subject: Unity Makes Strength Belgium [print this page] Unity makes strength is a motto of Belgium which is a small but vigorous country located in the northwest of Europe.
It was occupied by Germany during the two world wars, but its economy has boomed in the last five decades. Today, Belgium hosts the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) as well. Therefore, it become the polyglot home of an army of international diplomats and civil servants.
This is the only country which has two official languages, namely Dutch and French. Gradually, the majority of its inhabitants have become native French speakers. These two language regions have formed two big communities separately: Flanders in the north where the official language is Dutch; Wallonia in the south where French is the official tongue. Besides, there are also some Germany speaking minority. However, the language difference has developed into culture conflicts. The tension between the two big languages communities has caused issues which are able to break down several governments. According to the latest news, the talks between Belgium's leading political parties on forming a coalition government have again ended in failure. There is even speculating that the country could break up someday in the future. Fortunately, most Belgians want to maintain the federation, only with some people in Flanders support the separatist parties.
Todays instability in politics in Belgium apparently violates their ancient motto Unity Makes Strength. The difference among different communities could be a good thing as it increases the cultural diversity and tolerance of the nation.
In terms of culture, we can never its comic culture. The capital of Belgium, Brussels is even self-claimed as the capital of comics. As we all know, Belgium is the hometown of smurfs which are part of several generations priceless memory. The comic culture stemmed from the World War II when people who were suffering the war turned to escapism for help and thus the magic comic strip became their ideal choice. Even after the war, the early readers started to create their own characters and when it came to 1960s, there was a big demand for comics.
The unique comic strip route established at first by the Belgian Comic Strip Centre is made up of thirty murals located on buildings and walls scattered across the city. Each mural is depicting a Belgian comic character within a unique Brussels' scene.
Apart from the comic culture, the Belgian culinary traditions have attracted many tourists each year.
Belgian chocolate
For people who are crazy about chocolate, Belgium is just like a paradise. You cant believe that Callebaut, Cte d'Or, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Guylian, Galler and Godiva are all from Belgium.
Belgian waffles
Belgian waffles were popularized in the United States during New York World's Fair of 1964.
Belgium beer
There are more than 500 kinds of beer in Belgium. If you are lucky enough, experiencing the Beer Festival will be unforgettable.
Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers: Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.
