List of countries in the world. Facts and information

Beer is a national religion in the country. People don't drink beer only for breakfast; they drink it constantly from 10 a.m. If it's alcohol, then it's only beer. The worst beer is Heineken, but the most respected is Duvel.

When it comes to beer, Belgians have a preference for two bottle sizes: a small 0.25 and a large 0.33. You'll rarely find a half-liter bottle, let alone our national flasks, which are a unique part of our beer culture.

The leading national dish is French fries. Here, they are called either Belgian fries or simply fryers. They eat them with mayonnaise and everywhere, in bags similar to a newspaper roll, from which we used to eat sunflower seeds.

Bicycles are the main means of transportation here. Everyone rides them, from grandfathers over 80 to children under 2 years old. All large centers and train stations have bicycle parking; there are thousands of them.

The Belgians are a very athletic nation. Running and cycling are popular. When you say hockey, everyone thinks specifically about the summer sport on grass.

Belgians have a unique approach to marriage, often tying the knot in their early 30s. Before that, they relish their youth and lead relatively carefree lives, a testament to their laid-back and easygoing nature.

They love to travel. They especially respect Asia.

The state has two main regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia, with Flemings often viewing Walloons as inferior.

Most Flemings speak English, Dutch, and French. The Walloons only speak French and, according to the Flemings, poorly.

All Belgians will tell you that they speak Flemish, not Dutch. It is the same language.

The Belgians always have a plan. Everyone has a diary, and all meetings are arranged about two weeks in advance.

The state has strong trade unions, so strikes are widespread. The reasons for the strikes can be simply ridiculous.

Brussels cabbage has thrived in the capital's suburbs for over 400 years, making it a unique part of the city's landscape.

Belgium's passion for chocolate is remarkable, with over 220,000 tons produced annually—about 22 kg per person—highlighting the nation's love for this treat!

Zaventem, Belgium's national airport, is the world's largest chocolate store!

Despite the strong positions of the Catholic Church in the state, euthanasia was legalized in 2002, and same-sex marriages were legalized in 2003.

In the state, compulsory secondary education is compulsory until the age of 18.

Belgians pay one of the highest taxes in the world, about 40% of their average salary. Taxes make up about 45.6 percent of the country's GDP.

The state is historically significant as the site of Napoleon's final battle in Waterloo, reflecting its rich past and influence on the world.

The saxophone was invented by Adolf Sax (1814-1894) in Belgium in 1840.

The Belgian Adolphe Coulet invented the ideal ratio of a person's height and weight, which is still used today.

Belgium is often called the world capital of comics. Famous comic characters such as Tintin, Smurfs, and Lucky Luke appeared here. Brussels, the capital, celebrates this legacy with numerous comic murals throughout the city, and the Belgian Comic Strip Museum is dedicated to the art of comics.

Antwerp, a city in Belgium, is known as the world's diamond capital. Approximately 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the city's diamond district for cutting, trading, and polishing.

In Belgium, there are three official languages: Dutch, which is spoken by the majority of the Flemish region's population; French, which is spoken in the Walloon region; and German, which is spoken by a small community in the east.

Belgium has one of the highest indicators of castles per square kilometer globally. With over 3,000 castles, it offers a picturesque view of Europe's medieval past.

Belgium's Henri Lafontaine was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1913, making him one of the first Belgians to receive this award. He was recognized for his work as the head of the International Peace Bureau.

The concept of a zebra crossing was first presented in Belgium. It was developed to improve road traffic safety by providing pedestrians with certain crossing zones.

The Belgian city of Antwerp is the diamond heart of the earth. About 80% of the diamond world passes through it! A huge part of the city's population is Jewish, and there are whole Jewish districts and quarters.

Belgium is a beer belly in the world's organism. The country produces more than 1000 different types of beer. And cherry, and strong beer, and even beer with caramel.

Belgian chocolate is a balm for sweet lovers. Brussels Airport is the most popular chocolate-selling point in the world.