Exploring the Rich Culture and Independent Identity of Belgium
Beyond its strategic location in Western Europe, Belgium is a fascinating and complex nation with a wealth of cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage. Recognized for its rich history and diverse culture, Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, comprising three autonomous regions, each with its own unique identity. This article delves into the nuances of the Belgian identity, from its political structure to the idiosyncrasies of daily life.
Belgium: An Independent Kingdom
Belgium is an independent nation and a constitutional monarchy. The country is divided into three main regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region. Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, reflecting its linguistic diversity. The official language of the Belgian royal family is French, though the king, King Philippe, is fluent in both French and Flemish. During his son's birth, King Philippe addressed the gathering in French, saying, "Il est une petite fille..." meaning "It is a little girl."
Belgium is bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with a small coastline along the North Sea. This coastal region, despite its limited length, offers a picturesque landscape, with sandy beaches popular among locals for swimming and sunbathing from May to September. Weather in Belgium is famously unpredictable, with temperatures swinging from too warm to too wet or too cold, often leading to discussions and complaints about the climate.
Unique Culture and Daily Life in Belgium
Belgians take great pride in their food and dining culture. Belgium is home to a diverse range of eateries, many of which are always bustling with customers. The love for good food extends to their fondness for delicious pastries and gourmet dishes, with a significant number of restaurants frequently overbooked.
Musically, Belgium stands out with major events like Tomorrowland, a world-renowned electronic music festival in Boom, and Stromae, a Belgian musician known for his unique style. Belgium is also proud of its successful DJs and disco scenes. Despite the stereotypical image of solitude, Belgians are known for their libertine nature, especially when it comes to mocking and appreciating the Dutch, as well as their own tendencies to be underdogs in various contests, including football and Eurosong.
Housing and Success
Belgians have a deep appreciation for housing with many preferring to build or purchase a house with a garden. It's a point of embarrassment to still be renting a house once one is past the age of 35. The phrase “Belgians are born with a brick in their stomach” captures the determination and resilience of the Belgian people, while the ultimate symbol of success is often the ownership of a new BMW in the garage. This highlights the expectation and social recognition of success in Belgian society.
Tax Preferences and Political Intrigue
Belgians generally prefer to pay in cash and be paid in cash as well, due to their dislike of paying too many taxes. The country has a complex political landscape, with recent examples of political intrigue, such as openly gay Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and the current inclusion of a trans minister. The country's political structure often mirrors its daily life, filled with unique and sometimes humorous incidents, such as a former prime minister who sang the 'Marseillaise' instead of the Belgian national anthem and a king who had to submit to DNA testing to prove paternity of a child conceived with his 'mistress'.
The Kingdom of Belgium
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with a real king and a queen. King Philippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde, are beloved figures in the country. Belgium is a kingdom where diversity is celebrated, and the citizens cherish their freedom and unique cultural identity.
Conclusion
Beyond its geographical and economic importance, Belgium is a fascinating country with a rich blend of cultures, languages, and a unique character. Despite the complexities and occasional controversies, Belgium remains a vibrant, diverse, and independent nation, brimming with charm and distinction.