When people in the United States think about Belgium, they usually find themselves thinking of the Belgian waffle (which is actually a dessert) and possibly chocolate. Some might also recognize Belgium's extensive list of beers and the fact that french fries are actually from the small country just north of France itself. However, besides the food and beverages of Belgium, people in the U.S. don't know much about this tiny little European country.
So here are six interesting facts about Belgium:
1. Geography
Belgium is located in Western Europe and sandwiched between France's northern border and the Netherlands' southern border. It's also about the size of Maryland.
2. Diamonds
Antwerp is actually the world's diamond capital, not South Africa. The city has a turnover of about €29 billion and accounts for 80 percent of the world's rough diamond trade.
3. Soccer
Belgium's soccer team, the "Red Devils," are number one on the FIFA ranks since 2015.
4. Government
Belgium holds the record for going the longest time without a government in place. Belgium went 541 days without a national government in place.
5. Manneke Pis
There is a national landmark honoring the legend of a 2-year-old peeing boy. Apparently in 1142, the troops of the 2-year-old, Duke Godfrey III of Leuven, were battling against the troops of the Berthouts, the lords of Grimbergen, in Ransbeke. The troops put the infant lord in a basket and hung the basket in a tree to encourage them. From there, the boy urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle.
6. Saxophones
Saxophones were actually invented by Aldophe Sax, a Belgian.
