Belgium year of foundation. Excursions to Belgium. Belgium - "Venice of the North"

Capital Region

50.85045 x 4.34878

Antwerp

Flanders

51.21989 x 4.40346

Flanders

Charleroi

Wallonia

50.41136 x 4.44448

Wallonia

50.63373 x 5.56749

Flanders

51.20892 x 3.22424

Wallonia

50.4669 x 4.86746

Flanders

50.87959 x 4.70093

Wallonia

50.45413 x 3.95229

Flanders

The official name is the Kingdom of Belgium (Royaume de Belgique, Koninkrijk Belgium, Kingdom of Belgium). Located in Western Europe. Area - 30.51 thousand km2, population - 10.3 million people. (2002). The official languages ​​are Dutch, French and German. The capital is Brussels (959 thousand people, 2000). Public holiday - Independence Day July 21 (since 1831). The monetary unit is the euro (since January 2002). Belgium has no possessions (it previously owned the colony of the Belgian Congo, and also had a mandate for the territory of Ruanda-Urundi in Africa).

Member of 70 international organizations, incl. UN (since 1945), Benelux, EU, NATO, WTO, etc.

Sights of Belgium

Geography of Belgium

Located between 4°00'E longitude and 50°50'N latitude. In the northwest it is washed by the North Sea, the length of the sea border is 66 km. The Belgian coast has an almost linear coastline. The country borders in the southwest with France (620 km), in the north with the Netherlands (450 km), in the east with Germany (167 km) and Luxembourg (148 km). Belgium is largely a low-lying country, gradually rising from northwest to southeast. Divided into three parts: a low-lying flat plain (northwest), a hilly plain (centre) and the ancient flattened Ardennes mountain range (southeast). The highest mountain points: Botrange (694 m), Barak Michel (675 m).

The largest and most important rivers are the Meuse (length within the country - 183 km) and the Scheldt (200 km), which flows into the long narrow branch of the North Sea - the Western Scheldt. The plains are located in the east (the Campin plateau) and in the northwest - almost to the sea coast (the fertile French lowland). The soils on the northern slopes of the Ardennes are rocky and barren, while on the southern slopes they are fertile in many wide valleys. The hilly and low-lying area that stretches north of the Meuse River is composed of tertiary clays and sands, often covered with loess-like clay (often called “Hebean clay”), which is very fertile.

The flora of the country is located in the zone of deciduous forests of the Atlantic botanical province - oak and birch groves with an admixture of hornbeam, beech and chestnut. The fauna is preserved mainly in the mountainous regions of the Ardennes (black ferret, gray partridge, etc.).

Minerals: coal in the southern (Mons-Liège) and northern (Campin) basins (reserves are almost depleted); quartz sand (Charleroi, Namur), development continues.

The climate in the country is temperate, mild, maritime, with an average annual temperature of +10°C. In winter, the rivers do not freeze.

Population of Belgium

Population growth rate 0.15% (2002). Birth rate - 10.58‰, mortality - 10.08‰ Child mortality reaches 4.64 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). The average life expectancy is 78.13 years, incl. women - 81.62, and men - 74.8 (2002).

The structure of the population has a number of gender and age characteristics. The size of the male population of the country as a whole is somewhat inferior to that of the female population (0.96). True, at birth it predominates (1.05), but then gradually loses its leadership. At the age of 15-64 years, this indicator almost levels out (1.02), and St. At 65 years of age there is already a significant gap (0.69). Age structure of the population: under 14 years old - 17.3%, 15 -64 years old - 65.6%, 65 years old and older -17.1%. The retirement age ranges from 56-58 years. The vast majority of the population lives in cities (80.5%).

Ethnic composition: Flemings (58%), Walloons (31%), others (11%). Over the past 10-20 years, the proportion of Flemings has constantly increased. Languages ​​used: Dutch (60%), French (40%), German (less than 1%). Ethnic groups live predominantly in certain provinces. The northern part of the country (West and East Flanders, Vlaams-Brabant, Antwerp, Limburg) is inhabited by Flemings, who speak a special language of the West Germanic group, close to Dutch. In the south, the Walloons predominate (Brabant-Walloon, Hainaut, Liege, Namur), whose language is close to northern French (they represent the descendants of the Romanized Belgae). The same language is spoken by approx. 80% of Brussels residents. Finally, in the east of the country (around the cities of Eupen and Malmedy) mainly Germans live.

The educational level is high (98% of the country's residents can read and write).

The religious composition reflects a clear predominance of Catholics (75%); Protestants and other denominations are less represented (25%).

History of Belgium

In ancient times, the Celtic tribe Belgians lived on the territory of modern Belgium, which was conquered by the Roman emperor Caesar (in 57 BC). This region became part of two Roman provinces: Lower Germany (with its center in Cologne) and Second Belgium (in Reims). During the early Middle Ages, it became the core of the Frankish state. Later (9-10 centuries), as a result of the divisions of the Carolingian possessions, these lands were divided along the Scheldt River into the western part (Flanders), which went to France, and the eastern part, which went to Lorraine, nominally subordinate to the German Empire. Already in the 12-13th centuries. Flanders and Brabant became the most economically developed regions of Europe. Almost the entire urban population was engaged in the production of woolen cloth and fabrics, which were supplied to world markets. The main center of crafts and trade in the 15th century. becomes Antwerp.

In the 16th-18th centuries. Belgium (as part of the Netherlands) became part of the Spanish monarchy. Constant opposition to foreign domination, which often took the form of an armed uprising, did not, however, prevent the gradual formation of a new capitalist image. New branches of production also emerged: lace, silk, glass. In the valleys of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, where the development of coal deposits began, metallurgy and metalworking began to develop. It was during these years that Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire with its vast European and overseas possessions, turned Brussels into the unofficial capital of his huge state, which lasted until 1550.

As part of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-14), Belgium (as part of the Spanish Netherlands) became part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. But the struggle against foreign domination did not stop. In the beginning. In 1789, an armed uprising broke out against Austrian rule (the so-called Brabant Revolution). In January 1790, the national congress of 9 provinces proclaimed the independence of the United States of Belgium. However, this period in the country's history did not last long. After the defeat of the Austrian Empire in the war with France, this territory came under French rule (1795-1814). The fall of the Napoleonic Empire did not, however, lead to the re-establishment of an independent Belgium. By the final act of the Congress of Vienna (June 1815), it was united with Holland into the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led by the Dutch King William I.

The new alliance turned out to be short-lived. The interests of Belgian industrialists, who needed to be protected by protective duties, conflicted with the aspirations of Dutch traders and farmers who demanded “free trade.” In the new state, the rights of the Belgians were infringed in every possible way. In August 1830, an armed uprising against Dutch rule broke out in Brussels. After weeks of fighting on the streets of the city, the Dutch troops were forced to retreat. In November 1830, the National Congress of the Provinces again declared the independence of Belgium. In December 1830, the London Conference of 5 leading European states recognized this declaration, and in January 1831 Belgium proclaimed eternal neutrality.

The winning of state independence contributed to the rapid transformation of the country into one of the most industrially developed European states (metallurgy, metalworking, heavy engineering, chemical production). This was facilitated by the availability of natural resources (mainly coking coal) and the mass of free capital accumulated as a result of extensive foreign trade, as well as income from colonial possessions (primarily the Belgian Congo in Africa).

During the 1st and 2nd World Wars, Belgium, despite its internationally recognized neutrality, was twice occupied by German troops. But each time after the defeat of Germany, which was achieved by the allied powers of the anti-German coalition, the country managed to relatively quickly restore its economy and even play a particularly important role in the economic revival of the entire Western European region. During these periods, Belgian heavy industry (coal, metallurgy, engineering) made the most of the advantages of its geostrategic location (“Golden Gate of Europe”).

Even before the end of World War II, Belgium was one of the initiators of the creation of the first intercountry European Benelux association (in 1944), which included three countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg).

This was followed by the formation of the first sectoral European Coal and Steel Community (1951). Both of these organizations were, as it were, predecessors of the European Union (1957). Brussels is now the capital of the ever-expanding EU. Modern Belgium has a completely unique role as an integration mediator. The peculiar experience of centuries of coexistence acquired by the Belgians speaking Dutch, French and German contributed to the emergence of a remarkable ability to find compromises and sound thinking.

It is no coincidence that most of the outstanding Belgian public figures who gained worldwide fame took an active part in the formation of European unity. The leader of the Belgian socialists P. Spaak can be considered such. In the 1940-50s. he constantly headed the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.

More than 100 years ago, the famous Belgian businessman E. Solvay first proposed a plan for the integration of the European economy. He is also considered the founder of the concept of “socially oriented capitalism,” which subsequently became widespread in European entrepreneurship. In the end 1990s Belgium, according to many international experts, has given Europe another extraordinary public figure. This is considered to be the leader of the Flemish liberal democrats, G. Verhofstadt, who has headed the Council of Ministers of Belgium for 5 years (since June 1999). He justified and put forward as the most important national strategic goal to give the process of European integration a permanent character, because only in these conditions does a small country get its voice in solving global problems.

During the period of Belgian independence, its borders did not undergo significant changes. But still its area increased slightly twice. In 1839, more than half of the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and approx. half of the Dutch province of Limburg (on their basis, Belgian provinces with similar names were formed). In 1918, after Germany's defeat in World War I, Belgium received two small German districts (Eupen and Malmedy), which were included in the Belgian province of Liege.

Government and political system of Belgium

Belgium is a country of federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution adopted on February 7, 1831 is in force. The last changes were made on July 14, 1993 (the parliament approved a constitutional package of laws on the creation of a federal state).

Administrative division: 3 regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels Metropolitan Area) and 10 provinces (Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Vlaams-Brabant, Limburg, Brabant-Walloon, Hainaut, Liege, Namur, Luxembourg). The largest cities (2000): Brussels, Antwerp (932 thousand people), Liege (586 thousand people), Charleroi (421 thousand people).

The principles of public administration are based on the separation of powers. The highest legislative body is the bicameral parliament, which includes the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies (elections to these bodies occur simultaneously every 4 years). The Senate consists of 71 members (40 elected by direct popular vote, 31 by indirect popular vote). Elections to the Chamber of Deputies (150 seats) take place on the basis of proportional representation through direct voting. In the 1999 elections, the Senate included representatives of 10 political parties, and the Chamber of Deputies - 11.

The head of state is King Albert II (he ascended the throne on August 9, 1993), his heir is Prince Philip. The head of government (i.e., the executive branch) and members of his cabinet are appointed by the king (usually from representatives of the leading parties in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies). They are then approved by the legislature (i.e. parliament). As a result of constitutional changes (July 14, 1993), Belgium has become a federal state, within which there are three levels of government (federal, regional and linguistic-communal) with a clear delineation of powers and responsibilities.

The judiciary relies on case law. Judges are appointed by the king for life, but are selected by the government of the country.

At the head of the current government coalition, which is usually referred to in the Western press as the “rainbow six,” is the representative of the Flemish Liberal Democratic Party (VLD) G. Verhofstadt. In the 1999 elections, she received 15.4% of the votes in the Senate and 14.3% in the Chamber of Deputies. This is followed by the Francophone Socialist Party (PS) - 9.7 and 10.2%, two Green Parties - "ECOL" (Wallonia) - 7.4 and 7.4% and "AGALEF" (Flanders) - 7.1 and 7.0%, etc.

The electoral system and socio-political structure of Belgium are characterized by a number of features. First of all, the country has a very characteristic European set of political parties (Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberal Democrats and Greens), but the problem is that there are a large number of non-traditional parties, many of which are not represented in the legislature, because they were unable to overcome the 5% barrier of the required number of votes received. Moreover, the traditional parties also turned out to be too small to provide significant representation.

This situation arose due to the fact that in recent decades there has been a process of serious federalization of socio-political life, which replaced the previous essentially unitary nature of the state structure with a predominance of the Francophone minority. During this period, almost all national Belgian parties in the country were divided along linguistic and communal lines (Flemish and Walloon). This led to the fact that the legislative bodies of the country began to include at least a dozen relatively small parties. To create a government coalition, they are forced to recruit at least half a dozen partners of various social orientations. Reaching agreement in such alliances therefore becomes a very difficult problem.

Another feature of the socio-political structure can be seen quite clearly in the growing gap in the results of popular elections at the federal, regional and local levels. For example, the right-wing Flemish party Vlaams Blok (VB) won only 5.6% of the votes in the federal elections (it was not included in the government coalition). But in elections in large Flemish cities its figures were several times higher (in Ghent - about 20%, and in Antwerp - 33%). This nationalist party opposes not only the influx of immigrants into the country, but also the financial subsidization of Wallonia at the expense of the growing economy of Flanders. It is clear that in such conditions the federal vertical of power cannot always function effectively enough.

Many other public organizations and elements of civil society are also quite clearly divided along regional lines. But a definite exception can be seen in the business sphere. The country's trade unions are not united, but they are divided along religious lines. There are Christian and socialist trade union associations. There is a single influential Federation of Belgian Industrialists, as well as numerous industry associations (banking, insurance, etc.).

The domestic policy of the current coalition government is aimed primarily at carrying out large-scale reforms of public life in the country. The need for them has become clear enough, since Belgium has had the image of a country with a “sluggish social structure” in the EU for decades. A definite responsibility for the current situation lies with the Flemish and Walloon Christian Democrats, who for the first time in 40 years were forced into the opposition.

The main thesis in domestic policy is that the state federal structure of a country can only be effective when it is based on the principle of finding the necessary balance between solidarity and financial autonomy of its three main regions. Permanent financial transfers from Flanders to Wallonia have always been considered controversial for the wealthier Flemings (their per capita GDP is 10% higher). The main regions of the country should receive greater fiscal independence, with the right to moderately maneuver tax rates.

The coalition government as a whole managed to significantly improve relations between the main regions. This was achieved through regular meetings of representatives of the federal, regional and linguistic-community governments. It was at this level that the problems of introducing greater regional autonomy in the implementation of tax policy, securing the right to independently resolve many local economic issues, problems of education and community culture were discussed. For the first time, political rather than linguistic and communal differences began to dominate within the coalition government.

As a result of such a large-scale administrative reform, which was aimed at eliminating tensions between the two main regions, the country entered a new stage in the formation of an effective federal structure. However, this problem still remains one of the most difficult. According to surveys, approx. 27% of Belgians believe that the presence of foreigners always causes concern. This is the highest figure in the EU. True, there is an opinion in the country that the current coalition government, which consists mainly of professional experts (the so-called forty-year-olds), is capable of solving these problems.

Belgium's foreign policy is largely determined by its special position in the European integration system. It is no coincidence that the main Belgian city is considered the “European capital”, and not only because it hosts many of the EU’s executive bodies. The term “Brussels officials” has long become synonymous with the EU’s leadership elite, which is not without reason. This small European country has become a kind of experimental laboratory for the EU, as solutions to many of its problems become a standard for developing a common European strategy.

It is no coincidence that, according to the foreign policy concept of the current coalition government of Belgium, it seeks to come up with large-scale plans for the permanent expansion of the EU with its simultaneous transformation into a more centralized organization. We are talking, first of all, about the creation of a new state structure, especially in the sphere of forming a unified European foreign policy and combat-ready Armed Forces, in order to take its rightful place in modern world politics.

The Belgians believe that in European construction the role of small countries acting together with a few leading powers can be unique. They are indispensable as intermediaries between large countries. It is small states in such unions that can put forward strategic initiatives regarding development prospects, since they are difficult to suspect of “imperial ambitions.”

Belgium's special role in European integration was based on the unique experience of combining two key European cultures in this country - Latin and Germanic (later Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian were added, and Slavic will soon appear). The country gradually turned into a “universal mediator”, without whose efforts it would be difficult to make any decisions. The Belgians hope to obtain for their country a status corresponding to the current position of Brussels, which has long been living according to “universal time”.

The country strives to raise its “own voice” in world politics, relying on the principles of “humanity, democracy, protection of the weak, tolerance.” As part of European integration, Belgium, together with its Benelux partners, put forward the concept of “enhanced cooperation”, which justifies small countries the right to form small groups to “promote” certain projects within the framework of EU reform.

The country's armed forces consist of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Federal Police. The territory of Belgium is divided into three military districts (Brussels, Antwerp, Liege). The annual number of conscripts (men) is 63.2 thousand people. The conscription age is 19 years old. Defense expenditures reached almost $3 billion (2002), their share in GDP is 1.4%.

Belgium has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1925).

Economy of Belgium

Belgium belongs to a group of small, highly developed European states that occupy an important place in the modern world economy. This category of “small privileged nations” managed to very effectively use their own natural favorable conditions (convenient geostrategic location, availability of natural resources, etc.) for accelerated industrial development. Subsequently, on this basis, dominant sectors of the national economy began to form, focused on the production of high-quality and technically advanced products for their own “marketing niches” of the world market.

Belgium is often called one of the first industrialized countries in the world. In the 19th century it was even called “the little workshop of the world.” In the first years after World War II, the term “wonderland” or “showcase of industrial prosperity” was constantly added to it. But in the last three decades of the 20th century. Belgium has often been categorized as a “sick member of the European Union.” The economy of this country in the beginning. 21st century is in a phase of extremely complex structural restructuring, the process of searching for a new industrial specialization in the world economy. And in this area, certain achievements have begun to emerge.

Belgium's GDP is $297.2 billion (2002), which corresponds to 0.7-0.8% of the world level. GDP per capita is $29 thousand, which is at the level of leading European countries, but significantly inferior to most small, highly developed countries (9th place). The country's economic growth in recent years has been characterized by moderate rates (GDP growth in 1999 - 2.5%, in 2000 - 4.1%, in 2001 - 2.6%), but in 2002 there was a sharp slowdown (0.6%), which was caused by the deterioration of the global economic situation. There is practically no inflation in the country (1.7% in 2002).

The most difficult problems of the Belgian economy are related to employment (the total number of workers was 4.44 million people in 2001); in terms of unemployment, the country constantly ranks 1-2 in the EU (in 1999 - 11.7%, in 2000 - 10 .9%, in 2001 - 10.6%, and only in 2002 some progress was achieved - 7.2%). The main reason for this phenomenon is related to the structural weakness of the national economy (“old-fashioned specialization”). Belgium turned out to be the most vulnerable among European countries to competition from the so-called. new industrial states on world markets. They acted as producers and suppliers of products that essentially coincided with traditional Belgian specialization (steel, metalworking, general engineering, inorganic chemistry, glass, textiles). The phenomenon of high Belgian unemployment is associated with the difficulties of adapting to new needs and competitive conditions in world markets.

The features of the sectoral structure of the Belgian economy are quite clearly reflected in the contribution of sectors to GDP (2001): agriculture - 1%, industry - 24%, services - 74%. A similar picture emerges when analyzing employment - 2, 25, 73%, respectively.

Industry. The predominance of the service sector played a significant role in slowing down the processes of structural restructuring of the national economy. The country's leading financial and industrial groups (Societe General de Belgique, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, etc.) arose during the previous economic specialization and controlled up to half of the economic entities. Belgian capitalism, which can be characterized more as banking than industrial-entrepreneurial, showed little tendency to switch from “old-fashioned” but profitable specialization to new industries associated with greater risks. Therefore, the emphasis was placed on modernization and even the creation of new modern enterprises in previous industries. For many centuries, the basis of the country's traditional economic specialization was ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The first “workshops of ferons” (metallurgists) appeared in these places back in the Middle Ages. Later, it was here that the so-called The Walloon process of the second remelting of pig iron, which led to the emergence of steel production. Modern Belgium continues to be one of the leading steel producers in the EU (approx. 11.3 million tons in 2001). Its share in global exports of these products is approx. 15-20%. But a special emphasis is now placed on the production of specialized products: stainless steel, car rental, steel wire, etc.

The formation of a new image of this industry took place in close alliance with foreign companies. Leading stainless steel manufacturer Cockerill-Sambre ceded a controlling stake of 53.7% to the French company Usinor. The modern metallurgical plant Sidmar, focused on the production of automotive sheets, became part of the Luxembourg concern ARBED (60%), etc.

The chemical industry also continues to be the most important basis of the Belgian industry (in terms of production value it ranks 2nd after mechanical engineering). It originated on the basis of using waste from the blast furnace industry. The method for producing soda developed by local entrepreneur Solvay led to the rapid development of the production of various acids (nitric, sulfuric, etc.), as well as mineral fertilizers. Belgium continues to be the largest European producer and exporter of inorganic chemical products (approx. 1/3).

At the same time, the traditional leader in this industry, the Solvay concern, has already partially shifted its production to the field of organic chemistry. Together with another leading national concern, USB, it is gradually becoming the largest producer of modern pharmaceutical products. At the same time, the vast majority of new organic chemistry production was formed in partnership with foreign concerns (BP, Dow Chemicals, Union Carbide, BASF, etc.), which settled in the area of ​​the Antwerp port. Of the 20 leading chemical corporations in the world, 10 are represented by their divisions in this area (it is considered the largest European center of chemical production).

Structural changes are also taking place in the Belgian mechanical engineering industry. It has traditionally focused on the production of equipment for metallurgy and chemistry, vehicles, and electrical products. Belgian companies continue to lead in the production and export of forging equipment (LFT company). But transport engineering took first place, in which, instead of railway and ship production, large-scale production of passenger cars was established (about 1 million units annually).

This sector of the Belgian mechanical engineering was also created in close cooperation with foreign capital. The beginning was made by the American General Motors, which built a large car assembly plant in the Antwerp port area (about 420 thousand units annually). Then the production buildings of another American auto giant Ford appeared (on the outskirts of Ghent). If the first company focused mainly on the “screwdriver model” of production (i.e., assembly from imported components), the second began to use local components associated with traditional Belgian specialization (rolled steel fenders, bodies, auto glass, etc.). Later, this model began to be used in Belgium and by European automakers (Renault, Volkswagen, Volvo).

This path of international specialization of Belgian industry caused some concern in the country, as the dependence of the national economy on the strategic plans of foreign partners increased. But a pragmatic approach to solving this problem prevailed. An opportunity arose to create new powerful production, provide the country with average European rates of economic growth, and prevent the catastrophic development of “great unemployment.”

The elite dozen of Belgian corporations so far includes only a few high-tech companies (Agfa-Gevaert, Barco), as well as two chemical and pharmaceutical companies. However, on the approaches to the leaders there is a fairly large group of successfully operating companies: Real Software (software), Innogenetics (biotechnology), etc.

At the same time, the most important feature of the Belgian economic structure continues to be the overwhelming predominance of banking capital (approx. $70 billion, i.e. 61.4% of all assets of the leading group). A similar industry structure is not found in small industrial European countries. The former dominance of banking capital in the Belgian economy still remains.

True, structural changes are clearly visible in the environment of commercial banks. Of the banks of the former “old-fashioned specialization,” only Groupe Bruxelles Lambert managed to maintain its position, while the rest were forced to merge with others, acquiring new brands (Fortis, Dexia, etc.), or even leave the national stock exchange. But no less important should be considered the emergence of the first Flemish bank Almanij, which is associated with corporations of a new production orientation.

Agriculture does not play a significant role in the country's economy. Dairy farming (stall farming) predominates, accounting for approx. 75% of the cost of agricultural products. Forage crops and meadows cover approx. 65% of the agricultural area, under cereals - approx. 15% (more than half of grain needs are met through imports). Farms predominate, but over half of the total agricultural area is cultivated on a rental basis (small-peasant farming has survived mainly in the Ardennes).

Transport and communications. Modern Belgium is usually called the “European crossroads” because it is located at the intersection of major transport and trade routes. Belgium ranks 1st in the world in terms of the density of its railway network. Its length is 3422 km (including 2517 km - electrified). High-speed trains (HST/TGV) connect the country with the capitals of many European countries.

Roads include the Autobahn (1,674 km), which are considered the most modern in Europe (they are free of tolls and are illuminated all night). There are 7 trans-European motorways passing through the country. The local highway system (14.4 thousand km) provides access to all populated areas. The pipeline system operates effectively: for the transportation of crude oil (161 km), petroleum products (1167 km) and natural gas (3.3 thousand km).

Several sea and river ports operate effectively in the country: the largest Antwerp, which ranks 2nd in Europe (annual cargo turnover - 120 million tons, 20 thousand vessels), Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Namur, Ostend. The merchant marine fleet consists of 20 vessels (54.1 thousand b/t), incl. 9 petrochemical and 5 oil tankers, 5 dry cargo ships (Cargo). The total length of river navigation is 1586 km. Shipping canals are of great transport importance (the most important is the Albert Canal between Antwerp and Liege).

The country's largest international airport is Brussels (Zaventem), which provides annual transportation of 0.5 million tons of cargo. In addition, there are airports in Antwerp, Ostend, Charleroi, Birset. The country's telephone and telegraph communications system is considered highly developed, technologically advanced and fully automated. International communications are provided by five submarine cable systems and two terrestrial satellite stations (Intelsat and Eutelsat).

Trade (wholesale and retail) has reached large proportions. Essentially, the entire country turned out to be divided into segments, which are served by several dozen large wholesale and retail companies (including foreign companies). They created a special system of commodity flows from direct producers of products to supermarket shelves (agricultural products arrive within one day). It is no coincidence that the wholesale and retail trade giant Delgaize entered the top ten largest national corporations, which rarely happens in other small European countries.

Tourism and services. The entire tourism business system is quite clearly divided in accordance with the characteristics of the two main linguistic and communal regions (however, residents of the southern provinces prefer to call their region Wallonia-Brussels). Each regional structure identifies two main areas to attract tourists. The first is focused on demonstrating ancient historical cities (in Flanders - Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Louvain; in Wallonia - Namur, Liege, Mons and Brussels). The second is aimed at getting acquainted with natural resources (in the north there is the sea coast, along which a single international tram line runs from the French to the Dutch border; in the south there is the Ardennes mountain range).

The country's modern economic and social policy is aimed at finding ways to more effectively solve a number of critical problems. In the economic sphere, the main efforts are concentrated on the development and implementation of a new concept for the country’s participation in the system of international division of labor. We are talking primarily about supporting the sectors of the “new economy” (telecommunications, microelectronics, biotechnology, etc.), but in order to raise the national economy to the level of world standards, it is necessary to facilitate the influx of foreign entrepreneurial capital. It is believed that Belgium, with a largely multilingual population, can provide international society with an effective and welcoming environment for communication and doing business. At the first stage of such a program for structural transformation of the economy, the state intends to place the main emphasis on the modernization of infrastructure facilities (ports, airfields, main roads). At the same time, the emphasis is on full support for the country’s functions as the “Golden Gate of Europe,” which the Belgians have performed with varying success over the past 500 years. At the same time, the state is gradually withdrawing from the production and entrepreneurial sphere (the privatization of 150 large companies has begun) in order to create more favorable conditions for private entrepreneurial initiative (the efficiency of the public sector turned out to be quite low).

On this basis, it is expected that the main social problems will be solved. According to the current Prime Minister, “the best social protection is good work.” Particular importance is attached to the creation of the “Silver Fund” to provide financing for solving the demographic problem associated with the aging population (its peak will be reached in 2012).

It is planned to gradually form a second “capitalized basis” for the current pension system. For this purpose, large-scale privatization of state property is being carried out.

Monetary policy is focused on solving three main problems: reducing public debt, eliminating the budget deficit, and implementing tax reform. The European format policy involves reducing public internal debt to 60% of GDP. In 1993, this figure in Belgium was the highest in the EU - 135%. In 2002, the level of government internal debt was reduced to 100%.

Great efforts have been made by the government to achieve budget balance. Over the past 50 years it has always been in short supply. For the first time in 2000, almost its balance was ensured (minus 0.1%), and in 2001 a small surplus was obtained (plus 0.3%).

The tax burden in Belgium is considered the highest in the EU - 46.3% of GDP (2001) compared to 41.6% in the EU. At the same time, the share of income taxes reached 14.3% (in the EU - 10.9%). The new fiscal reform program (2001-02) provides for a reduction in the tax burden by 15% over a five-year period. This will happen as a result of reducing the maximum tax rate to 50% (in 2002 it fluctuated between 52.5-55%).

The standard of living of the population is high, since wages in the country are $25.58 per hour (June 2000). According to this indicator, Belgium is among the top three in Europe (after Germany and Switzerland). However, the tax burden is also high. It should decrease as part of the ongoing reform. A particularly noticeable improvement relates to the abolition of discrimination against non-family individuals. Additional tax breaks are provided for low-income people in order to overcome the so-called. an unemployment trap in which it becomes more profitable not to work, but to receive tax-free benefits. Only 4% of the population lives below the poverty line.

The foreign economic sphere plays a vital role for the development of the country, which is explained by the international specialization of its economy and its important geostrategic position in Europe. This small country has been among the top dozen world exporters of goods and capital for more than a century. The volume of exports of Belgian products amounted to $162 billion in 2002, and imports - $152 billion. Main export partners: EU - 75.3%, USA - 5.6%, import partners: EU - 68.7%, USA - 7.2%. Belgium's position in international capital movements is equally significant. The volume of accumulated foreign direct investment in 2000 was $139.7 billion (9th place in the world), and the total value of foreign direct investment in the country was $185.6 billion (7th place).

Science and culture of Belgium

The system of organization of science and education is focused on promoting effective interaction between university centers (there are 22 of them in the country), government departments and production and financial companies. Specialized societies have been created (for example, the Institute for the Support of Scientific Research in Industry and Agriculture), whose activities are financed by the Ministry of Economy. The vast majority of financial support is provided to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, electronics, and metallurgy. Preferential lending (approx. 80-90% of all funds) at the stage of development work is of decisive importance. In the future, tax benefits are widely used.

To support university research, the national fund “NFVS-FNRS” was created. The Center for Development Studies at the University of Antwerp is especially active (it has prepared a model for a new specialization of the national economy). A group of university centers achieved particular success in developing a new energy program (reorientation from coal to other sources), as well as a program for the efficient use of the Belgian sea coast (creation of a single port complex Antwerp-Ghent-Zeebrugge). The role of three internationally famous universities is also noticeable: in Louvain (the oldest in the country, founded in 1426), Liege and Brussels.

Culture, literature and art developed before the formation of Belgium as an independent state based on the Walloon dialect of the French language and the Flemish (or Brabant) dialect of the Southern Dutch dialect. During the period of struggle for national sovereignty (1830s) with the Netherlands, French became the literary language, replacing Walloon. In 1946, the spelling of the Flemish language was unified with the Dutch language.

In the Walloon literature of the Middle Ages, the work of the Renaissance poet Jean Lemaire de Belge (1473-1516) stood out. The first work to gain worldwide recognition was “The Legend of Ulenspiegel and Lama Gudzak” (1867), written by Charles de Coster (1827-79). Em is considered the greatest poet of symbolism. Verhaeren (1855-1916).

Decadent schools predominated in Flemish literature after the formation of the Belgian independent state. The idol was the symbolist poet Carl Van de Woostein (1875-1929). The Flemish school of fine arts, which developed in the 17th century. as a result of the separation of Flanders from the Netherlands (P. Bruegel and P. Rubens were natives of this part of the country), had a huge impact on the entire Belgian culture. Many famous Belgian masters of painting, sculpture, and graphics can be considered her followers (G. Vapers, L. Galle, C. Meunier, etc.). The process of forming a unified culture in a country that does not have its own language continues with great difficulties.