GeoFroggy

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Background

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Location

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands

Area Comparative

About the size of Maryland

Maritime Claims

Territorial sea: 12 nm

Contiguous zone: 24 nm

Exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit

Continental shelf: median line with neighbors

Climate

Temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Natural Hazards

Flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Environment Current Issues

The environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

Year	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Map Reference

Europe

Irrigated Land 2003

400 sq km

Area 2007

Total

30,528 sq km
Land

30,278 sq km
Water

250 sq km

Coastline

66.5 km

Geographical Coordinates

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Land use 2007

Arable Land
27.42%
Permanent Crops
0.69%
Other
71.89%
Note
includes

Terrain

Flat coastal plains in northwest
Central rolling hills
Rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Elevation

Lowest Point: North Sea 0 m
Highest Point: Signal de Botrange 694 m

Land Boundaries

Total
1,385 km
France
620 km
Germany
167 km
Luxembourg
148 km
Netherlands
450 km

Natural Resources

Construction materials
Silica sand

Carbonates

Belgium