BelgiumBelgium is a unique country with a varied and interesting past. While it did not become a country until 1830 and suffered during World Wars I and II, it has persevered in hard times and has become a popular, respected country. Today Belgium is a fascinating place to visit and study, with its diverse population, detailed architecture, and many customs. This book details Belgium's history, explores its people, languages, and culture, and examines what makes Belgium the country it is today. All books of the critically-acclaimed Cultures of the World(R) series ensure an immersive experience by offering vibrant photographs with descriptive nonfiction narratives, and interactive activities such as creating an authentic traditional dish from an easy-to-follow recipe. Copious maps and detailed timelines present the past and present of the country, while exploration of the art and architecture help your readers to understand why diversity is the spice of Life. |
Contents
INTRODUCTION | 5 |
Fertile plains and undulating plateaus Climate Flora | 12 |
Roman rule From turmoil to trade The Burgundian period | 19 |
fishing The workforce | 41 |
Two different peoples The GermansBelgiums third group | 53 |
LIFESTYLE | 59 |
LANGUAGE | 81 |
ARTS | 89 |
LEISURE | 103 |
Getting outdoors Hobbies Vacations Television | 109 |
Christmas New Year National and community holidays | 115 |
FOOD | 121 |
Markets versus supermarkets Meat Seafood Special | 129 |
Virgin one of Peter Paul | 135 |
FURTHER INFORMATION | 141 |
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Common terms and phrases
20th century Antwerp Ardennes artists battle became beer Belgian children Belgium Belgium's national Binche Brabant Bruges BRUGGE Brussels Brussels's cafés Canal carnival Cathedral Catholic celebration César Franck chocolate Christian church communities costumes cultural decorated developed dialect Dutch eco taxes economic Eupen Euro Europe European famous festival fish Flanders Flemings Flemish Flemish Brabant France Francophone French French-speaking German Ghent groups Hendrik Conscience holidays immigrants important independence industry King lace language Liège linguistic live major Manneken Manneken Pis Mechelen medieval Meuse Meuse River miles monasteries Namur Netherlands North Sea nuclear power official painted parade Parliament party percent pigeons plateau popular population port potatoes production recycling religious rich Roman Saint Schelde River social Spanish Spanish Netherlands started sugar Today Tongeren town traditionally typically usually vegetables village Vlaams Belang Wallonia Walloon Waterloo waterzooi women