreat. In November 1830 the National Congress of Provinces again declared the independence of Belgium. In December 1830 the London Conference of 5 leading European states recognized this declaration, in January 1831 Belgium proclaimed eternal neutrality.
The conquest of state independence contributed to the rapid transformation of the country into one of the most industrially developed European states (metallurgy, metalworking, heavy engineering, chemical production). This was facilitated by the presence natural resources(mainly coking coal) and the mass of free capital accumulated as a result of extensive foreign trade, as well as income from colonial possessions (primarily Belgian Congo in Africa).
During the 1st and 2nd World Wars, Belgium, despite internationally recognized neutrality, was twice occupied by German troops. But each time after the defeat of Germany, which was achieved by the allied powers of the anti-German coalition, the country managed to relatively quickly restore its economy and even play a particularly important role in the economic revival of the entire Western European region. The Belgian heavy industry (coal, metallurgical, machine-building) during these periods made the most of the advantages of its geostrategic position (“golden gate of Europe”).
Even before the end of World War II, Belgium was one of the initiators of the creation of the first intercountry European association, the Benelux (in 1944), which included three countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg).
This was followed by the formation of the first sectoral European Coal and Steel Community (1951). Both of these organizations were, as it were, the forerunners of the European Union (1957). Brussels is now the capital of an ever-expanding EU. Modern Belgium has a completely unique role as an integration mediator. The peculiar experience of centuries of coexistence gained by the Belgians, who speak Dutch, French and German, contributed to the emergence of a remarkable ability to find compromises and sound thinking.
It is no coincidence that most of the prominent Belgian public figures who gained worldwide fame hosted Active participation in the formation of European unity. Such can be considered the leader of the Belgian socialists P. Spaak. In the 1940s-50s. he constantly headed the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.
More than 100 years ago, the famous Belgian entrepreneur E. Solvay first proposed a plan for the integration of the European economy. He is also considered the founder of the concept of "socially oriented capitalism", which later became widespread in European business. In con. 1990s Belgium, according to many international experts, gave Europe another extraordinary public figure. Such is the leader of the Flemish liberal democrats G. Verhofstadt, who has been heading the Belgian Council of Ministers for 5 years (since June 1999). He substantiated and put forward as the most important national strategic goal giving the process of European integration a permanent character, because only in these conditions does a small country get its voice in solving global problems.
During the period of state independence of Belgium, its borders did not undergo significant changes. However, its area slightly increased twice. In 1839, more than half of the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and approx. half of the Dutch province of Limburg (the Belgian provinces with similar names were formed on their basis). In 1918, after the defeat of Germany in World War I, Belgium received two small German districts (Eupen and Malmedy), which were included in the Belgian province of Liege.
State structure and political system of Belgium
Belgium is a country of federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution adopted on February 7, 1831 is in force. The last changes were made on July 14, 1993 (the parliament approved a constitutional package of laws on the creation of a federal state).
Administrative division: 3 regions (Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels metropolitan area) and 10 provinces (Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Vlaams-Brabant, Limburg, Brabant-Walloon, Hainaut, Liege, Namur, Luxembourg). Most big cities(2000): Brussels, Antwerp (932 thousand people), Liege (586 thousand people), Charleroi (421 thousand people).
Principles government controlled based on the separation of powers. The supreme legislative body is the bicameral Parliament, which includes the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies (elections to these bodies take place simultaneously every 4 years). The Senate consists of 71 members (40 are elected by direct popular vote, 31 by indirect). The Chamber of Deputies (150 seats) is elected on the basis of proportional representation by direct voting. In the 1999 elections, the Senate included representatives of 10 political parties, chambers of deputies - 11.
The head of state is King Albert II (he ascended the throne on August 9, 1993), his heir is Prince Philip. The head of government (i.e. the executive branch) and members of his cabinet are appointed by the king (usually from representatives of the parties leading in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies). They are then approved by the legislature (i.e. parliament). As a result of constitutional changes (dated July 14, 1993), Belgium has become a federal state, within which there are three levels of government (federal, regional and linguistic-communal) with a clear delineation of powers and responsibilities.
Judicial power is based on case law. Judges are appointed by the king for life, but are selected by the government of the country.
At the head of the current government coalition, which is usually referred to in the Western press as the "rainbow six", is the representative of the Flemish Liberal Democratic Party (VLD) G. Verhofstadt. In the 1999 elections, she received 15.4% of the vote in the Senate and 14.3% in the Chamber of Deputies. This is followed by the Francophone Socialist Party (PS) - 9.7 and 10.2%, the two Green Parties - ECOLO (Wallonia) - 7.4 and 7.4% and AGALEF (Flanders) - 7.1 and 7.0%, etc.
The electoral system and socio-political structure of Belgium are characterized by a number of features. First of all, there is a very characteristic European set of political parties in the country (Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberal Democrats and Greens), but the problem is that a large number of non-traditional parties are active, many of which are not represented in the legislature, because they could not overcome the 5% barrier of the required number of votes received. Moreover, the traditional parties turned out to be too small to provide a solid representation.
This situation has arisen due to the fact that recent decades there was a process of serious federalization of socio-political life, which replaced the former essentially unitary nature of the state structure with the predominance of the Francophone minority. During this period, almost all national Belgian parties in the country were divided along linguistic and communal lines (Flemish and Walloon). This led to the fact that at least a dozen relatively small parties began to enter the legislative bodies of the country. To create a government coalition, they are forced to recruit at least half a dozen partners of various social and public orientations. Reaching agreement in such alliances therefore becomes a very difficult problem.
Another feature of the socio-political structure can be seen quite clearly in the growing gap in the results of popular elections at the federal, regional and local levels. For example, the far-right Flemish party Flaams Block (VB) won only 5.6% of the vote in federal elections (it was not included in the government coalition). But in the elections in large Flemish cities, its figures were several times higher (in Ghent - about 20%, and in Antwerp - 33%). This nationalist party opposes not only the influx of immigrants into the country, but also the financial subsidization of Wallonia at the expense of the growing economy of Flanders. It is clear that under such conditions the federal vertical of power cannot always function effectively enough.
A lot others public organizations and elements of civil society are also quite clearly divided on a regional basis. But a very definite exception is seen in the business sphere. The country's trade unions are not united, but they are divided along religious lines. There are Christian and socialist trade union associations. There is a single influential Federation of Belgian Industrialists, as well as numerous industry associations (banking, insurance, etc.).
Internal policy of the incumbent coalition government focused primarily on large-scale reforms public life in the country. The need for them was identified quite clearly, since Belgium has been entrenched in the EU for more than a decade as a country with a “sluggish social structure". Quite a definite responsibility for the current situation lies with the Flemish and Walloon Christian Democrats, who for the first time in 40 years were forced into opposition.
The main thesis in domestic policy is that the state federal structure of a country can be effective only when it is based on the principle of finding the necessary balance between the solidarity and financial autonomy of its three main regions. Permanent financial transfers from Flanders to Wallonia have always been considered controversial for wealthier Flemings (their per capita GDP is 10% higher). The main regions of the country should receive greater fiscal independence, with the right to moderate taxation rate maneuvering.
The coalition government as a whole managed to significantly improve relations between the main regions. This was achieved on the basis of regular meetings of representatives of the federal, regional and linguistic community governments. It was at this level that the problems of introducing greater autonomy of the regions in the conduct of tax policy, securing the right to independent decision many local economic issues, educational problems and community culture. For the first time, political rather than linguistic-communal differences began to prevail within the coalition government.
As a result of such a large-scale administrative reform, which was aimed at eliminating tensions between the two main regions, the country entered a new stage in the formation of an effective federal structure. However, this problem is still one of the most difficult. According to polls, approx. 27% of Belgians believe that the presence of foreigners is always a concern. This is the highest rate in the EU. True, there is an opinion in the country that the current coalition government, which consists mainly of professional experts (the so-called forty-year-olds), is capable of solving these problems as well.
The foreign policy of Belgium is largely determined by its special position in the system of European integration. It is no coincidence that the main Belgian city is considered the “European capital”, and not only because many of the executive bodies of the EU are located in it. The term "Brussels officials" has long been synonymous with the EU's ruling elite, which is not unfounded. This small European country has become a kind of experimental laboratory for the EU, as the ways of solving many of its problems become a benchmark for developing a common European strategy.
It is no coincidence that, according to the foreign policy concept of the current coalition government, Belgium seeks to come up with large-scale plans for the permanent expansion of the EU with its simultaneous transformation into a more centralized organization. It is primarily about creating a new state structure, especially in the sphere of the formation of a common foreign policy of Europe and combat-ready armed forces to take its rightful place in contemporary world politics.
The Belgians believe that the role of small countries, acting together with several leading powers, can be unique in European construction. They are irreplaceable as intermediaries between big countries. It is small states in such alliances that can put forward strategic initiatives regarding development prospects, since it is difficult to suspect them of “imperial ambitions”.
The special role of Belgium in European integration was based on the unique experience of combining in this country two key European cultures - Latin and German (later Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian were added, and Slavic will soon appear). The country gradually turned into a "universal mediator", without the efforts of which the adoption of any decisions is difficult. The Belgians hope to obtain for their country a status corresponding to the current position of Brussels, which has long been living on "world time".
The country seeks to raise its "own voice" in world politics, relying on the principles of "humanity, democracy, protection of the weak, tolerance." As part of European integration, Belgium, together with its partners in the Benelux, has put forward the concept of “enhanced cooperation”, which justifies for small countries the right to form small groups to “promote” certain projects within the framework of EU reform.
The country's armed forces consist of the army, the air force, the navy and the federal police. The territory of Belgium is divided into three military regions (Brussels, Antwerp, Liege). The annual number of conscripts (men) is 63.2 thousand people. The draft age is 19 years. Defense expenditures have reached almost $3 billion (2002), their share in GDP is 1.4%.
Belgium has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1925).
Economy of Belgium
Belgium belongs to a group of small, highly developed European countries that occupy important place in the modern world economy. This category of "small privileged nations" has managed to very effectively use its natural favorable conditions (a convenient geostrategic position, the availability of natural resources, etc.) to accelerate industrial development. Subsequently, on this basis, the dominant sectors of the national economy began to form, focused on the production of high-quality and technically advanced products for their own "marketing niches" of the world market.
Belgium is often called one of the first industrialized countries in the world. In the 19th century it was even called "the little workshop of the world." In the first years after the 2nd World War, the term "wonder country" or "showcase of industrial prosperity" was constantly added to it. But in the last three decades of the 20th century. Belgium was often referred to as a "sick member of the European Union". The economy of this country at the beginning. 21st century is in the phase of the most complex structural restructuring, the process of searching for a new industrial specialization in the world economy. And in this area, certain achievements began to be identified.
Belgian GDP - 297.2 billion dollars (2002), which corresponds to 0.7-0.8% of the world level. GDP per capita - 29 thousand dollars, which is at the level of the leading European countries, but significantly inferior to most small highly developed countries (9th place). The country's economic growth in last years was characterized by moderate rates (GDP growth in 1999 - 2.5%, in 2000 - 4.1%, in 2001 - 2.6%), but in 2002 there was a sharp slowdown (0.6%), which was caused by the deterioration of the world economic conjuncture. There is practically no inflation in the country (1.7% in 2002).
The most difficult problems of the Belgian economy are related to employment ( total number employed - 4.44 million people. in 2001), in terms of unemployment, the country constantly ranks 1-2 in the EU (in 1999 - 11.7%, in 2000 - 10.9%, in 2001 - 10.6%, and only in 2002 some progress was made - 7.2%). The main reason for this phenomenon is related to the structural weakness of the national economy (“old-fashioned specialization”). Belgium turned out to be the most wounded among European countries by competition from the so-called. new industrial states in the world markets. They acted as producers and suppliers of such products, which essentially coincided with the traditional Belgian specialization (steel, metalworking, general engineering, inorganic chemistry, glass, textiles). The phenomenon of high Belgian unemployment is associated with the difficulties of adapting to new needs and competitive conditions in world markets.
Features of the sectoral structure of the Belgian economy are quite clearly reflected in the contribution of industries to GDP (2001): agriculture - 1%, industry - 24%, services - 74%. A similar picture emerges in the analysis of employment - 2, 25, 73%, respectively.
Industry. The predominance of the service sector played a significant role in slowing down the processes of structural restructuring of the national economy. The country's leading financial and industrial groups (Societe General de Belgique, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, etc.) arose during the former economic specialization and controlled up to half of the economic entities. Belgian capitalism, which can be characterized more as banking than industrial-entrepreneurial, showed little inclination to switch from "old-fashioned" but profitable specialization to new, high-risk industries. Therefore, the bet was made on the modernization and even the creation of new modern enterprises in the old industries. For many centuries, the traditional economic specialization of the country was based on ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The first "workshops of ferons" (metallurgists) appeared in these places in the Middle Ages. Later, it was here that the so-called. Walloon process of the second remelting of cast iron, which led to the emergence of steelmaking. Modern Belgium continues to be one of the leading steel producers in the EU (approx. 11.3 million tons in 2001). Its share in world exports of these products is approx. 15-20%. But a special emphasis is now placed on the production of specialized products: stainless steel, car rental, steel wire, etc.
The formation of a new image of this industry took place in close alliance with foreign companies. Leading stainless steel producer Cockerill-Sambre has lost a controlling stake of 53.7% to the French company Usinor. The modern metallurgical plant Sidmar, focused on the production of automotive sheets, became part of the Luxembourg concern ARBED (60%), etc.
The chemical industry also continues to be essential foundation Belgian industry (in terms of production value, it ranks second after mechanical engineering). It originated on the basis of the use of waste from the blast-furnace industry. Developed by a local entrepreneur, Solvay, the method for obtaining soda led to rapid development production of various acids (nitric, sulfuric, etc.), as well as mineral fertilizers. Belgium continues to be the largest European producer and exporter of products inorganic chemistry(approx. 1/3).
At the same time, the traditional leader in this industry, the Solvay concern, has already partially shifted its production to the field of organic chemistry. Together with another leading national concern, USB, it is gradually turning into the largest producer of modern pharmaceutical products. At the same time, the vast majority of new organic chemistry production facilities were formed in partnership with foreign concerns (BP, Dow Chemicals, Union Carbide, BASF, etc.), which settled in the Antwerp port area. Of the 20 leading chemical corporations in the world, 10 are represented by their divisions in this area (it is considered the largest European center of chemical production).
Structural shifts are also taking place in Belgian engineering. It traditionally focused on the production of equipment for metallurgy and chemistry, vehicles, and electrical products. Belgian firms are still leading in the production and export of forging and pressing equipment (LFT). But the first place was taken by transport engineering, in which, instead of railway and ship production, a large-scale production of passenger cars was launched (annually about 1 million units).
This sector of Belgian engineering was also created in close cooperation with foreign capital. The beginning was laid by the American General Motors, which built a large car assembly plant in the Antwerp port area (about 420 thousand units annually). Then the production buildings of another American auto giant Ford appeared (on the outskirts of Ghent). If the first company focused mainly on the “screwdriver model” of production (i.e. assembly from imported components), then the second began to use local components associated with traditional Belgian specialization (wings made of rolled steel, bodies, auto glass, etc.). Later, this model began to be used in B. and European auto concerns (Renault, Volkswagen, Volvo).
This way of international specialization of the Belgian industry caused some concern in the country, as the dependence of the national economy on the strategic plans of foreign partners increased. But a pragmatic approach to solving this problem prevailed. There was an opportunity to create a new powerful production, provide the country with average European economic growth rates, and prevent the catastrophic development of "high unemployment".
The elite dozen of Belgian corporations included so far a few high-tech companies (Agfa-Gevaert, Barco), as well as two chemical-pharmaceutical firms. However, on the approaches to the leaders is a fairly large group of successfully operating companies: Real Software ( software), Innogenetics (biotechnology), etc.
At the same time, the overwhelming predominance of bank capital (about $70 billion, ie 61.4% of all assets of the leading group) continues to be the most important feature of the Belgian economic structure. Such an industrial structure is not found in small industrial European countries. The former dominance of banking capital in the Belgian economy still remains.
True, structural shifts are clearly visible in the very environment of commercial banks. Of the banks of the old “old-fashioned specialization”, only Groupe Bruxelles Lambert managed to maintain its positions, while the rest were forced to merge with others, acquiring new brands (Fortis, Dexia, etc.), or even leave the national stock exchange. But no less important should be considered the emergence of the first Flemish bank Almanij, which is associated with corporations of a new industrial orientation.
Agriculture does not play a significant role in the country's economy. Dairy farming (stall farming) predominates, accounting for approx. 75% of the value of agricultural products. Under fodder crops and meadows, approx. 65% of agricultural area, under cereals - approx. 15% (more than half of the demand for grain is met by imports). Farms predominate, but more than half of the entire agricultural area is cultivated on the basis of rent (small-peasant farming has survived mainly in the Ardennes).
Transport and communication. Modern Belgium is usually called the "European crossroads" because it is located at the intersection of major transport and trade routes. Belgium ranks 1st in the world in terms of the density of the railway network. Its length is 3422 km (including 2517 km - electrified). High-speed trains (HST/TGV) connect the country with the capitals of many European countries.
Roads include autobahns (1674 km), which are considered the most modern in Europe (they are free of tolls and illuminated all night). 7 trans-European highways pass through the country. The system of local highways (14.4 thousand km) provides access to all settlements. The pipeline system operates effectively: for the transportation of crude oil (161 km), oil products (1167 km) and natural gas (3.3 thousand km).
Several sea and river ports function effectively in the country: the largest Antwerp, which ranks second in Europe (annual cargo turnover - 120 million tons, 20 thousand ships), Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Namur, Ostend. The marine merchant fleet consists of 20 vessels (54.1 thousand barrels per ton), incl. 9 petrochemical and 5 oil tankers, 5 dry cargo ships (Cargo). The total length of river navigation is 1586 km. Shipping channels are of great transport importance (the most important is the Albert Canal between Antwerp and Liege).
The country's largest international airport is Brussels (Zaventem), which provides annual transportation of 0.5 million tons of cargo. In addition, there are airports in Antwerp, Ostend, Charleroi, Beerset. The telephone and telegraph communication system in the country is considered to be highly developed, technologically advanced and fully automated. International communications are provided by five submarine cable systems and two above-ground satellite stations (Intelsat and Eutelsat).
Trade (wholesale and retail) has reached a large scale. In essence, the entire country has been divided into segments, which are served by several dozen large wholesale and retail companies (including foreign firms). They created a special system of commodity flows from direct producers of products to supermarket counters (agricultural products arrive within one day). It is no coincidence that wholesale and retail giant Delgaize entered the top ten of the largest national corporations, which rarely happens in other small European countries.
Tourism and services. The entire system of the tourism business is quite clearly divided in accordance with the characteristics of the two main linguistic-communal regions (although the inhabitants of the southern provinces prefer to call their region Wallonia-Brussels). In each regional structure, there are two main directions for attracting tourists. The first is focused on demonstrating ancient historical cities (in Flanders - Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Louvain; in Wallonia - Namur, Liege, Mons and Brussels). The second is aimed at getting acquainted with natural resources (in the north - the sea coast, along which a single international tram line runs from the French to the Dutch border; in the south - the Ardennes mountain range).
The modern economic and social policy of the country is aimed at finding ways to more effective solution a number of major issues. In the economic sphere, the main efforts are concentrated on the development and implementation of a new concept of the country's participation in the system of the international division of labor. This is primarily about supporting the sectors of the "new economy" (telecommunications, microelectronics, biotechnology, etc.), but in order to raise the national economy to the level of world standards, it is necessary to facilitate the inflow of foreign entrepreneurial capital. It is believed that Belgium, with a largely multilingual population, can create an efficient and friendly environment for the international society to communicate and do business. At the first stage of such a program of structural transformation of the economy, the state intends to make the main bet on the modernization of infrastructure facilities (ports, airfields, main roads). At the same time, the emphasis is on the full support of the country's functions as the "Golden Gate of Europe", which the Belgians have performed with varying success over the past 500 years. At the same time, the state is gradually withdrawing from the production and entrepreneurial sphere (the privatization of 150 large companies has begun) in order to create more favorable conditions for private entrepreneurial initiative (the efficiency of the public sector turned out to be rather low).
On this basis, it is proposed to solve the main social problems. According to the current prime minister, "the best social protection is a good job." Special meaning is given to the creation of a "Silver Fund" to provide funding for the permit demographic problem, which is associated with the aging of the population (its peak will be reached in 2012).
The gradual formation of the second "capitalized basis" for the current pension system is expected. To this end, a large-scale privatization of state property is being carried out.
Monetary policy is oriented towards solution of three main problems: reduction of public debt, elimination of the budget deficit, tax reform. The policy of the European format involves the reduction of public domestic debt to 60% of GDP. In 1993, this figure for Belgium was the highest in the EU - 135%. In 2002, the level of public domestic debt was reduced to 100%.
Great efforts were made by the government to achieve a balanced budget. For the past 50 years, it has always been in short supply. For the first time in 2000, it was practically balanced (minus 0.1%), and in 2001 a small surplus was obtained (plus 0.3%).
The tax burden in Belgium is considered the highest in the EU - 46.3% of GDP (2001) compared to 41.6% in the EU. At the same time, the share of income taxes reached 14.3% (in the EU - 10.9%). The new fiscal reform program (2001-02) provides for a 15% reduction in the tax burden over a five-year period. This will happen as a result of lowering the maximum tax rate to 50% (in 2002 it ranged from 52.5-55%).
The standard of living of the population is high, since wages in the country are $25.58 per hour (June 2000). According to this indicator, Belgium is in the top three European countries (after Germany and Switzerland). However, the tax burden is also high. It should decrease as part of the ongoing reform. A particularly noticeable improvement is associated with the abolition of discrimination against non-family individuals. Additional tax incentives are provided for the low-income in order to overcome the so-called. the trap of unemployment, in which it becomes more profitable not to work, but to receive a tax-free benefit. Only 4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
The foreign economic sphere plays essential role for the development of the country, which is explained by the international specialization of its economy and an important geostrategic position in Europe. This small country has been among the top dozen world exporters of goods and capital for more than a century. The volume of export of Belgian products in 2002 amounted to 162 billion dollars, and import - 152 billion dollars. Main export partners: EU - 75.3%, USA - 5.6%, import: EU - 68.7%, USA - 7.2%. The positions of Belgium in the international movement of capital are equally significant. The volume of accumulated foreign direct investment in 2000 was $139.7 billion (9th place in the world), and the total value of foreign direct investment in the country was $185.6 billion (7th place).
Science and culture of Belgium
The system of organization of science and education is focused on promoting effective interaction between university centers (there are 22 of them in the country), government departments and production and financial companies. Specialized societies have been created (for example, the Institute for the Support scientific research in industry and agriculture), whose activities are financed by the Ministry of Economy. The vast majority of financial support is provided to the chemical-pharmaceutical industry, electronics, and metallurgy. Of decisive importance is concessional lending (about 80-90% of all funds) at the stage of development work. In the future, the provision of tax incentives is widely used.
Created to support university research national fund"NFVS-FNRS". The Center for Development Studies at the University of Antwerp is especially active (it prepared a model for a new specialization of the national economy). special success achieved a group of university centers in the development of a new energy program (reorientation from coal to other sources), as well as a program for the efficient use of the Belgian sea coast (creation of a single port complex Antwerp-Ghent-Zeebrugge). The role of three internationally renowned universities is also noticeable: in Louvain (the oldest in the country, founded in 1426), Liege and Brussels.
Culture, literature and art developed before the formation of Belgium as an independent state on the basis of the Walloon dialect of French and the Flemish (or Brabant) dialect of the South Dutch dialect. During the struggle for national sovereignty (1830s) with the Netherlands literary language becomes French, which supplanted Walloon. In 1946, the spelling of the Flemish language was unified with the Dutch (Dutch).
In the Walloon literature of the Middle Ages, the work of the Renaissance poet Jean Lemaire de Belge (1473-1516) stood out. Charles de Coster (1827-79) wrote The Legend of Ulenspiegel and Lama Gudzak (1867) and was the first to gain worldwide recognition. the greatest poet symbolism is considered Em. Verhaarn (1855-1916).
Flemish literature after the formation of the Belgian independent state was dominated by decadent schools. The idol was the Symbolist poet Carl Van de Wustein (1875-1929). Flemish school of fine arts, which took shape in the 17th century. as a result of the separation of Flanders from the Netherlands (the natives of this part of the country were P. Brueghel and P. Rubens), had a huge impact on the entire Belgian culture. Many well-known Belgian masters of painting, sculpture, graphics (G. Vapers, L. Galle, C. Meunier, and others) can be considered her followers. The process of forming a single culture in a country that does not have own language continues with great difficulty.
Brussels 10:52 7°C
fog
The population of the country is 10,403,000 people The territory is 30,510 sq. km Part of the world Europe Capital of Belgium Brussels Money Euro (EUR) Domain zone.be Telephone code of the country +32
Hotels
Belgium has the world's largest five-star hotel chains and small private establishments that allow you to fully feel the local flavor. A wide range of rooms and services provided allows you to choose the right option for any budget. Luxurious, fashionable hotels such as Metropole, Hilton, Royal Windso and Marriott coexist with modest 3-star establishments such as Queen Anne, Brugotel, Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen and many others. Belgian chateaus deserve special attention - old country houses of aristocrats, turned into hotels and restaurants.
Climate: Temperate, mild winters, cool summers, rainy, humid, overcast
Attractions
Literally every city in Belgium is rich in attractions, mainly architectural masterpieces, museums, fortresses and cathedrals. The symbol of Brussels is the Atonium - a greatly enlarged iron crystal, as well as the mini-Europa miniature park located nearby. Brussels is also home to the famous Manneken Pis statue.
In Antwerp, the Flemish Opera, the zoo, the Sten Castle and the Rubens House deserve attention. Ghent attracts tourists with its castles of Gerard the Devil and the counts of Flanders, the cathedrals of St. Bavo and St. Nicholas. In Bruges, there is one of the few works by Michelangelo that was taken out of Italy - the statue of the Virgin and Child.
Clothing is treated with disdain. They can easily throw a jacket on the ground or walk around in a torn and dirty one.
Terrain: Flat coastal plains in the northwest, hills in the center, rocky mountains and the forest of the Ardennes in the south.
Leisure
As entertainment, Belgium offers not only visits to local attractions, but also various entertainment events: incendiary parties in clubs and performances of show stars, visits to the Royal Theater and art exhibitions. The country hosts many holidays and festivals: Jazz Middelheim, festivals of fireworks, cartoons and photography, a competition of sand castles and run of old cars, an Art Fair and a Bell Concert, religious processions of the Feast of the Sacred Blood and Hanswijk. Beer lovers will find many colorful bars where you can taste more than 500 types of beer.
Resources:: Construction Materials, quartz sand, carbonates.
Museums
Fans of unusual museums of the World should definitely visit the cities of Brussels and Bruges, which, in addition to many historical and art museums, have unique objects: the Museum of Comics and the Museum of Beer. In Belgium, one of the most frequently visited museums is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Diamond Museum in Antwerp. In addition, the Maritime Museum is located in Antwerp. It exhibits many exhibits of sunken ships. Museums of the history of medicine are located in Ghent, contemporary art, decorative arts, folklore and archaeological museum.
At home, no one takes off their shoes, not even boots. They will sit, sweat, but they won't take it off.
Money:: Along with francs, for some time, belg was in circulation, which could be exchanged for gold bars until 1935. Until the last global change in Belgian currency, in use were from 100 to 10,000 francs, on the obverses of which there were portraits of artists, inventors and politicians. Already since 2002, the national currency of Belgium has become the universally recognized currency of the euro.
Resorts
The most famous summer resort in Belgium is the seaside Ostend, with golden beaches, yacht clubs and an open city aquarium with rich underwater world. A little further west, among the dunes, is Middelkerk, where you can play golf or sand surf.
For families with children, Brussels and Cookside are the most suitable, with a variety of attractions and amusement parks. The historic resort of Spa is famous for its hot springs. Ski resorts in Belgium are also very popular. One of them is the Barrack de Frature, which attracts with its wide, gentle slopes. The largest diving centers are located in Bruges and Mechelen.
Transport
The main urban transport in Belgium are buses and trams. In addition, Brussels has three metro lines. The entire territory of the country is densely covered with a network railways, the main transportation for which is carried out fast trains. The main railway junction is Brussels, which has three main stations. More than 2,000 km of waterways are used primarily for commercial purposes. The largest trading ports are Antwerp and Bruges. International passenger transportation is carried out by bus and by plane. Major international airports are located in Brussels and Antwerp, while tourist charters serve Liège and Ostend-Bruges.
Belgians are very scary. And those who, like, are not very scary, try to appear scary and dress even worse. If you met on the street beautiful girl, then she is either Turkish or ours.
Standard of living
The basic indicators of the well-being of the Belgians are quite high, which puts Belgium in eighth place in the world among the countries with the most favorable standard of living. Despite the high taxes in the country, the average Belgian allows himself to have his own house, car, as well as travel regularly and get a decent education. The salary of a resident of Belgium is more than 26 thousand US dollars per year. Life expectancy in the country is 81 years. According to surveys, 83% of the country's residents most often experience positive emotions and satisfaction with their lives.
Cities
The capital of Belgium is Brussels. The city is best known in the world for the location of the headquarters of the European Union and the main office of NATO.
The second largest city of Antwerp, which is largest port Europe and the fashion and trade capital of Belgium.
Ghent is rightfully considered a major educational center in Belgium, and Liege is the main cargo center for air and sea transportation.
Belgium is essentially not a tourist country, but many come here to admire the architectural monuments of the Middle Ages. The most attractive city for tourists, Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Population
Coordinates
Brussels metropolitan region 50.85045 x 4.34878 Antwerp Flanders 51.21989 x 4.40346 Flanders Charleroi wallonia 50.41136 x 4.44448 wallonia 50.63373 x 5.56749 Flanders 51.20892 x 3.22424 wallonia 50.4669 x 4.86746 Flanders 50.87959 x 4.70093 wallonia 50.45413 x 3.95229 Flanders The report about Belgium for grade 3 will tell you about a small country located in the extreme part of the north-west of Europe, near the coast of the North Sea. The territory of Belgium is only 30.5 thousand square kilometers. It is very small compared to the Netherlands or Switzerland. Its size exceeds perhaps Luxembourg. Belgium gained its independence only in 1830. The country is home to two nations: the Flemings and the Walloons. And two official languages - French and Flemish. Belgium population— 11 337 654 people Belgium form of government- a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, a form of administrative-territorial structure - a federation. Capital of Belgium— Brussels. Big cities Belgium- Antwerp, Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent, Bruges, Liege. Today Belgium is a highly developed capitalist country, with large ports and cities. It is engaged in the production of iron, steel, copper, electrical equipment, automobiles, glass, color televisions, fabrics and carpets. In Belgium, they cut diamonds, turning them into beautiful diamonds. Since ancient times, the country has developed the production of sports and hunting weapons. These items are for sale. It is worth noting that Belgium is poor in minerals. So she has to buy a large number of raw material, which is so necessary for most industries. The only raw material that the country has enough of is coal. The Belgians invest a lot of effort into development Agriculture. Belgium is famous for its rich crops of vegetables and grains. Also, new breeds of cows were bred here, which give a lot of milk. As we mentioned above, Belgium is located near the North Sea. And this is due to its climate. Summer heat and winter cold are softened by moist winds from the sea. Winter here is almost always cloudy and foggy, but summer in Belgium is cool, besides, it rains a lot and there are often thunderstorms. The sea coast is changing flat plain, which is crossed by canals and rivers with poplars planted along them. Gradually the plain rises and turns into a hilly area. On the southern border of the country are the Ardennes - wooded mountains. Belgium has long been famous for its skilled lacemakers, flower growers and jewelers. There are a lot of ancient monuments in the country, and the Belgian cities are real museum cities, in which the buildings of the 13th - 14th centuries, built in the Gothic style, have been preserved. One of the popular museum cities is Bruges. It practically did not change its medieval appearance. Gives him zest old houses on the embankments, as well as humpbacked bridges connecting the canals. The state is a system of organization of all structures and types of power in the territory of a particular country. The main function of the state is to ensure the safety of citizens within its jurisdiction. To perform this function, there is a hierarchy of power at the state level, as well as the division of the territory into administrative units, each of which has its own structure of power institutions. Thus, the state structure of the country reflects the relationship of national authorities with regional units of power structures. It is currently accepted to share three main forms of government: federal, unitary and confederal. Belgium is a country young and old at the same time. Its name comes from the name of a people that no longer exists. At the dawn of our era, there was a Celtic tribe called the Belgi. On its territory, of course, the troops of Julius Caesar marched, after which those Belgae who were not killed in battle became slaves. So the tribe disappeared, but after a few centuries a country called Belgium appeared. However, these centuries were filled with turbulent events. throughout them was a part of: At the beginning of the 18th century, the Belgian Revolution took place, as a result of which the country separated from the Netherlands. Since 1831, the state gains independence, and it is headed by the first king of Belgium - Leopold. Such a stormy and complex formation of the country and the state left its mark on the formation of the structure and principles of the state system. The subsequent history of the country was filled with no less drama. Belgium was particularly hard hit during the First World War. No wonder the Belgians call it the Great War. It was on the territory of this country that fierce battles were fought between the Anglo-Belgian and German troops, and the name of the Belgian city of Ypres formed the basis for the name of a chemical warfare agent, which was first used against the defenders of this city. Ypres was almost completely destroyed, and the gas created on the basis of chlorine became mustard gas. Belgium is located in the north of Western Europe, has access to the North Sea. The territory of the country is 30.5 thousand square meters. km. The capital of Belgium is the city of Brussels. is about 10 million people. Half of the population is represented by the Flemings, about 40% of the inhabitants are Walloons. are: French, Dutch (aka Flemish) and German. This country is one of the few constitutional monarchies in Europe with a federal structure of the state. Formally, the king is the head of Belgium.. The prime minister leads the government. He is chosen from among the representatives of the party that won the largest number of votes in parliamentary elections. The composition of this governing body is determined by the king, and approved by parliament. There is a fundamental rule in this country, defined by the constitution. This is the language parity that affects the composition of the government. According to it, one half of the ministers represent the Dutch-speaking community, while the other half is made up of French-speaking ministers. This rule is rooted in the not so distant history of the formation of the country. Once upon a time, Belgium experienced a conflict that arose between the Flemings and the French-speaking Walloons. I had to observe parity between nationalities everywhere, dividing the country and power between them. Executive power is divided into three levels: federal, regional and linguistic communities. The following functions are delegated to the federal level: The authorities of the lower hierarchical levels are engaged in: Communities organized along linguistic and national lines are mainly engaged in culture, education, science, sports, etc. Flags of NATO member states The country is a member of 70 international organizations. It is a member of the European Economic Community (EEC) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Belgium is organized on the principle of a double federation. Its entire territory is divided into regional and national units. Thus, as a result of the division according to the territorial principle, regions are formed, and according to the linguistic and national principles - communities. Each territorial unit is governed by governors who are appointed by the king. The governors share their functions of managing the territory with two authorities: provincial councils and permanent deputations. All territorial units have a parliament and a government. Since such a division creates too small entities in a small country, the authorities of the Flemish region were once combined with similar authorities of the community formed on the basis of the Dutch language. In this area power in Belgium is divided into two types: territorial and vertical. The whole country is divided into such judicial units as cantons and districts. The districts have courts of first instance, which are represented by two chambers: civil and criminal. At the heart of the civil court is the magistrate's court. The basic structure of the criminal courts is the police judiciary. Both structures are compulsorily represented in all cantons. At the top of the hierarchy is the Court of Cassation. In addition, there are 5 judicial bodies in the country where you can appeal in cases: In all territorial divisions, as well as in the cities of Brussels, Liege, Mons, Ghent and Antwerp, jury trials are widespread. Since 1983, the Constitutional Court has been operating in the country, the purpose of which is, as in other European countries, to resolve disputes and conflicts between various authorities. It consists of 12 judges. Half of them represent Flemish-speaking communities, the other half are represented by French-speaking judges. The development of the Belgian legal system was greatly influenced by Napoleonic France. The basis of the legislation of the new country was formed by such French codes as: In 1831, the main law of the country, the Constitution, was adopted. Taking the French legal system as a basis, the Belgians significantly revised the code of laws. The laws governing gender relations have undergone especially radical changes. With continued gender inequality, Belgian women received many new freedoms, including property rights. Labor relations in the country are regulated by the Social Solidarity Pact, which was concluded back in 1944, when the country was occupied by Germany. This was done by representatives of trade unions and entrepreneurs who were in an illegal position. In accordance with these Pact, labor relations are built according to the following rules: Laws protect the interests of workers: As a result of all these laws and agreements concluded between the leaders of the country, workers have reliable legal protection, and employers have long been unaware of what strikes are. In Belgium, in accordance with the Law on Collective Agreements and Parity Commissions, problems arising in the field of labor relations are regulated by collective agreements. At their conclusion, workers often undertake not to strike, if the employer does not violate the terms of the contract. Collective agreements may determine: The country has a fairly developed system of environmental law. At various times, laws were passed: Belgian criminal law is based on the French model of 1810. However, the country is developing, developing its own norms for regulating social relations. The death penalty has not been used since the execution of death sentences for Nazi criminals. In 1996, this form of punishment was abolished at the legislative level. In every way. The Belgians successfully combine a democratic system with a monarchy. In this they are helped by a constitution drawn up taking into account all the principles of the existence of a democratic society.
A short message about Belgium
Belgian industry
Climate and relief of Belgium
Landmarks of Belgium
The Belgian government is a typical European organization of territorial administration and state power. In this country, historical roots dating back to the distant Middle Ages and all the signs of a modern European-style democracy are united.
The history of the formation of the Belgian state
Features of power structures
Administrative structure of the country
Thus, this country has 6 governments and the same number of parliaments. One government and one parliament have federal status. All other structures are regional or represent linguistic communities.Organization of the judiciary in the country
Organization and structure of the legal system
Two heads and six legs; four walk, and two lie still
Self-esteem - what is it: concept, structure, types and levels
Cassandra's Path, or Pasta Adventures War on Earth and Underground